What Would Browning Do: FN's New High Power

[@SuperiorAutocraft]

This is a really roundabout way for Ian to say he got a new Bronco.

[@justinholland9844]

I wish they would have called it the Hi-Power II to acknowledge it's not just an update, but a materially different pistol.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

They renamed it High Power for that reason.

[@pb68slab18]

@@WALTERBROADDUS Coulda called it the Higher Power?

[@johnceena7322]

@@pb68slab18 There's only ONE higher power.

[@johndododoe1411]

They should have substituted the new designers name too.

[@spets4265]

Hi-Power Mk420 because you have to be stoned to think this is a smart decision on FNs part.

[@jano1574]

A propos FN: I was in Liège last weekend and went to the Curtius Arms Collection, saw a couple of the pieces you did videos about, amazing experience!

[@loganmeyer8104]

Almost positive that Browning would have loved the fact that people updated and optimized his design to push even more performance out of it over 100 years later.

[@milkdrinker7]

Exactly. I don't think it's possible to find an engineer who would ever say "What I did was perfect and there is no way it could ever have been done better."

[@TheHunter-rp3bl]

Idk...there was Hugo Borchardt lol@@milkdrinker7

[@MrJames1034]

Browning was an innovator. He didn't care for the sentiment of keeping old things the way they were just for nostalgia. If he were still alive and working at FN today, he probably would've come out with even more advanced weapon designs by now.

[@YourFavoriteBotGarethThompson]

@@milkdrinker7 Henry and Borchardt: "Are you sure about that?"

[@FoxtrotFleet]

Don't forget about Dieudonne Saive, FN design who turned JMB's single stack striker fired sketches into the Hi Power we know today.

[@ryanparker7258]

I used the browning hp on active duty and never had a problem with it , it never caused my hands to be sore or drew blood and we spent 1-2 days a month on the range going through different scenarios on what we might encounter. But not everyone is the same we all have different ways of holding a weapon. Still my favourite pistol from all the ones I have fired. Ian that was a great video of an iconic weapon please keep up the great work your doing, from a UK 🇬🇧 veteran. 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@jimbob465]

I honestly beleive Americans have a distaste for the hipower. I think it's because we all know deep down it was better than the beloved 1911. I own and carry both. But I cannot afford this new version.

[@LethalByChoice]

@@jimbob465 "I honestly beleive Americans have a distaste for the hipower. I think it's because we all know deep down it was better than the beloved 1911." What a passive-aggressive and patronizing take my dude. You're wrong on both, but aight think what you want.

[@scottthorning3963]

I've sure had great luck with mine!

[@celer__et__audax]

Agreed. It was my service pistol in the Canadian Army. I never had any issues with the hammer contacting my hand. Some of ours had cutouts for the old wooden shoulder stock and tangent sites though the stocks/holsters were long gone.

[@MichaelTodd-tq8dk]

@@jimbob465 Springfield SA-35.... Save you $500.

[@Echowhiskeyone]

I believe if Browning were around today, he'd be playing with plastics. And would always be improving his design. Plastic frame? Striker fired? Rails? Who knows what he would do. I like the changeable grips. Make different back straps, different beavertails? It could be fun to play with and customize.

[@NoxiousButtSpray]

You think JMB didn't know about strikers? 🤔

[@TheStig505]

I agree. I think he would be a bit dissappointed that after almost 90 years, FN's new pistol would just be his finished design with some updates. Even the company that bears his name has stagnated into a hunting rifle manufacturer that pumps out the same rifles all the other competition makes.

[@Echowhiskeyone]

@@NoxiousButtSpray Yep. Strikers have been around a long time. The Mauser action is contemporary with Browning, and very popular. But more for rifles at the time.

[@ElCineHefe]

Browning would be designing ray guns today.

[@l4game]

Striker-based trigger mechanism on a handgun is hardly an improvement though. More of a fad for consumers and a way to make the gun cheaper for manufacturers.

[@modarkthemauler]

A note on the old broncos suspension being rough. When it came out the tires it was designed to use had higher sidewalls. Combine that with lower tire pressure and you get a pretty comfortable ride.

[@jacehackworth6413]

Ford got in a lot of trouble for relying on that for the Explorer and some other vehicle I think. Pretty sure they blamed the tire manufacturer.

[@cheyannei5983]

@@jacehackworth6413 caused a lot of rollovers from people filling their tires to 30 psi, not 18

[@Devin_Stromgren]

Bring back 15" rims!

[@cheyannei5983]

@@jacehackworth6413 They eventually settled the suit as having improperly educated the public on their new vehicle, since if you did load them properly and adjusted the tire pressure, it wasn't any more likely to roll over than a minivan. As part of that settlement they launched that "esuvee" campaign, including a Shockwave game I still remember from time to time.

[@krihanek117]

I always wanted a High Power and I wanted it without the magazine safety and with a hammer that doesn't bite. What FN created is an entirely different gun. It's not svelte like the P-35. It has a lot of modern features and sure it's nice to have another choice in your buying decision. The Springfield clone works for me. It has the features I wanted.

[@jacobmccandles1767]

Yeah, that obese thing is not a high power.

[@arthurhuerta4234]

@@jacobmccandles1767 and it has a smaller barrel under cut

[@jonathanknowles7814]

There's really no reason to call this pistol a "Hi Power" other than for marketing purposes. It's like if Winchester/Browning made a new lever action rifle called the "1873", but its in 5.56 and uses AR mags. It could be a great gun, but its definitely not an 1873. I'm not sure what market they're targeting with this thing. Ian suggests that it's "just for fun", but if that's the case, why would I care about the modernizations? Seems like an unhappy medium.

[@mikebunetta7420]

Springfield 👍

[@danielhenderson8316]

The gun you want is a Girsan MC P35 Match for $699.

[@MythicMagus]

I find side by side comparisons like this fascinating. It's always interesting to see someone try to manufacture a new version of one of the oldest and most popular somethings.

[@somedude669]

It's how I noticed the poor build quality on the new one.

[@xaagripha7326]

@@somedude669 making something with fine parts isn't always a good thing,can make a gun frail and repair prone. in my opinion if you cant throw a gun and brake something and it still work. then thats a gun thats going to fail you when you get blind sided and fall on it. it has to be simple and rugged. otherwise you wasted money.

