Deserved Legend: Browning Hi Power

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Finally coming into the TNP gun review catalog is perhaps one of the best combat pistols ever designed: the Browning Hi Power. Having served in many militaries (and still does), I find its WW II German use fascinating and I discuss it in the video. The FN factory was used by the Wehrmacht to build the pistols for their military, under the designation "9mm Pistole 640(b)." Some 319,000 Belgian Hi-Powers were manufactured by the Nazis during their occupation. The original production HPs in that factory were beautiful, adhering to FN production standards. But by the time the Allies liberated Herstal, the German occupying forces used forced labor and the guns they were producing were the some of the worst Hi Powers of all time, with ugly finishes and often poor fit. And yet if you find a papered example of this BHP will command a high price...still.
Equally cool is the Canadian use of the Hi Power during the War. Dieudonné Saive, its final designer, was instrumental in founding a production line at the John Inglis Company in Canada, where the Hi-Power would be produced throughout World War II for Canada, England, China, and other Allied nations. Troops coveted it and would trade, steal, or borrow to get a HP35, P35, and 'Pistol No 2 Mk 1' [British version].
This is understandable. The Hi Power had at that point unheard of capacity, high accuracy, ground breaking ergonomics, and it was reliable. Its only competitor was the 1911A1 really. The P35 has stood the test of time and for the last decade, perhaps thanks to influencers like me who've talked about it a lot, is more popular than even. You'll have to pay well over $1000 to get a nice example, one of which functioned as the test bed for this Nutnfancy GRV.
Covered here with be a short run down on the Hi Power use in military and special operations circles and how it stands up today. Then I get down to business of the review. Be prepared to be amazed at how this 1971 Belgian produced HP shot. Also making an appearance will be a few of its modern clones which are reviewed separately here in TNP. But none of them will satiate the high demand for the original Browning Hi Powers, these pistols stay in a dude's collection until dude dies.
This will be another touchstone GRV in my catalog, long overdue but its here now. It was made possible by long term donors to the Project, thank you kindly!
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[@nutnfancy]

Thanks for coming out to the vid, please subscribe and hit the notification bell. This is where I post mostly b. this is where the audience has stayed. BTW this review would not exist without TNP Donors, please consider joining long term. I’m dumb how I operate it, I don’t even have TIER levels there; you can join for just $1 per creation (only 6 charged per month btw). TNP Patreon is where the action is! www.patreon.com/Nutnfancy.

[@NDSMD]

Nutnfancy could be the new George Washington

[@tommccormick9290]

The reliability of mine wasn't spectacular but it fit my hand better and could hit with it more accurately than any of my other pistols.

[@banditone00]

I have a 1970’s era HP that looks nearly identical to yours. The difference is mine has a different style of adjustable rear sight. My rear sight feels as though it’s made out of razor blades. I’ve cut my cover garments several times. I actually taped my slide up really good and used small files to just break the edges on the rear sight. I also had a cylinder and slide ambi safety installed. I removed my mag disconnect as well. Stoked with 15rd mec-gar mags and 16rds of 124gr gold dot I feel pretty well armed. Great vid, Nutn!

[@VroomNBoom]

Could you possibly do a field/range comparison of the 25x45 sharps and the 6.8 spc I love your honesty and would love to know your thoughts on the 2 cartridges not the rifles now I know sharps is the only company I know that loads 25x45 sharps and they are the only company making rifles for it as well unfortunately and those are really the only cons I can think of but a pro to the 25x45 sharps for reloaders which I like to do is you can use 5.56/223 brass it's just slightly necked up to .257 so id be curious to see how they perform against each other

[@bumpercoach]

have you read the new JMB biography? very interesting added details from his mission and also the family tragedy in his final years along w/ way more cool details of the guns than the original must-have bio

[@xmlDave9]

I loved my used Hi Power but after I put thousands of rounds through it, it started malfunctioning. Old guns need new springs and most gunsmiths today don't have them for Hi Powers. If you are having problems you might want to check out BH Spring Solutions. Mark probably knows more about Hi Powers than anyone in the US. New springs and a little tuning and my "OG wonder-9" runs great now.

[@tommccormick9290]

My first Hi Power I bought in 1981 would stovepipe with standard ammo. Had to remove a coil from the recoil spring to get it to work reliably.

