file
Member
Posts: 9
|
Post by file on Oct 12, 2023 15:46:41 GMT -5
The only counterfeit pistols I know of was one run made by FEG and sold to Iraq.
Well, my counterfeit was bought in Croatia in 1991 as a new pistol. It was a start of war in Yugoslavia, so I guess FEG found a market to sell. Also, we were under embargo at the time.
|
|
|
Post by cmdrcody on Oct 12, 2023 18:41:56 GMT -5
Yes, as Tim notes, more detailed images would be helpful, but this is certainly an interesting HP. A couple of observations, in looking at the images posted, I dont see any Belgian proof marks, particularly on the barrel. Also, is the "FN Browning" lettering raised? It looks like it in the image, but I could be wrong. And, to a lesser degree, the stacked serial numbers on the barrel, slide and frame are not directly aligned above each other as you would expect on an FN. They look a bit haphazardly placed. Please upload additional images. Image of Belgian proof mark on barrel and the stacked serial number placement. You’re right it does look like raised lettering which is odd. It’s probably an optical illusion.
|
|
bl
Member
Posts: 9
|
Post by bl on Oct 16, 2023 9:08:33 GMT -5
No, the letters aren't raised. That's just a trick of the image.. Here is the right and left side of my Hi Power.. (if it really is a Hi Power) Attachments:
|
|
|
Post by ToddSig on Oct 16, 2023 11:30:18 GMT -5
I am pretty sure it is a FM Argentinian High Power based on the serial number not fitting with the standard FN number sequences, the Argentina FM mark/logo on the trigger guard, the FN Browning mark and its location on the slide. The slide either left the FM plant without the typical FM/Rosario roll marks (perhaps a special order???), or they were later removed in order to sell it as an FN Belgian High Power. The only thing the throws me is the hammer. All of the FM High Powers I have seen have a round hammer and not the spur. That could also indicate the pistol has been altered. Here is an image of an FM contract made High Power and the full marks. Please note the FN Browning mark and location. For additional examples, Google Rosario Hi power.
|
|
bl
Member
Posts: 9
|
Post by bl on Oct 16, 2023 14:07:50 GMT -5
I am pretty sure it is a FM Argentinian High Power based on the serial number not fitting with the standard FN number sequences, the Argentina FM mark/logo on the trigger guard, the FN Browning mark and its location on the slide. The slide either left the FM plant without the typical FM/Rosario roll marks (perhaps a special order???), or they were later removed in order to sell it as an FN Belgian High Power. The only thing the throws me is the hammer. All of the FM High Powers I have seen have a round hammer and not the spur. That could also indicate the pistol has been altered. Here is an image of an FM contract made High Power and the full marks. Please note the FN Browning mark and location. For additional examples, Google Rosario Hi power. Thanks for all your help... I'm not sure that makes me feel any better.. I wish I would have known before I spent $850 on it.. I kind of feel like I've been taken.. Buyer beware I guess.. Does it have any value as a Hi Power or does the fact that it's a frankenpistol ruin it as a true FN/Browning firearm??
|
|
file
Member
Posts: 9
|
Post by file on Oct 16, 2023 16:02:04 GMT -5
You know, I had the exact mixed feelings on my counterfeit Feg, it was bothering me why I didn't research and learn more before I bought it. That feeling was bothering me until I had a chance to sell it, then I figured out it's grown on me (if that's the right term). Later I bought original Mk3, and a Waa140. Just keep it, and buy another one
|
|
|
Post by sams1 on Oct 16, 2023 16:33:58 GMT -5
For sure keep it. If indeed this one was made by FM Argentina it should be of good quality and very good shooter, just like the FN/Browning original!
|
|
|
Post by tnorris on Oct 16, 2023 16:38:16 GMT -5
I am pretty sure it is a FM Argentinian High Power... That could also indicate the pistol has been altered. Thanks for all your help... I'm not sure that makes me feel any better.. I wish I would have known before I spent $850 on it.. I kind of feel like I've been taken.. Buyer beware I guess.. Does it have any value as a Hi Power or does the fact that it's a frankenpistol ruin it as a true FN/Browning firearm??
I wouldn't call it a Frankenpistol.
If it was indeed made by Fabricaciones Militares, Argentina, it is not in any way a true Fabrique Nationale, Belgium/Browning pistol but rather, a nice example of an FM High Power made under license from FN. Similar to Inglis and FEG pistols.
How does she shoot?
Are you a shooter or collector?
Fix her up with new springs and stuff. Keep her clean and oiled and enjoy some good range time. You can always add some others to the stable and she won't mind a bit.
Cheers, Tim
|
|
|
Post by ToddSig on Oct 16, 2023 17:40:55 GMT -5
I failed to mention in my previous post that I did not see any Belgian proof marks in the posted images. You might wish to check the barrel for any proof marks. Also, check the magazine, if original it should have an aluminum follower. It is a little unique which makes it interesting and a good story behind it, whatever that is. As others have said, shoot and enjoy it.....then go out and find another Hi Power.
|
|
|
Post by cmdrcody on Oct 17, 2023 5:52:07 GMT -5
Don’t feel bad about what you paid. Firearms prices like everything else have gone up. If the seller portrayed the gun as an “FN Browning” the bad is on him if he knew it wasn’t. I’ve bought Brownings and FN high powers for 45 years. I’ve never sold one yet. My shooters are a 1986 FN MKII and my 1990 FN MKIII I bought in Germany at the base exchange on my return from my call up for Desert Shield/Desert Storm so it has no importer stamp. I only bought new for many years, but I have bought some used HP’s the last month or so. One was a 68 T series the other four were clones, a FEG, Charles Daly, Girsan, and a Springfield SA-35. The four were from an older gentleman selling his entire collection of firearms. He was offered less than he wanted and complained to me about it. I asked what he wanted, we worked out a price of $1200 for all four. I was just going to flip them, but after closer inspection I’m now keeping them. I don’t search for hi powers they just sort of find me. My local Cabela’s has a parkerized FN T-series that is way overpriced. Their corporate bought them for more than they were worth. They seem to have thought all T’s are worth a premium, but it’s really the Browning blued ones due to being hand blued. I’ve told them if they decide $400 is a good price I’ll take it as a project.
|
|
bl
Member
Posts: 9
|
Post by bl on Oct 17, 2023 9:07:53 GMT -5
Thanks, that makes me feel better.. Since I've only had it less than two weeks, I haven't had a chance to take it to the range... Looking forward to do that in the next couple of weeks... I'm going to go with the fact that it probably is an FM and look closer at the next one for the things everyone here has pointed out to make sure it's truly a FN made in Belgium. I will certainly let you know how it shoots. And I do believe that the mag does have an aluminum follower...
|
|