[@LethalByChoice]

@@xaagripha7326 *"making something with fine parts isn't always a good thing,can make a gun frail and repair prone."* You're not a gunsmith or someone who knows anything about how firearms work. *"in my opinion if you cant throw a gun and brake something and it still work then thats a gun thats going to fail you when you get blind sided and fall on it."* I would love to see your guns and how well you maintain them, because I'm guessing you don't at all take care of your guns if this is your view of how firearms should work. Seriously though, unless the gun is made out of adamantium this is pure fucking fantasy. There exists no gun that can still reliably work under the conditions you're listing. Common sense would tell you not abuse your firearms REGARDLESS of how rugged it is! Wow what a concept. You're not in fucking Vietnam. You don't need a gun to handle extreme abuse and rugged environments, you're just a regular American who goes to the shooting range occasionally/frequently. Worst case scenario you might have to shoot someone in self-defense in a Walmart parking lot. So why the fuck do you at all need a gun that can handle such extreme conditions? Are you the kind of person that thinks if a gun can't fire while completely frozen in sub-zero temperatures (like in Garand Thumb's Freezing Pistol Test) that it's a waste of money or a bad gun? *"it has to be simple and rugged otherwise you wasted money."* Dude commercial firearms are meant for civilian use, they're not designed for extremely harsh conditions because 99.99% of Americans will never find themselves in those kinds of extreme conditions. Just because you threw a handgun at a rock as hard as you could, something breaks, and it doesn't work anymore, that's not a problem with the gun, that's a problem with your fucking brain.

[@robertdonnell8114]

A long ago friend was one of the first people that I knew to concealed carry, he had a double shoulder holster with two high powers one under each armpit. Following his lead I started carrying a P-38 and extra mags. I miss my friend and still wish I had him at my side.

[@johncashwell1024]

I grew up in the 80s and, to me, there is just something cool and even a bit timeless about the shoulder holster. Coming in to the office or coming back home at the end of the day and taking off your suit coat or sport coat with the look of a shoulder rig with shirt & tie underneath, it just looks good, even professional and a bit svelte.

[@TY-pf6vb]

That’s badass

[@8.6GivenAdqVacSysm]

Shoulder holster over a fitted drab sweater, cargo pants, and a watch cap gives a nice Cold War operator vibe which is also rather badass. They are just classy and clean. The right choice if you are going to be carrying a full-size, metal frame without a doubt

[@chrishavill6458]

I want a shoulder holster for my Beretta 92x

[@ericjosephgarand8585]

Your friend sounds a lot like Lt. Miller from *Mirror’s Edge* who also sports a double shoulder holster for his pistols. 😎

[@williamlloyd3769]

Thanks for walking us through both the pistols.

[@theodoreheintz7891]

I find it interesting to note that the high power as originally designed by John Moses Browning was I think a 16 round gun. Daive savon is the one who really should get the credit for the high power as it was finally produced which was dramatically different.

[@FLVCTVAT_NEC_MERGITVR]

Dieudonné Saive *

[@onpsxmember]

*Dieudonné Saive?

[@theodoreheintz7891]

@@onpsxmember yep you are correct, that was voice to text butchery.

[@williamsavageii9569]

This ain't yo mama's HI POWER! IT'S BETTER! HA!

[@M4V3R1CK_13]

but saive was browning's protegé, so crediting browning isn't wrong. also Saive improved the BAR with the FN BAR Model/Type D

[@marks1638]

I wasn't enamored of everything on my Browning HP (I bought it in 1981 and immediately got rid of the magazine safety). I love the feel of the gun and as Ian has said it's a svelte design, with a narrow frame, and aesthetically pleasing. A couple of years ago I had it upgraded with new sights (the old sights suck), a Type III variation upgrade, and a Safety Fast System (SFS) (developed at FN and installed by BHSpring Solutions) that allows me to carry it loaded with the hammer down and reengage the hammer by disengaging the safety. It shoots much better and it's easier to carry without the hammer snagging. I like the new Springfield HP variation (I'll probably buy one in the near future) and this new FN version looks interesting also. There is no perfect gun, and any design can be improved. (Some designs are eternal like the 1911, but still can be improved).

[@hansvonmannschaft9062]

Oooh! The SFS! Someone finally mentions it! haha awesome 😀 I did get more than a few HP's, love them, there's History behind them, and then there's the kilo of weight to help with recoil, something I appreciate much indeed. I put one of those systems on each of my HP's but one, just to keep it original, it was a '70s Belgian FN. So, in case you're reading this for some random reason and never heard about the SFS, it does a couple things, first its side effect: The trigger becomes crisp, lightweight, a pleasure to handle. Then the safety, main part and reason of the system, cocks the hammer as it gets disengaged. And also has a firing pin cover. Amazing accessory, a must get. Cheers.

[@richardcaves3601]

Learner pistol shooting with this 50 years ago, courtesy of HMRNZN, at Wangaparoa, aged 17. Loved just about everything about it - grip, balance, ease of use, simple dis-assembly, even the sight picture was good for 30 yards. Kept using it when I left Navy, at local pistol club, but at 50m competition range, with rebuilt sights - great gun. New model looks to be a great improvement with the few flaws ironed out. Well done.

[@burningsporkdeath]

The 15rd Mecgar magazines for the original High Powers are flawless in my experience with a FN Browning and an Argentine FMAP.

[@adammanning8882]

I have 2 Argentine FMs, they’re both fantastic. I’ve used nothing but Mecgar 15s, never had a single failure

[@CaptainSeamus]

Same, with the FEG PJK9HP. They just work.

[@samusaurus]

Anything from mecgar I’ve found to hold up well and function flawlessly.

[@solomongrundy9735]

I love Mecgar mags, they're very high quality.

[@billfoster213]

A comparison of the new Springfield and the FN would be interesting.

[@ronaldmasterbud1551]

Yes !!!!

[@keithmiller6277]

Look into the Girsan Hi Power. I like mine.

[@maxman1602]

Better yet, the Longthorne Defiance. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5WXcnqhlKZ_a8U

[@ryanthomas2374]

@@keithmiller6277 i just got one, i love it.. i should have got it sooner. I will be getting the SA35.. Not big on the FN what didnt sell me is mag compatiblilty.

[@Jeremyho439]

How do you like to compare real Rolex and a fake one?

[@grahamhawes7089]

To me, the chunkiness ruins the aesthetic, which is the only reason to get this gun. For a big, heavy, hammer-fired, metal-framed “duty” pistol you have nice, smooth-shooting options at lower prices, like the CZ-75 or Berettas. And if you want to go full Browning fun-factor just shoot a 1911! Overall I think this brings nothing to the table and won’t be a success.

[@AshleyPomeroy]

Or shoot a 1911 - in 9mm. Just to confuse people.

[@five5105]

@@AshleyPomeroy definitely not me out here with a 9mm 1911

[@harryspeakup8452]

Bear in mind for the European market there is more Hi-Power nostalgia than 1911 nostalgia. I doubt they expect to sell many in the USA

[@RedXlV]

This. If it weren't for that fat slide, I might be interested.

[@ironmonkey1512]

Lots of interest in 2011 pistols, this could be a nice alternative especially when they come out with tactical/race versions

[@gringostarr69]

I used 80's FN high-power during my army servise 03-04. Loved it even though it was worn and torn and rattled like hell. Still no malfunctions ever. Nice to see back!

