WTB: beat-up old Hi-Power as shooter

[rmerriman]

Hi all -- looking to add a Hi-Power to my collection, primarily as a shooter, but also for historical interest. Hoping to do so for less than typical prices on high-quality examples. I don't really care how old or new (although I'd prefer older), and it doesn't have to be pretty; I'd just like it to be mechanically sharp with a good bore. 

I'm not sure whether Hi-Power collectors are exactly the right people or exactly the wrong ones to come to with this request, but I figured I'd give it a shot. Thanks in advance.

[tnorris]

Hello first post guy!

I don't know, I can't imagine, that there is anyone here that wants to sell you a High Power, if that's what you are looking for. There are a great many High Powers for sale on GunBroker (and other sites) and often you can find a good deal at your local gun shop or local gun forum (something specific to your state of residence) for a private sale.

I picked up a 1979 Alloy frame High Power on GunBroker last week for under $500 (plus shipping and FFL costs) and it seems to meet all of your requirements. I'll fit it to a .22 caliber slide kit I have and it will be my dedicated .22 pistol. Alternately, I could gussie it up a bit with a ceracote finish, SFS, the new BHSS Trigger (gonna do those last two things anyway) and have a really nice modernized shooter in 9mm. The barrel seems to be in good shape.

You should probably explore just what style of High Power you want. Mine range from 1943/1950 to 2004... including a couple in .40 caliber (I was gonna do something special with a new blued 2003 Vigilante in .40, but I put it off and there she sits... still perfect and fewer than 100 rounds fired). Most High Powers I have seen fit your requirements.

So... what flavor do you wish for? You may end up with more than one...

Classic: as designed up through 1960 with the internal extractor
Pre War
Occupation pistol
Post War
1960-62 no thumb print

External Extractor model of 1962
1962-?
T series (serial number)
C series (serial number)
Mark ll
Mark ll and a half

Mark lll
Forged Frame
Cast Frame

All are real High Powers. All should give you years or decades (or more) of service and enjoyment. And most can be updated and modernized as you desire.

Welcome to the rabbit hole!

Cheers,

Tim

[mark75h]

"For historical purposes" and "less than typical prices" are in direct conflict.

If you are patient, there are usually a few extremely ugly imports once in a while that will be functional, and "less than typical" in price, at the cost of needing a refinish or to live with some rust pitting

[CXM]

For a shooter you might consider a FEG made HP. These are generally very good quality clones and often can be had a favorable prices, though they have gone up in recent years.

FWIW

Chuck