[@brucekaren6693]

I got a brand new set of springs for my original Hi Power from Wilson. They had them in stock.

[@xmlDave9]

great to know and have options ... Wilson is a high class outfit. @@brucekaren6693

[@RequiemForYourDream940]

Mark Allen knows more about the browning HP than just about anyone in the world imo lol Highly knowledgeable, and you can buy anything you need for your BHP from his site.

[@lbracknell]

Replacement springs from Wolff, Brownells, Browning, and others are available at Brownells and MidwayUSA.

[@TacticalGirth]

Inherited my Hi-power after my dad passed. It was built in Belgium 🇧🇪 around 1983 and has the adjustable rear sights. It also has that hi polished blue finish as well.

[@Lamp8799]

Been looking forward to a hi power review. Last year I got a Canadian one with the wood carry case stock and its so fun! A truly light PCC from ww2. You dont need ATF papers its exempt as a collectors item! God bless ya keep up the great videos.

[@JEKIDD]

Damn, i was just about to go to bed. The Hi Power is my favorite pistol. Thanks for the video!

[@MichaelSmith-ls3rc]

Got mine from my brother in-law who sadly passed away. It's one of favs. One scratch on it same side as yours, mine goes down the frame. Its also a 1977 in 62,000 range. Thanks great video

[@jackmorrow427]

I had one like the one reviewed. It rode in my shoulder holster during my service as a tank crewman. loved it very much !!!

[@dalenelson7161]

My 1974 high power was sold to a friend and then repurchased ten years later it is by far my favorite gun.

[@gar351]

I remember when my Dad bought this handgun (looks exactly like this one your showing). When my dad passed away I got this gun as my own. Nothing could ever be better to me!

[@hunterrick4]

Im going to dig mine out of the safe right now and may even remove the mag disconnector

[@cbracken55]

I have a Mark II Belgian made in matt black finish I bought around 1980 ish. Used it in competition and carried it some back then, I'll never give it up either. One of my biggest regrets is that I also had a nickel finished one I sold back in the 80's...because it was to pretty for a guy who just wanted shooters at the time!

[@nutnfancy]

Wow you scored dude. I can relate to that selling regret. I've had with about 5 guns I've had. The Belgian one sounds sweet.

[@sulaco2122]

The Argentine contract HP's even though the finish was like dipped in a paint can, line for line clones of the Belgum guns and functionally the same. Refinished they made superb duty weapons, not near the price at least in the past...

[@thehasidicjew5017]

Just wanted to drop a comment to express my appreciation and gratitude to the nutnfancy project. Been a subscriber for several years and I’m very grateful that I can still watch this very underrated channel.

[@pkonneker]

That really is a beautiful piece of history.

[@brianburns7211]

I totally share your sentiments about the Hi Power! About a year ago I inherited one from my late uncle. Unfortunately his health declined and it got a little rusty. There is some pitting on the slide after cleaning it up. With that said, it’s still still my favorite. The ergonomics are perfect. Today I brought it to the range. My wife had a blast with it!

[@Theymond]

NUTNFANCY!!! I’m so glad you did this video. I have an all black BHP in .40 that my grandfather gave me When I was 21. Great handgun!!

[@mudshark412]

Never apologize for having a scratched or worn gun that only means that it is in the rotation of the guns that find their way out of the safe and not collecting dust as a museum piece

[@troyspurling1910]

I have one that was completely overhauled by Cylinder and Slide. Awesome!

[@brucekaren6693]

Funny you would say how people hang on to them till they die. 30 years ago I sold an FN Hi Power to my best friend. I spent the next 29 years trying to buy it back. He’d just laugh and say I could have it when he was gone. Well, he passed last year and he left it to me. I put a gorgeous set of Kingwood grips on it and Trijicon tritium sights. Of course I kept all the original parts. I will never, ever sell it. L

[@archimagirus_sancti]

My dad used to own a Belgian Hi-Power made in 1961. It was the first automatic pistol I ever fired and I loved that thing.

[@davidnoble9474]

I have a Springfield clone, SA-35 and love it.