[@quantdoc]

Browning was an innovative designer. He didn't like criticism but he was all about incremental improvement. Look at the steps he took to get to the 1911. Thanks Ian.

[@joshj.4051]

I’ve learned a lot from you. From how the different weapons were developed to some of characters who came up with them. If Browning was still alive today my guess is that he’d say “Cool, why didn’t I think of that!”

[@johnsullivan6709]

Given that somehow it makes make me think its got a bit of 1911 in it maybe this what he would have designed as a update?

[@WhatIsSanity]

My understanding of J. M. Browning was that he was an inventor that enjoyed making new things. He would probably find people getting upset at the mere existence of anything new pretty ridiculous.

[@infantjones]

@@WhatIsSanity People aren't upset that it's new, people are upset that it's a poorly made FN 509 derivative being sold for over twice the price it justifies, all on the back of forced aesthetic similarities to the BHP.

[@ScottKenny1978]

Some of it. I don't think he'd be impressed with how fat the new one is.

[@WhatIsSanity]

@@infantjones You are legit the first person I've seen with valid criticism, except for the poorly made part. So far we have no reason to doubt it's sturdiness. Ian already gave it a little test.

[@CeltKnight]

I appreciate this detailed review and that FN is "modernizing" the classic. However, I'll stick to my old MkII. It was my first duty piece when, back in the late '80s I first started toting a pistol along with a badge. It's been through a LOT of training and a LOT of rounds and has always had a good trigger. Use and some work by a talented but sadly late local gunsmith improved that to a really good trigger. It's still very accurate, reliable, and compact enough to tote (assuming I'm compelled to carry a full weight pistol with lots of sharp edges). It's great to see the Hi-Power hasn't died so much as evolved, but I'll stick to my classic, thank you. ;)

[@robosoldier11]

being one that owns a Hi-power and really just a spin off copy of one from Hungary. I got to say my biggest pet peeve is the price. Frankly if you want to get a Hi-power just get a cheaper original/copy of the design. Versus this. It just seems odd, I'm sure there are some improvements but not enough to make the price eye gouging.

[@billdoetree4313]

why do every single one of you boomers feel the need to tell your life story surrounding the gun at hand? we know that high powers and revolvers were carried by lots of law enforcement. nobody cares. tl;dr

[@mauricematla8379]

Talented ? Or skillful ?

[@CeltKnight]

@@mauricematla8379 - Without skills (which are learned and developed) he wouldn't have been a gunsmith, or at least not much of one. But he had Talent (inherent, in born, came with the brain) that allowed him to learn skills more quickly than most and see his way around the innards of a gun better than most. Talent always helps, but it only takes you so far. Skills are learned and in the end are what take you through it. But Talent and skill together are art.

[@CeltKnight]

@@robosoldier11 - I just didn't address the price, but you're quite right. I have to think that at some planning meeting someone suggested making an every man's affordable pistol ... and he was shouted down. FWIW, someone probably suggested a polymer frame and got tossed out a window.

[@ricardoricardoricardoricardo]

I like how Ian is immune to nostalgia and accepts good changes.

[@jamesdalton2014]

"Immune to nostalgia"? After Ian talked about adding tangent sights and a shoulder stock to the modern version, I would say he's not totally immune. I just happen to think that's the right kind of nostalgia😉.

[@alexanderlarsen6412]

This is paid advertising. Look at those tolerances.

[@tacit9873]

You can literally see the recoil spring between the slide and the frame

[@LifeisGood762]

Have you seen this channel? Lol

[@Scroolewse]

It's funny because the people angry about changes are the ones blaspheming John Browning. Change is good, if you can't recognize that you're gonna be made a fool of by whoever the next big innovator is.

[@logophobe]

Very interesting to see all these changes. Certainly can't blame FN for wanting to modernize given how many old production High Powers are out there. I have a Springfield SA-35 that has some of these same improvements (no mag safety, shortened hammer, bigger sights) but keeps most of the aesthetic elements and frame size from the original. It's quickly become my favorite range pistol, and I'd definitely recommend it for anybody who likes the idea of a new production High Power but thinks FN took this version a little too far.

[@noturfather1106]

The sa 35 is the one out of the three new hi powers that looks the most like a hi power. It's the one I want if I can't find it for less than 1000 lol

[@CircaSriYak]

There is actually a Hi Power on the market that incorporated all the modern advances in materials and engineering that you would expect in an otherwise modern handgun. It's called the FNX.

[@knightofastora1324]

I think you're missing the point. Nobody is buying a hi power in 2022 as a duty gun like the fnx. People want them for the old school JMB drip, just without the old school issues.

[@infantjones]

@@knightofastora1324 and the new Lie Power manages to fail on both lol

[@RobertMcCool-yl4mu]

@@knightofastora1324 Well, I guess my name is Nobody. The Springfield SA-35 is my primary carry gun.

[@randallcrosby1090]

I had a browning High Power some forty years ago. I'd never owned a semi-auto an I was impressed at how sweet she handled. Accuracy was very impressive as well. I sometimes wish I'd held on to it.

[@TysoniusRex]

What I really love about the Hi-Power is the grip. It fits my hand so well, it almost seems to aim itself. Very, very nice. I'm not sure that the new model will have that same feel. But I'm willing to check it out.

[@chapiit08]

The closest to the Hi-Power grip would be the CZ75, as a plus you get SA/DA, standard 15 round or 17 after market magazine and the unique SIG P210 long rail frame wrapping the slender low profile slide.

[@TysoniusRex]

@@chapiit08 Thanks for the tip! I'll see if I can find one.

[@BigBackInk]

The more I watch these videos about the Hi-Power, either old ones or the new and improved ones, I want one. Also because I have a Star BM and a 1911. Im convinced the BM is a blend of Hi-Power and 1911. The collector in me really wants an example of each.

[@chrisadkins602]

Small correction. The original Hi Power does not have a flat main spring as stated in this video. It has a flat sear spring, but the main spring is a coil spring captured on the hammer strut with a small pin and retainer.

[@bomberclaatarte2163]

The sear springs were modified a few times and were prone to snap.... had an unfortunate incident whereby the firer lost his life due to the pistol firing 3 rounds in quick succession... and the slides were prone to crack

[@wheelchairweaponry6822]

There it is! I was checking to see if someone would make this point.

[@johnsanko4136]

I just miss the high gloss finish. I know glossy guns are the antethisis of modern style, but the glossy mark 3 high powers are just gorgeous.

[@WilliamMaier-z7q]

Thanks a lot, Ian! Not only do you have me slobbering for a new High Power, but you have me looking on my Pistole 640(b) (which I used to treasure) with scorn! Hopefully, FN has seen your video and will update this model with an optics cut to compete with the Girsan that is getting all the attention now. When that happens, I'll be $1400 poorer.

