Will modifying sights on Alloy FN Hi Power decrease value

[wycowboy]

Been noticing the increase in values of Hi Powers on GB. I have two FN Alloy Hi Powers that I’ve cleaned up and DuraCoated the receivers and added Cylinder and Slide no bite hammers and C&S single side thumb safeties, I’ve kept the original parts. Been thinking about milling the slides and installing Trijicon night sights like I have on three of my BHP Practicals. Just asking some opinions on modifications from original that can’t be reversed on stock firearms? I know there are fellow HP addicts that have more knowledge than I.

[ToddSig]

Feb 17, 2024 18:43:54 GMT -5 wycowboy said:

Been noticing the increase in values of Hi Powers on GB. I have two FN Alloy Hi Powers that I’ve cleaned up and DuraCoated the receivers and added Cylinder and Slide no bite hammers and C&S single side thumb safeties, I’ve kept the original parts. Been thinking about milling the slides and installing Trijicon night sights like I have on three of my BHP Practicals. Just asking some opinions on modifications from original that can’t be reversed on stock firearms? I know there are fellow HP addicts that have more knowledge than I.

In my opinion, given the existing modifications, in particular the Duracoat finish, the milling of the slides for upgraded sights should not impact the value and perhaps might increase it. If a HP is in original and very good condition, then yes there would typically be a loss of value associated with modifications. The first major alteration to a very good condition HP in original form would have the largest and most significant diminution of value. Modifications after the first major alteration would typically have less of an impact if at all. And, as mentioned, on an already altered HP some modifications might increase the value (but it would still typically be below the original/very good condition standard).

For example, I have an alloy HP with a camo cerakote finish. That is the way I purchased it. I sent it off to Novak for sights, and now plan on adding an Apex trigger, sear lever and hammer to it. The cerakote finish, like Duracoat has already impacted the originality and most collector/premium value associated with it has been lost. Also, many alloy HPs are normally found in some form of distress or less than very good condition. Because of that, any alterations in my opinion would have minimal loss of value as you are not starting out with a pristine example. I do have an alloy where I removed the black enamel paint finish it was imported with, and kept most of the original finish, that one I will not mess with as it is in too good of condition (for an alloy surplus), and in that condition state are just too hard to come by.

My thinking would be to go ahead and have the sights done. It would match your other HPs so all sight pictures would be consistent, and given the refinish, additional enhancements should not lower the value.

My alloy camo finish HP with Novak sights


My 1984 alloy in good condition that I plan on keeping stock

[wycowboy]

Thanks, Todd. I originally bought four of the alloy FN’s with the agreement with a friend that he wanted one or maybe two. All four were mechanically in real good shape but all had all the black finish worn or scratched off the dust cover. They were duty pistols with very consistent damage so we guessed it came from holster ware. I’ve been using Dura Coat since 2004/2005 with great success so soaked and cleaned up all four (plus two more for my buddy) and sprayed the receivers black. They all turned out great. The two pistols remain working(gun’s) even in retirement and I’m going to go ahead and have the slides milled for Trjicons. Thanks for your input. I waited a long time to finally get two alloy HP’s , might as well fix em like I want em! I’m going to try to attach a picture of an alloy and one of my Practicals. 

Attachments:

[wycowboy]

That was a terrible attachment, maybe I can make larger. Some 

Attachments:

[ToddSig]

@wycowboy the Duracoat looks great. It is all in the prep work when it comes to refinishing or applying a new coating. Glad Duracoat works so well for you. I have experimented with GunKote, and if I worked at it, would probably be a bit better. I liked GunKote because of the ability to touchup later if needed, plus it goes on very thin. Cerkakote, because of color mixing you have to redo the complete pistol rather than just a touchup.

I too bought a few of the alloy HPs when they were selling a few years ago. One was a 1976 that I wanted to get because of the standard pressed in oval cam. The oval updated alloy cam/spline works as well. It certainly need some attention. I wanted to mate the alloy frame to an FN Detective slide I had. A few folks here on the board have done it with good luck, in particular @tnorris

Like you I did some custom work as well, sent to Novak for white dot sights, added Garthwaite trigger and hammer set, C&S extended safety and the C&S HP trigger pull reduction kit. It is a nice shooter.

Before and after images

[wycowboy]

That’s beautiful. Thanks for your feedback.