[@proffesordickfacejr.4886]

My favorite Review channel man. Been since 08. 😉 love ya brother God Bless You and your Family

[@shootsteel]

I carried a Hi Power in the mid 1970's in Rhodesia ... my favourite pistol. Flawless function. Sadly we can't have one in England anymore!

[@propertypreparedness6846]

You the man nutn. I don't care for these guns, but love the review.

[@ReckerFidelWOLF]

The gun passes down to future generations. Turned 21 this year and I carry a SA35 on my waist everyday. The first 9mm handgun I was ever introduced to in this world through media and games was the Hi Power. My mother bought me a cap gun version when I was 8 and kept it for years until it broke when I was around 12. Said to myself it will be my first handgun and the Hi Power it was. Love the worlds first commercially successful double stacked 9mm. This was the Glock of my elders days.

[@ppalimia]

Family history - 1911, Hi-Power, CZ 75. Thanks Mr. Browning!

[@bmstylee]

I am working on my collection of the classics. Sig P226, Browning High Power, Beretta 92, a whole bunch of CZ 75s.

[@frankgublo2323]

I was watching, and when you said home defense, I looked over at the nightstand and took a good look at my 1989 parkerized Hi-Power. It is my GTW. I love the thing.

[@legrande1980]

Early 90s purchased a FEG P9R...the price was right, and it shot great but has just been sitting on the shelf for a couple of decades.

[@RaiderCBR6.5]

Great, this is what I needed to make my day, to remind me of the T-model I had in near new condition that I traded a few years ago. I got a Colt 1911 XSE and a real nice AR for the Hi Power.

[@alancranford3398]

Two things about the military use of the Browning P-35" Most military organizations were SUPPOSED to issue two magazines but often only one was issued. This, along with issuing only five shots was routine--a normal unit of fire was about ten rounds. Colonel Rex Applegate of the wartime Office of Strategic Services ran a series of pistol tests to determine the most effective general issue pistol and his OSS testers picked the High Power over the rest of the pack. The Smith and Wesson Military and Police was picked when a revolver was either mandated or the OSS tester preferred revolvers to automatics.

[@oldspicey6001]

Please do a top 5 handguns in history no holds barred. Revolver, automatic, single shot don't matter what type, only five.

[@richardricks5715]

I love my Hi-Powers. I have two... a 1965 and a 1967. Both T series.

[@brucekaren6693]

I did replace the factory sights with a set of Trijicon tritium sights and put a set of beautiful Kingwood grips on it. When I had the springs replaced the gunsmith removed that stupid mag disconnect. Yes, I saved all the original parts. I really love the gun.

[@m3coupe4me]

Always wanted the original. This was helpful.

[@jasontorre3267]

Hands down my favorite. All the ergonomics of the 1911, but the high capacity of a 9mm. I have 3 of them. One nazis marked, one FN made in the 90's and the last just like yours.

[@robviousobviously5757]

lol.. mine is from 1976... was my late father's... and NOT FOR SALE.. dad carried it and used it in IPSC in the last century...

[@99Racker]

Nutn, thanks for the video. Years ago, I found and a bought an Inglis (sloted) Browning HP. And I had the mag safty removed. It is an alternate (and experienced) GTW pistol...I have many mags for it. It is a fun gun to shoot. I have only one HP but four other Browning's (1911s). I have considered one of the newer HP clones.

[@donaldengel4128]

I have an '84 Mark II that was my EDC for years. Although I stopped carrying it, I'll own it 'til I die... it's smooth as butter shooting. Almost feels like it spent 20 years sitting in bucket of oil when you shoot it, just silky smooth.

[@hdrvman]

Wow....I have the exact same gun....Belgium/Ogden high blue and adjustable sights circa very early '80's !!! Love it !!!

[@scottwilson1258]

In 2018 I found a 1973 with target sights (2nd year w/target sights). It was in a sock drawer of an old man and his wife claimed (poss. never fired) and I jumped all Over It! Later that year they announced they were stopping Production. So happy I ever found this one!

[@willemtecumseh2019]

When my wife got an engagement ring...I got an engagement Hi Power.

[@clamum9648]

My man

[@aceman1126]

She's a keeper then lol

[@TacticalDoodle]

Kinda sad to see that this never quite picked up the same level of fandom the 1911 did, despite its provenance. Everyreason in the world to be an utter fave in everybody's safe, but we forget about its lengthy resume abroad.