[@Roach4.0]

They made it bigger to be a 1:1 recreation of the 9mm pistol from new Vegas

[@romeoechofoxtrot18]

It would have been nice to see them do a full tactical version with an Optics Mount and a rail. However I don't think they want anything in their catalog to compete with the 509 series of handguns, so we probably won't see it.

[@rollastudent]

I imagine they will come with one later, or at least they is why I am holding out on buying one. To continue his comparison, they didn’t offer the Bronco Raptor the first model year either

[@funkla65]

@@rollastudent yeah, FN's habit is to introduce the more basic version first, and gussied up Tactical and scaled down mids and compacts later. I kinda expect a High Power Tactical at SHOT 2023.

[@geodkyt]

I don't see a "Tacticool" version of this High Power competing with their 509 market. Two *vastly* different demos, there. 509 buyers are more pragmatic (if sometimes a bit hipster), while anyone seriously interested in a single action hammered fired metal framed pistol is being driven primarily by nostalgia and mechanical conservatism. Think "Glock" versus "1911" fans - even if a company sold both a Glock clone and a modernized STI clone, they wouldn't be competing with themselves for market share, as they'd ben selling each to mostly different groups of people altogether.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

Does everything in this world have to be tacticool?

[@philmcglen6194]

I can see this being an option down the line. Would be pretty cool to update this pistol for the 21st modern military.

[@mattcallaway7164]

My first handgun ever back in the early 2000's was a Hi-Power. I still love them and have a Charles Daly copy, but there are definitely things I don't like about it. It would seem this new version fixes those issues, I'm all for it. Expensive, but it's not like I'm going to buy 10 of them. I hope they do well.

[@PHIllip324]

I personally think almost everything here could've been done with a "Mk4" design: change the hammer, get rid of the magazine disconnect, add an optics cut, give us a light rail, and maybe do something about that trigger. This new gun's existence isn't blasphemous, just pointless.

[@kirkosadetz6530]

Thanks to Ian for a comprehensive comparison. Many of us who served in Commonwealth counties have an original for nostalgic reasons. Mine still shoots accurately and reliably even with the magazine disconnect (although this makes clearing the gun problematic at some competitions, even if you care a spare empty mag). For all the updates I’m surprised that single action was not replaced by double action. There was a DA Hungarian version from, I think, the late sixties. The significant increase in width doesn’t seem like an improvement, nor would it appear necessary. Nostalgia has a shelf life, old soldiers fade away and while it is nice to see both the FN and SA versions pay homage to a veteran design it’s hard to think that there will be much of a market for this in a world with so many reliable, accurate, much simpler and likely less expensive DA pistols.

[@russbetts1467]

Thanks for this video, Ian. I'm a traditionalist, but even I can see the logic behind the re-design of the Browning High Power. Many years ago, I owned an Inglis Browning I picked up abroad, when I was still a schoolboy. Where my father was serving at the time - in the 1950's - WW2 firearms were lying around everywhere and you just took your pick. My Inglis was of WW2 vintage - but without the Tangent Rear Sight and no shoulder stock - and someone in the know, showed me how to remove the Magazine Safety, which greatly improved the trigger. Having smallish hands, I never experienced any hammer bite problems, even when I grew up. Over the years, I made a number of minor mods to it, by replacing the Front Sight and widening the slot in the Rear Sight. Being English, I finally 'lost' the Inglis in 1996, following the Dunblane Massacre, when H.M. Government confiscated all our handguns. If I were in a position to replace it, I would probably buy the Springfield Armoury SP-35, just because I am a traditionalist; a case of 'The Devil You Know'.

[@nealgold8442]

Having gone thru the police academy in 1986 with a High power mark III, loved it and still have it today; I think the new FN is a great pistol and pays homage to JMB while giving us a new and improved version.

[@TheTrueNorth11]

Depression from Canada.

[@bearofbusines]

My condolences

[@FL-Kaiman]

Carve a moose antler into a hi-power 😂

[@gorilla_with_jetpack4102]

Start making toilet paper rolls that assemble into fully functional AA/Bayraktabots It will happen at some point. Might as well start now I tell ya!

[@howiemandel5787]

Everyone in californias right there with you brother we can’t even get gen 4 glocks

[@snailfarmer]

And from the UK. At least you can drive cross the border and try one out 😁

[@theodoreheintz7891]

That removable backstrap is begging for some sort of retro looking stabilizing device!🤔

[@iyn1911]

The grip size was the soul of the pistol.

[@jacobmccandles1767]

This. All day long.

[@LethalByChoice]

Are you insinuating that the new version isn't as good simply because of aesthetics? Dude sometimes you need to put aside your nostalgia and accept that times change and that there's nothing wrong with revising a old design.

[@jacobmccandles1767]

@@LethalByChoice it isn't aesthetics, it's fit. . I shoot my issued G19 well enough, but it doesn't fit my hand as well as my personal G48, no matter how many extra rounds it holds. So it goes with the new HP versus the old. Ecconomy of size is what made it the goldilocks gun for many shooters.

[@LethalByChoice]

@@jacobmccandles1767 Fair enough then. Different strokes.

[@jacobmccandles1767]

@@LethalByChoice exactly. I'm 6' tall and 250 lbs. My Dutch-Irish hands are thick as bear paws, but my poor trigger finger is no longer than my pinky. Thus I like a skinny grip...and low bore axis is always a plus.

[@not-immortal854]

>no optics cut >no parts interchangeability with the original >plastic guide rod >totally fucked casting on the frame >"AAAAAAAAA IM IMPROOOOOOOOOOOVINGGGGG" >1400 bucks Lmao what a piece of garbage, imagine getting MOGGED by Springfield

[@richb0ss]

How much do you think they paid Ian?

[@not-immortal854]

@@richb0ss Wan dallah

[@craighansen7594]

The original Hi Power is one that I would like to add to my collection. I do not see this new design as hurting the original in any way. It is little more than a tribute to the original. By the way I daily drive a old classic Ford Bronco. It is used for a work vehicle and although fully restored 20 years ago, shows its use. Yes, it is bumpy, loud and hot in summer.

[@factsoftheconfederacy7151]

I still think the CZ-75 is the hi-power perfected.

[@TheFanatical1]

It is difficult to justify this pistol when the CZ-75 exists. I was half expecting Ian to say "and they made the possibly unwise but profitable decision to *not* use CZ-75 magazines, because they want to sell their own magazines."

