Browning Hi-Power Pistol
Today dear readers, our Monday morning gun porn is somewhat bittersweet for me as my Hi Power was seized by the State as few years ago. Notwithstanding the UKs absurd firearms legislation, today we celebrate John Moses Browning’s classic design
Initially, the "High Power" pistol was designed by John M. Browning in 1925 and was patented in the USA in 1927, soon after the death of the Browning. The design was aquired by Belgian state-owned company FN Herstal, and improved by FN designer Dieudonne Saive. The resulting pistol was shelved until 1935, when Belgian army was ready to adopt new sidearm.
The HP was offered for trials and won, and was adopted as a Model 1935 pistol. Soon after that it was also adopted by Belgian police and by many foreign countries, including the Britich Commonwealth ones. The High Power is the only sidearm that served for both sides in WW2. Germany used many HPs manufactured in occupied Belgium, while Allies used HPs manufactured mostly in Canada by Inglis. The HP continues its service well into the 21st century with many armies and police forces, being the second longest 'living' service pistol after another famous Browning design, the Colt 1911.
Technically, the High Power pistol, also known as Browning HP 35, GP 35 or Model 1935, is a recoil operated, locked breech pistol. It uses a linkless barrel to slide locking invented by Browning. The trigger is single action, with external hammer. The original HPs featured frame mounted safety at the left side of the frame, that locks both sear and slide. Modern versions, since Mark II, also featured ambidextrous safety levers, that are also more comfortable to operate.
Some pre- and WW2-time guns also featured backstraps with cuts to accomodate removable shoulder stocks/holsters. The HP was the first military pistol to have high capacity, staggered column magazine for 13 rounds plus one loaded in the chamber.
Comments
My father left me one of these. It was "liberated" from Germany at some point. It has all matching numbers, and all major components carry the Nazi eagle and swastika stamping. Unfortunately, someone neglected to clean and oil it properly, a long time ago, so the chamber and barrel are so pitted that I won't chance firing live ammo with it using the original Nazi barrel. With a new barrel, it is very accurate and highly reliable, and well fitted to my hand. But I still want a P-08 Luger!
Posted by: Bob | May 12, 2008 8:26 AM
I've had the pleasure of shooting a High Power with the shoulder stock.Amazingly accurate but not sure if I would carry the extra weight as a matter of course.
John
P.S.
I greatly enjoy the daily history posts.
Posted by: John | May 12, 2008 2:05 PM
Hey... at least you got to shoot one a little while ago.
The ammo locker is still in recovery.
Posted by: Kim du Toit | May 12, 2008 2:12 PM
...and if for some reason I could never own a 1911 again [shudder], I'd carry a BHP.
If they made one in .45 ACP, I might be persuaded to make a substitution -- or at least, an addition.
Posted by: Kim du Toit | May 12, 2008 2:15 PM
Kim, don't make nightmares for yourself: I still wake sweating in the night following the Great Handgun Confiscations of 1997 and 1998.
Since the loss of my Gold Cup, I have always felt improperly dressed.
Bastards.
Posted by: Jeff Wood | May 13, 2008 5:14 PM
My father-in-law carries one of these beauties. If I didn't have a Glock 17, I would have a Browning High Power!
It has been promised to my 15 year old for his 21st birthday.
DoubleTapper
DoubleTapper@gmail.com
DoubleTapper, blogging on Guns Politics Defense from Israel
Posted by: DoubleTapper | May 14, 2008 9:15 AM