[@superkjell]

Mine is from late 1968 according to the serial number list online. It looks like it has been in several wars, though probably hasn't. And it goes bang every time.

[@jason60chev]

I love my Hi-Power. 1954 serialed. Shoots brass and steel cased ammo with no malfunctions.

[@FutureTruth1]

For sure!

[@Lochlann13]

Those of us who have been here awhile know all too well that the intro was filmed in the bunker using the infamous megaphone

[@davidderler5924]

I have a mark 3 I bought new before being discontinued. It's all stock and original. On duty for home defense as I write this.

[@TheNecronacht]

I loved my HI Power I bought back in 88. Beautiful classic lines, always functioned great, more accurate than I could be with it. But I sold it in 96 due to my only issue with it, constant hammer bite and slide bite at times regardless of how I changed my grip. That being said, I wish I still had it now...

[@scottwilson1258]

1973C Here! 2nd year of Target sights and because of You I may Shoot this non-fired "Gorgeous"Pistol!

[@darreldwalton8763]

Got my first one in 1974 while first term USAF enlisted in Montana doing maintenance on the ICBM fleet. We were issued S&W m15's and M16A1s for security . The HiPower and two spare mags were pretty much always somewhere clandestinely on my person or in my kit, with NATO ammo in case I got caught. Never did. After I got out, and did a free fall into Jimmy Carter's economy with a fourthkid on the way, most of my guns went away just to survive till Ronnie got elected. Last year, I found that first pistols twin, a 1972 production piece with adjustable sights, rug, literature, original bill of sale, and half a box of ammo. Now I can put my nearly worn out FN into semi retirement.

[@dillonc7955]

I really hope someone comes along and makes a carry version of the Browning Hi Power as they do with M1911s. I'd be one of the first guys in line to buy one.

[@johnniekane6315]

Go to cylinder and slide they can build you one. I have a BHP they are my go to for parts.

[@CornCod1]

The Argentines made a shorter barrelled one way back. I think it was called the FM "Detective". You might check the used market. It may take a lot of work to find one.

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

Novak did a carry version. In Goodfellas Liotta has one in his ear held by a narc.

[@lbracknell]

Girsan has an aluminum framed, shorter barreled version out now that should sell well.

[@lenzielenski3276]

Nutnfancy, the Gene Simmons of the firearms industry. Haven't watched a video in over 10 years. Now I remember why.

[@keithplymale2374]

I have owned a Browning Hi Power Mk III since the mid 1990's and am very happy with it. Had the chance to fire a W W II Mk I at a range one time many years ago while the owner shot mine. We both agreed that both are fine pistols. The Hi Power has been used by so many counties that pistols are not called 'pistols' but are called 'Browning's' instead. When I bought my Hi Power it was the most expensive new hand gun I bought back then. If for some reason I had to sell my guns it would be the last one I sell.

[@scottwilson1258]

I lucked into one in 2018 right before the stoppage of production. a 1973 C with target sights All Original in Perfect Condition ,possibly never shot by it's Owner! So Lucky I had the $$ when I found it at a Gun Show! I was actually there to find a Friend a 1911 and saw this for me instead!

[@stevenblack122]

Finally a real gun review versus the plastic stuff

[@clamum9648]

Wouldn't mind getting one some day, even a new Springfield one. I miss the days of blued guns. I guess it's not really used anymore cause newer finishes, like Melonite, are better? I dunno, there's blued guns from 100 years ago that look pretty dang good to me.

[@rattelv426]

I heard that the reason Colt wasn't offering the new production Python in a blued version was due to their bluing baths being deemed too environmentally unfriendly by the EPA, so the cost to deal with mass production blued weapons may be too much due to new EPA restrictions.

[@danielmatthews3420]

Thanks for sharing about such a great and beautiful handgun!

[@bill-qv3er]

I have a Belgium 69C model in almost mint condition. It is my favorite handgun of al time !! I will never sell it. It is without a doubt one of the all time classics !!!!!!!!!!!

[@srvanddt1]

Also, Browning painted the back side of the grips red so they would prevent moisture of the wood grips.