[@BeingFireRetardant]

CZ 75 SP-01 is my favorite duty pistol. All the ergonomics of the original, but all the right modern features. If you like full frame all metal hammer fired pistols, that is... Love the looks of the original 1935 GP, but this new version seems to fail at truly modernizing, really kinda ruins the aesthetics, is clearly made with cheap materials and questionable design choices, and costs a mortgage payment. My CZ was just over half the price, has a twenty round capacity, is more robust in every way, has better ergonomics, and greater attention was paid to small details. It is flat out the better purchase all around.

[@mikeblast7507]

@@TheFanatical1 I was thinking the same thing. Love my CZ 75 po1 omega.

[@foivosapostolos1211]

It is always good to put in the market a new design, even if a refined in the details one. So long as the ballistics and ergonomics are improved

[@milkhorse]

That thing looks like it was cast/machined in the Khyber Pass on a Friday afternoon and the dude almost just threw it in the scrap pile before saying fuck it, he's got quotas to meet.

[@BBlueBBasterd]

I love the look of the old high power, the only thing I really dislike about this gun is the larger ejection port as that is very much part of the iconic look for me but I don't mind this gun being different, thanks for the in depth comparison!

[@Shadow_Hawk_Streaming]

with the slim lines it would have been cool to see one made more for the concealed carry market perhaps scaled down slightly and chambered for that new .30 super-carry

[@miketeeveedub5779]

That is what I consider a 'resto-mod' pistol: Looks like a classic pistol, but tactfully updated to a modern standard. I like it!

[@leoncolwin8645]

You're probably the only guy who would choose this pistol over Springfield's Hi Power clone.

[@noddaz]

@@leoncolwin8645 Nope. I would like to buy a new FN High Power also.

[@NathanSF-qr2ds]

@@leoncolwin8645 Well seeing as I can actually comfortably operate it left handed, I would buy this pistol over the SA-35

[@badopinionsrighthere]

My only real complaint is I'd rather have wood grip panels, but that's just me being weird (I don't like the brown plastic. A different color even would be fine with me, just that brown doesn't sit well for some reason). Otherwise I think this is a brilliant update. It's not like John Browning considered his designs sacred.

[@mortisCZ]

From what I see there are already some options from other companies that should work with the new design. I'm with you on this one because this is not a tacticool or heavy duty military pistol. It's a modern tribute to the original gun.

[@aggrodkreg4321]

I'm pretty sure they can come with all black grips. But I agree with you, those brown grips just look odd. Fortunately, this can be easily updated. I personally liked the G10 grips Ian showed here a lot.

[@tiiBBzi]

I ain't a fan of plastic either, but I do have a soft spot for Bakelite, being the first and all. Obviously it's not Bakelite, but the color does remind me of it. So I'm partial.

[@michaelblacktree]

I agree, the brown plastic looks cheesy. It makes me think "fake wood" even if that wasn't the intention.

[@nucleargrizzly1776]

As soon as one of my friend's is foolish enough to pay $1300 for one I'll make them a set of stabilized desert ironwood grips. None have bitten yet. 😁

[@funkla65]

Good overview/ C&C. An additional point on the new gun's trigger transfer bar: it incorporates a firing pin block safety. Expecting they will drop an optics ready & railed Tactical in next year or two. Should kind of plug the gap between the CZ & 2011 platforms.

[@kdkerr2]

I bought one of the Springfield Armory's SA35's and I'm quite satisfied with it. Springer did a lot of product improvements on the SA35 such as better sites. They also did away with the magazine disconnector. And they eliminated the hammer bite problem.

[@lanedexter6303]

I had an American commercial market Hi-Power in the 70’s, a mildly ‘smithed one in the 90’s. I really want another. This is fascinating and sort of makes me want the new one, too. But I want that slim, elegant original. I really appreciate the breakdown and size comparison.

[@t4nkychannel921]

My take on these new Hi-Powers: neither change the right things. Yes, it's good they keep the aesthetics, but they need to add some rails and provision for sight mounting. That, I think, would be a huge improvement. Yet neither the Springfield nor the FN do this. Without that, I think these guns will be kneecapped for serious use. EDIT: As to whether it is a "blasphemy against the original," Browning and Saive designed practical, working firearms. It seems a shame to not follow the spirit in which they were invented as well as surface aesthetics. I want a Hi-Power that looks and feels as much like the original that has as many modern features as possible. And honestly, if you live in a state with magazine restrictions, an optic and less weight makes me lean towards the Springfield.

[@TWX1138]

The manufacturer can add rails and other things later after the launch is successful. When marketing a throwback it's important that the initial run actually inspires the market to feel that it's the successor. Make the new model too different and the market sees no lineage to the original and is now free to pursue *_any_* design that satisifies their interests.

[@alexander1902]

MK3 Firearms can add an aftermarket rail and RMR mount for decent prices. I thought about getting the High Power but there was too much about it I didn't like (it not being a "Hi Power" for one). If you do send a gun to MK3 I highly recommend the single stage trigger, it's incredible.

[@grilin18.]

Girsan makes that and its pretty good from what we've seen, if you want old fasioned get the springfield if you want updated get the girsan, this POS can just rot, nobody wanted this

[@CircaSriYak]

This is nothing but a money grab. This is not a weapon this is Product.

[@jacehackworth6413]

I think there's enough of a market they should have made this version a little more like the old one and another version with rails. It's already a completely different gun so there's no reason they shouldn't.

[@TrojanManSCP]

That is a lot of improvement. If they ever make one with tangent sights, I'll buy one immediately. Yeah, I know, those sights aren't as good, but I must have the gun from Tin-Tin.

[@michaeljull1175]

Truly iconic, loved that show

[@alun7006]

I like the concept, and I'm sure it will do well. If anyone wants a truly high-end new-production Hi Power, the bespoke British gunmaker Longthorne is now making a couple of stunning options. Full custom scrollwork engraving, very fancy walnut grips, etc.

[@infantjones]

It's poorly made (look at the pitting! Bad casting) despite being 1,400 dollars and is a substantially dfferent design than the BH without really improving on existing hi-power modernizations, and that doesnt satisfy most requirements for a modern duty gun and is handily beat out by the Springfield clone in fun factor and trueness to the design. It is going to fail.

[@derekbroestler7687]

When I was growing up my grandfather had an original (first or second run) Belgian made Hi-Power... In his younger days he'd takin a LOT of various competitions with it... It was beautiful, worked flawlessly, and was a joy to shoot.... BECAUSE He'd had a LOT of work done on it by a gunsmith in NY who specialized in improving Hi-Powers... As in, you name it, it had been done... trigger job with improved target trigger (that bypassed the mag safety as well) custom hammer to eliminate the bite, improved springs, new barrel, most of the internals improved in one way or another, Lyman fully adjustable target sights, custom walnut grips, and the most beautiful old school bluing job you've ever seen. He probably spent twice as much on the work, as he did on the pistol itself. Sadly my grandmother sold it after my grandfather's passing.... A few years after that I had the opportunity to shoot another Belgian made Hi-Power from about the same time, but completely stock... It was a COMPLETELY different experience and not in a good way. The slide bite was the worst (and I don't have huge bear paw hands) but holding it to not get bit would result in FTE issues typically seen with "limp wristing" the trigger was good, but nothing to write home about, and the stock sights are IMO horrible. This update looks good... It's not AMAZING, but it's good. I like it. It's not on my "I NEED THIS NOW" list, but I'd definitely consider picking it up in the future. The originals were amazing at the time, by todays standards, not so much, They can be made amazing by todays standards through custom work, but it makes a lot of sense that FN has improved the design to make a pistol that's an improvement to the original without the need for a total custom overhaul... If money were no object, sure, I'd rather buy one of the originals, and have it fully customed, and it would run like a dream for the low, low price of.... "HOW MUCH?!?!" but until I hit the numbers, this works.

[@sg51psd04]

Love the SA-35. This "new" gun from FN should have received its own nomenclature.

[@masteranger4499]

At very least "high power II" just to avoid confusion if nothing else. Like when they call a piston rifle an "AR15" just because they matched the look.

[@johnnyappleseed6415]

Like the evolution of most things, the item inevitably becomes larger. I can remember when a Mini Cooper would fit in the bed of a pick-up, now those vehicles are only Mini in name. Insert something about trading the soul of the item for the sake of comfort, cheaper manufacturing efforts and feature creep...

[@Robert-gs6cr]

Everything has gotten fatter cars ,guns ,people...

[@Horgler]

If no one wanted to pay $1,000 for a Hi-Power, I fail to see how re-designing it and charging $1,300 was a good idea. Any other hammer-fired design at that price is going to be a much better pistol.

[@TheFanatical1]

Better after-market service too.

[@sly2792004]

They didn’t redesign it they built whole new gun then make it kinda look like hi-power, ruins it for people who want a historical gun. Likely end up picking up Springfield if my states mag ban doesn’t pass.

[@vwtrey100]

Ok I get the Bronco analogy and I'm on the side of I'll stick with my old Bronco. It was real, and tough, and it took me everywhere. I hate the new Bronco. I like the idea of the new FN High Power. I've reached a moral divide.

[@thatguyoverthere9634]

But you can't realistically deny that the new bronco is better in almost every way except for ease/cost of repair. You can't deny that the new FN HP is a better gun in basically every way over the old. But in both cases, there is very little in common between the old and the new, they are just new products given an old name.

[@ToastytheG]

Lol same I have an FJ cruiser and it's the best off road truck I've ever used. Ian is just wrong about that.

[@bindingcurve]

@@ToastytheG FJ cruiser is just a short 4 runner with Tonka toy looks.

[@bindingcurve]

Shoot it side by side with a CZ.

[@cedhome7945]

My take on messing around with classic stuff is BMW's gasly mini it's not even small I might forgive them if they were reliable but the u tube is full of people saying don't buy one ....

[@44hawk28]

My father bought an Argentine P35 in the late 1970s, eventually had it hard chromed. It is without a doubt the most accurate 9mmm I have ever fired or even witnessed in my life. At 15 yd it will put an entire magazine of 9 mm ball ammo into a single hole about an inch in diameter, if that. With the hard Chrome, it never needs to be lubricated. It's about due for a recoil spring. I am thinking about getting a hold of B&H spring and seeing if I can get it updated a slight bit. My father did have adjustable sights put on it. They stand a little bit tall, but they were quite well. I tried to carry plus p124 grain Gold Dot in it whenever possible. PDX Winchester works well. And I'm trying out the Sig hollow point. But I haven't gotten an opportunity to see how it performs when recovered from an animal yet. That to me is the best guide. I have seen at least a couple of types of 9 mm hollow point shot relatively close range into dear oh, that didn't open up at all. So pristine that you could reload them and shoot them again. The Remington golden saber I have seen three or four such examples come out of animals. And that surprised me because they always seem to open up when you shoot them into ballistic gelatin. But I don't recall ever hearing about anybody being attacked by a bowl of gelatin.

[@oldschoolartist]

My FN High Power wish list; 1. An accessory rail. 2. Threaded barrel. 3. More back strap options. 4. Optics cut slide.

[@adiamond563]

attachable stock to put on the bottom of the grip?

[@alexdemoya2119]

FINALLY a new pistol I am interested in

[@nucleargrizzly1776]

But $1200-$1300?

[@Totemparadox]

@@nucleargrizzly1776 Ok, and? Steel and quality costs.

[@Totemparadox]

@J. FK Made in Bulgaria...

[@bannedbycommieyoutube5time920]

@@Totemparadox if you handle one, particularly dry firing it, there are much better options for roughly that price. If it was $899 or even $999 it would be far more reasonable.

[@Totemparadox]

@@bannedbycommieyoutube5time920 Ok. Like?

[@MechMK1]

You've heard of High Power, get ready for Higher Power!

[@rollastudent]

That should be a 10mm version

[@infidel1993]

The big question is how the new pistol feels in your hand. The best thing about the original hi-power was (and still is) how easily it fell to hand. FN can put as many updated parts on the gun as they want, if it doesn't replicate the feel of the original Browning, it's a waste of money.

[@bindingcurve]

Looks a lot more like a CZ. Going to need to shoot one. But there is a lot about the gun that looks cheap. The finish and that recoil spring hole, yikes.

[@ironmonkey1512]

Not if you have big hands, besides the hi-power was shrunk to meet French military specs and smaller than what JB designed

[@bindingcurve]

@@ironmonkey1512 the final high powers is nothing like JB design.

[@andrewnoble7071]

I loved the Browning Hi-Power as a service sidearm and this just looks like everything I loved with icing on the cake

[@jimmychristensen498]

I just love to watch a pro at work!: cocks the hammer to demonstrate the trigger pull (quickly checks the chamber), pulls the trigger. Even though he knows the gun is empty and the magazine is out. I'm sure he checked it before filming too, just out of habit.

[@caeserromero3013]

8:43 I heard a story from an ex army guy that the notorious lynching of two British soldiers in NI in the 80's was due to the mag release safety. The story told to me was that when the soldiers car got boxed in, the soldier armed with the Hi power had sat on the gun for concealment and when he attempted to pull the gun for defence, the mag fell out. If this safety worked, I'm guessing even a round in the chamber wouldn't be able to be fired.

[@gaughantony]

Not sure that’s the case. Story is pretty complicated. Two R.Sig guys, RIP

[@jesscollins1]

I remember reading about this in the 70's. My understanding was that the mag did not fall out but just wasn't seated properly in the mag well and this was enough to disable the pistol.