[@darthmartinez]

The Canadian Inglis made Hi Power with the Wooden shoulder stock has always been one of the guns I wanted to buy. From what I know, WW2 shoulder stocked pistols do not fall under NFA rules.

[@MrColdwatercanyon]

I have three one never fired all 70’s . They are my favorite

[@elitesless1539]

Table top gloves are awesome! By far best value. I’ve got two. The black ones and those brown ones

[@Dennisthemenace40]

I was fortunate enough to happen upon a BHP in a local pawn shop about 20 years ago. It was a MK3 with the black epoxy finish. I picked it up for $500 with the original plastic case, both magazines and the owners manual. I don’t think it was ever fired based on its condition. It’s been completely reliable, even with low power handloads. It’s a great classic and it’s not going anywhere.

[@TheGunNurse]

Had a T series Belgian FN hi power. Enjoyed it very much, but I guess I’ll just always be a 1911 man, because I sold it as quickly as I could. Love the lines, like the design, but I prefer the 1911.

[@user-rq3sw8sj5n]

I want a Hi power really bad. They kinda fall into the realm of 1911s, when guns were made of wood and metal.

[@xmlDave9]

There is *something* about a metal framed gun. I have both and a personal preference for the metal ones. For an "affordable" one, check out a CZ PCR, P01, or SP01. The modern alloys reduce the weight to be really close to polymer. The biggest disadvantage is most aren't ready for a red dot. I ended up spending a little more to have my CZ milled by Cajun Gun Works. Worth while if you want metal frame and red dot for under $1000.

[@user-rq3sw8sj5n]

I already hv an sp01. I love it. You’re right about Cajun Gunworks my sister has a CZ shadow orange from them. I just want a Hi power it’s one the guns I wanted as a kid along with a Luger I don’t hv. The 1911, cz 75, Luger, beretta, and hi power were my childhood favorite.

[@SpydieFan]

Love it, we need an sig P210 review next!

[@benkanobe7500]

Remove the magazine disconnect for an MUCH better (almost perfect) trigger.

[@JP1AO]

The first pistol I bought, and still my favorite to shoot. It fits my hand perfectly. 1979

[@sparkplug5481]

I have the Girsan version , love it. Changed to checkered walnut grips

[@aceman1126]

Its crazy that pistol design hasn't really changed at all in 100+ years. The only difference is in materials used. If polymer was decent in 1900 we'd have seen basically no changes at all lol

[@suzettespencer]

007 did use the BHP, several times in the John Gardner series starting with License Renewed. In the movie No Time To Die, you see him cocking the hammer of one while in his Jamaican home. It probably was a hair too large for undercover work.

[@pricklydingus8604]

One thing of note: The Canadian Inglis High Power's that begin with "CH" are exempt from being classified as short barreled rifles by ATF if they use original Canadian stocks. Repro stocks are technically not allowed, but there are plenty of people out there who don't give a flip, and ATF hasn't prosecuted anyone yet over this.

[@EDC_Bond]

Fleming didn’t know much about firearms, Bond carried a Beretta 418 in the first 5 novels and it only changed because a reader (who did know about guns) wrote and suggested he move up to a S&W .38 centennial, or a PPK. In the movies, Daniel Craig used a Hi-Power briefly in Casino Royale and No Time to Die.

[@barrywuthrich8530]

I bought a clone in the 90's built by a company that bought Browning's used equipment when they retooled. It cost me about $250 new. All the parts are interchangeable. Once I removed the magazine disconnect, the crappy trigger went away and it shoots very smoothly now. I am using a ComfortTac holster, but I would like to find another that is comfortable. It's too big for IWB in my opinion.

[@azmaddog6]

My Hi-Power [P35] has all FN markings (not Browning). Bought new 40 years ago.

[@user-mb7lv7to1u]

How can you say this is GTW when for years you have been lecturing us on weight and capacity. That thing weighs a ton!

[@FightingTemplar]

In my opinion “go to war” pistol does not necessarily mean “carry” pistol.

[@Lexicologist1971]

My 1967 Hi Power has never malfunctioned.

[@michaelcerda5514]

You have to whisper about the disconnect because the atf might call it a illegal modification. Its not a far leap for the atf. God help us.