[@caeserromero3013]

@@gaughantony Can't speak to the voracity, but it was what I was told by a guy I was working with, 1998 at the Nokia plant in Camberley. He claimed to be ex army and told a story about the two guys being boxed in trying to turn around and get out of the village. The guy had the gun under is leg on the car seat and the mag dropped out as he pulled the gun. Except I seem to remember the guy saying he got off the round in the chamber. So when I saw this video talking about the mag release safety, it jogged my memory. As I say, I can't verify it, as I wasn't there, but that's what I was told. Now knowing about the mag safety, the story seems less probable. Either way, it was a horrific incident.

[@caeserromero3013]

@@jesscollins1 Not sure if this was the same incident. The one I was referencing was in the 80's, guys driving a Volkswagon Passat if I remember correctly(??). They were driving around plain clothes and happened across an IRA funeral. Were spotted, tried to turn around and get away but got boxed in, ripped out of the car and beaten to death and dumped in a ditch. Pretty horrific.

[@lazzie7495]

I think it's kinda odd the kept the old external features that no longer serve much purpose. The sides of the pistol look rather cluttered. Still, I'm kinda happy a modernized hi power exists.

[@thevgmlover]

When did even 15 round pistol mags become too low? o-0

[@kevinsparrow34]

My first job as a machinist was with Beretta USA, back in the early 90’s, & the slide line was still a series of conventional machines doing a single operation. The barrel line was primarily CNC machines, the frame line was a little of both.

[@jedpeeler4199]

I have purchased two Browning Hi-Powers in my lifetime. I gave my original broken in 1969 pistol to a good friend in Las Vegas for her protection, as a Christmas gift. I purchased the relatively rare 2017 Digi-Camo model and I ;love it! It outshoots the Glock 17 Generation 5 that I also bought a few years ago. I would buy the new High- Power if I were buying a new one today, but I would replace the plastic part inside the gun with a metal part, as it became available.

[@beaker126]

There's a lot to like here, it looks like they put a lot of thought into upgrading this. I'm not sure what to think about the increase in dimensions, especially width, but I'm reserving judgment until I can try one.

[@unklemike5012]

I like the new FN. I wish it was thinner, but I like it as a new platform. I'm looking forward to an A1 with a light rail, optics-ready, threaded barrel, and I'm already thinking about how the 3D Printing community is going to use that backstrap function for braces.

[@SabreLilly.]

The one thing I'm not fond of is the extra width, which in reality is a minor complaint. I like the narrower form factor of the older ones more for my small hands

[@JimYeats]

The problem with the Bronco analogy is that the new Bronco actually has modern features in a 1974 Bronco-esque looking package. The new High Power would be like Ford coming out with a 1996 Bronco in 2022 and being like, “Hey! Check out this sort-of-new car! It doesn’t really look like a 1974, AND it doesn’t have modern features! You guys will love it!”

[@recklesssquirel5962]

"And an intern may have gotten mad amd taken a hammer to some of it"

[@lardomcfarty9866]

Cry about it

[@JimYeats]

@@lardomcfarty9866 No need, just voicing a reasonable opinioned that - based on the comments - is shared by the majority.

[@lardomcfarty9866]

@@JimYeats a majority which either didn't understand the purpose of the pistol, or willfully misunderstood out of nostalgia

[@CDCI3]

It looks like they needed the "thumbprint" because that disassembly lever needs to pass through that when it swivels.

[@SikterEfendi]

Is it just me or the new one looks like a cheap cast plastic non-functioning replica?

[@bishopsteiner7134]

I wanna like the new one, but I really think that one of the appeals was how svelte it was. I can get the thicker grip (longer, less, so) but ot sure I get why the slide needed to get fatboyed?

[@three-stripes]

Agreed. It's a deal breaker for me.

[@reubenpickering7777]

I think it's an inevitable result of the modern method of making tilting barrel pistols, where a big rectangular hunk of metal on the back of the barrel slots into the ejection port, instead of there being lugs machined on to the barrel, and locking recesses machined into the slide. Glocks, SIGs, S&W M&Ps... Everything I own anyway that uses that system has a bulkier slide.

[@tritech]

Not mentioning the shit quality I think is pretty telling. I normally stand by your reviews, and not a word was said about the terrible machining/casting.

[@grayman7208]

04:00 LOL ... i drove a '71 bronco for three years in yuma, arizona. towel on the seats, towel on the steering wheel. i once drove that bronco from fort bragg to yuma proving grounds in three days.

[@HemiV8lyfe]

For whatever it’s worth, i feel like my smith and Wesson 5906 and 6906 (both have mag disconnect) have pretty good triggers. 10/10 would recommend Great video as always!

[@WhiteSandsMbuna]

I wish you would do a video on the recently forgotten FNS9. It was rather interesting. With several models, being used by several major police departments. The odd nyc police mishandling that resulted in a recall, the changing in manufacturing techniques resulting from that recall. There would be a lot of talking points. Ive had one for 6 years and it has been flawless and a great shooter.

[@GIJoe2at]

I once owned a surplus Hi-Power used by the German Police. I loved the slender slide but not the magazine safery feature. I believe that Springfield has done a better upgrade keeping the HiPower size with their improvments than FN has done. Time will tell...

[@joshklaver47]

The magazine safety is easy to remove.

[@stug41]

Glory to the Browning Hi-Power!

[@TeddyCavachon]

When I purchased my first pistol in 1980 for home defense all my gun owing friends suggested a .357 revolver or 45 ACP 1911 pistol. After doing some research and learning about John Browning I opted instead for a Browning Hi-Power thinking I’d be able to shoot more accurately with it and since it was a gun Browning designed after the 1911 was likely a superior design, which seems to be the case since most 9mm pistols today are based on the Hi-Power’s design. But later I learned the Hi-Power we know and love isn’t the designed that John Browning patented but was changed after his dead to meet the requirements of a military pistol competition. The patent no. 1,618,510 dated Feb. 22, 1927 depicts a pistol with the barrel locking action of the Hi-Power, but on a single-stack striker fired design. It is remarkably similar in design to the pistol purchased for concealed carry, the Walther PPS mk1 which brought a smile to my face when I saw the patent because my first thought when seeing and handling the PPS was that it was the type of gun Browning probably wound have designed next had he lived longer. Based on the patent it apparently was 😊.

[@mrivantchernegovski3869]

Hi from New Zealand ,when my Dad who served with the 2NDNZEF in WW2 died in 86 we buried him with his M1 carbine that he had traded a Yank in lower germany for a Luger and also his FN High power which he also acquired it from someone,The funeral home dudes freaked out when we went there to tool up Dad for Valhalla lol

[@onkelmicke9670]

Single action is great. The trigger transfer bar is suspect. It is obviously wider. I'm hoping it feels as nice in the hand as the original.

[@rezlogan4787]

I was showing off my new Glock 48 with 15 round Shield mags to an old timer. He was jealous for about a week about that high capacity in a gun smaller than a 1911 Commander. Then he ordered custom 15 round magazines for his High Power. Now we’re just about even again.

[@jacobmccandles1767]

I too carry the skinny version of Gaston's Roth-Browning reheat, and from the day I bought it I thought "hmmm...skinny. Flat. Reminds me of a Hi-power.

[@gameragodzilla]

I like the updates in concept, but I do wish they went further with it. As is, it’s a bit half and half. It modernized enough internals to make it incompatible with any aftermarket accessories, but didn’t add things like a picatinny light rail or a red dot mount, which is a little strange. Contrast that with double stack 1911s that still retain some accessories compatibility while also having light rails and red dot mounts.

[@gordoncouger9648]

A gunsmith and a hundred and twenty-five bucks will get a red dot mounted in the cut he milled in your Hi Power.

[@gameragodzilla]

@@gordoncouger9648 True, though it would've been nice to have it out of the box. I can also pin and weld a picatinny rail as well, but that also should be standard.

[@kalashnikovdevil]

I'm pretty sure we'll be seeing that variant shortly. Maybe next shot show?

[@gordoncouger9648]

@@gameragodzilla It would still cost about that much form FN without the choice you get from a gunsmith.

[@gameragodzilla]

@@gordoncouger9648 I mean, FN did it for the Mk. 3 Five-seveN so they’re clearly capable of it.

[@TheWorldRealist]

I have a Girsan Hipower. In 1970 I joined the Royal Marines and one day at the range I had a pistol stuck in my hand, told to point down range and shoot it. Blood running down my hand. In the 1980’s I bought a used hipower, nickel plated just for nostalgia reasons. Paid £200 I think. When we had surrender them I think I was compensated the same. If I had it today I understand it would be worth some $5,000. Now living in Wyoming I bought the Girsan. I like it as a full-size carry Gun. It conceals well, shoots well (with the mag disconnect removed). It is simple and does not have extras to get in the way like my S&W M&Ps, both of which shoot great but an all steel gun gives me more confidence in an extreme situation. You don’t have time for fancy sights and add-ons. Fairbairn taught point shooting when getting the perfect sight picture is a luxury. I wish I had the original but I think the Girsan is better, and better than the SA35 also.

[@paulsimmons5726]

Ian - Curses, your review has put yet another pistol on my “one day” list! Great review and comparison of the Browning & FN Hi Powers!

[@Jesses001]

I think a modern production of the Hi Power makes sense for them. I like a lot of the small changes they made. One thing that does not work for me though is the size. I understand they wanted higher capacity, but this thing is down right chunky. Even if I would have to give up a few rounds of capacity, I would want something closer to the original size.

[@zenjon7892]

Did you try different back straps?

[@Jesses001]

@@zenjon7892 I do not personally own one so I did not get to play around with that kind of stuff.

[@Pattamatt1998]

The only thing I can't get behind is the lack of a rail for lights. I'm sure that'll come in a year or two but it seems odd that they'd release an updated Hi-Power with all these great improvements and modern touches but leave off the biggest no-brainer.

[@Jonnyg325]

I'm guessing they are going to include that in a "tactical" version in a year or so, sell the base model on a chunk of nostalgia, then release with all the bells and whistles for the groups looking to update

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

You don't need all that stuff be able to shoot a gun well.

[@redwolfexr]

@@WALTERBROADDUS some of us like having Air Conditioning and power windows, instead of manual window cranks on our Broncos.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@redwolfexr isn't that kind of what the 509 series is for?

[@redwolfexr]

@@WALTERBROADDUS 509 is SA? Steel frame? I always liked the original High Powers, but I want a light/laser.

[@maverickpaladin4155]

Like you, I find it curious that they retained the trigger design of the original. I've always thought it would be an improvement to use a 1911-type trigger in a HiPower. I don't know if it's feasible on the original design, but in the new one it could've been incorporated.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

That's not an improvement.

[@maverickpaladin4155]

@@WALTERBROADDUS why not? There is no better SA trigger than the 1911 trigger.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@maverickpaladin4155 personally never cared for the 1911 system. And you're doing a complete change of the operating mechanism. If you want a 1911, there's no lack of them. It makes no business model sense to add yet another one.

[@tankfixer59]

Thank you for the comparison, I was curious about the new version and this helps me decide to add one to the collection in the future.

[@bennyboogenheimer4553]

I think it's great, I was talking to a friend about the VW Beetle 1936 to 1976 small upgrade as better designs were found, but always got the job done. Aftermarket you could get anything from a 40 hp to 234 hp long block. It was up to you. VW even considered wet heads on the Bug to keep them quiet, but the Rabbit just fixed every American Governmental complaint, and safety regulation. My favorite ideation of a original 1974 Bug, was one with a ducted radiator on the roof, with a Turbo Diesel Ribbit engine on the stock Bug transaxle. She was getting 73 MPG, with real heat inside for winter, and AC for summer. But then VW sold 40 million Rabbits in the first 2 years in America. Proof that there's lots of room for upgrades, BUT a clean sheet of paper well executed design, will always win the battle.

[@justinholland9844]

What's sad about the Hi-Power is that I feel FN never tried to breathe new life into it ever since the Mark III was introduced in '88. The 1911 has remained a viable product for Colt because they've looked over the years at the modifications custom gunsmiths have been making to it and gradually incorporated these into their base models, offering the consumer a more and more refined pistol straight out of the box. Likewise, there have been plenty of custom gunsmiths over the decades whose work on the Hi Power FN could've drawn inspiration from, and more recently, the Hi-Powers produced by Nighthawk were probably the pinnacle of the design. If FN could've offered something similar at a substantially lower price, thus putting it within the reach of the ordinary shooter, I'm sure the Hi-Power could've enjoyed renewed interest and lived on as a successful product for many more decades.

[@LumenateTV]

Totally a fun reinterpretation, and as soon as you showed the removeable backstrap I immediately thought sweet slide a shoulder stock in there.

[@shaunsinclair9785]

This looks like a pretty cool new gun but I'm also not keen on the size change and the larger ingress points for dirt etc. Purely theoretical though as it's sadly not really possible for me to get either in my country ATM.

[@Stevarooni]

There are two sides to a larger port for ingress...obstructions can fall out easily too. It's all about trade-offs, and the larger ports are very common these days, and militaries have been accepting these designs despite the change...their testing tends to be focused on real-world situations.

[@Rustebadge]

If Mr. Browning visited us today, he would be embarrassed at mankind's lack of innovation. While being quietly pleased that his work not only changed the world of arms but is very much alive today. Thank you Mr. Browning.

[@risaldar6925]

Just wanted to say thanks for adding subtitles in every video so some folks can enjoy.