[@garym7317]

I went to see if a nearby gunstore had one of the Springfield Hi Powers. They handed me one & I just thought ... yuck. That mat black was a total deal killer for me.

[@crewgadjy]

Get it blued, still be far cheaper than a Browning.

[@jddrafts]

I might have bought a pair of Herstal made Mark threes surplus out of Israel in 2020 for 500 a piece. Allegedly. Love them.

[@ronldpruchnicki939]

Love my Browning high power. Also love my Browning BDA 380! Great video.

[@GunsMakeMeBroker]

I've got one of the shoulder stock Hi powers. And you don't HAVE to papert the hi power as long as it is a C&R eligible and the stock is original and not a reproduction. DUDE I LOVE the stocked on my hi power. It is SUPER impractical, but fun!

[@gunsandcars3648]

I have a few clones , TISA, and EAA , and I like them but not a Hi power fan boy, doesnt shoot as well as I would hoped, but nice to have in collection.

[@MyFlexinIsAProblem]

Ever since i learned about the Hipower I wanted one. Might have to settle for the Girsan copy. Looking forward to that review! I agree that FN was stupid to “update” the hipower. Dudes want the original design.

[@Googleistheantichrist]

I’ve wanted a Mark III forever but can’t even find one let alone afford one

[@tonyperkis1282]

I believe a few years back a good amount of surplus mark llls came into the usa the big box chain in my area got like 20 in varying conditions I hate you couldn't get one they are great firearms especially for the price those sold for Here's to you being able to get one

[@nickbullard42]

I have a mint mk3 & absolutely love it!

[@DB2A7]

The finish on that is gorgeous.

[@papapoonpoon]

The man. The gun. The legend! I know a few people, myself included who feel this way about the 226. We'll have it till the day we die.

[@MrBill-mq7ti]

I have the exact same model in my safe, as well as two other "shooters" to play with.

[@littleteethkeith]

I bought a SA35. I love it. The trigger reset is a little soft but other than that I love the gun. Not to heavy and not to light. The weight of the gun to the recoil of 115 grain 9mm is perfect.

[@user-st4gq2ox8m]

Love mine too. Thank you Springfield.

[@zacharymccants7922]

I’ve been considering trading/selling my Beretta 92 for one. Do you think it would be a good trade?

[@henningvisser1108]

Best pistol ever. Bought mine 41 years ago and was mainly used for target shooting. Currently it is sitting in my gun safe as a "collectible". Our gun laws in South Africa is so ridiculous, if you shoot yourself in the foot, you're going to jail.

[@crewgadjy]

Ian Fleming gave Bond a Beretta .25 Model 418, because he was a writer not an armourer. It had the scales removed and the butt tape instead to make it more concealable. After reading the first book, Casino Royale, an English Gun writer named Major Geoffrey Boothroyd ( who later became the inspiration for the character Q ) wrote to him advising him that the 418 was a Lady's Gun. He went on to recommend Bond should carry a .38 revolver with a cutaway trigger guard like he did. This gun was later featured on the cover of From Russia with Love. However as this was considered to bulky to carry under bonds tailored clothes, the PPK was suggested as a compromise. A not unrealistic one at that as both the SAS and MI6 had been know to carry them. So the Browning a far better gun to be in a fight with would have been way too big.

[@Sandblstr]

I did notice in No Time to Die, Craig's Bond in his retirement in Jamaica uses the Hi Power as his home defense pistol.

[@mhsvz6735]

Awesome, thanks!

[@MrNedsaabdickerson]

Those people who have one under their beds need to sell me one.

[@markpickett1606]

I have 2 for sale a '68 and '82 never been fired , except from the factory

[@OnafetsEnovap]

Well, now... you certainly took your time coming to this one. :)

[@jackbauer9077]

I love the high power. I got two that are beautiful had to get a second one to add night sights and use for a carry piece and one for safe queen/range toy.

[@baomao7243]

Hold it close

[@ettube8686]

The browning high power was the only autoloading pistol the pasted the military trials when the Beretta got the military contact and it didn't even pass from the documents I read

[@weduhpeople8504]

Thanks for reminding me to have this on my short list. It really reminds me of the CZ 75

[@Charsept]

The classic 👌