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Post by ToddSig on Jan 4, 2023 9:33:41 GMT -5
I wonder if the introduction of the Girsan 'Detective' models will help to drive down the price of these old FN Detectives and slide kits that will pop up in the wild going forward? I'm crossing my fingers. The introduction of the clones, such as the Girsan and the Springfield SA-35 have not really impacted the values of FN Hi/High Powers. Perhaps some on the lower end of the spectrum and rough surplus pistols, but overall I have not seen much if any movement on good condition Hi Powers. I would think this may apply for the FM Detective as well once the Girsan PI hits the marketplace. The Detective early was looked at as more of a utilitarian version of the Hi Power for carry. Now, given its vintage nature, it is nearly a collectible Hi Power in its own right. With that, I think values will remain stable.
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Post by ToddSig on Jan 4, 2023 9:39:02 GMT -5
I should have noted the frame on the '1C' is marked 215RPxxxxx - which makes it a military model frame from '78? Hey Otis, and nice pair of M90 Detectives. Yes, the 1c slide kit on the 215RP frame is a 1978 frame.Looks like some custom work was done to the frame, as the safety looks like it has a custom extended lever on the original small safety. Grips appear to be Navidrex black Micarta. They are a nice thin grip. Overall very nice. The complete FM M90 looks like it might have Craig Spegel grips on it. Take them off and see if they are signed, and also have a CAS imprint on the back side. Spegel grips for Hi Powers are in great demand, he has a waiting list you must be on, and usually the wait is over a year. He sells them for over $100 a pair, but they have sold on EBay for much higher. So the question is, do you want to sell them? There are probably a few members who would be interested.
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Post by otis45 on Jan 6, 2023 16:36:03 GMT -5
Good eye on the grips!
And yes, I am looking to sell both items.
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Post by ToddSig on Jan 7, 2023 8:14:39 GMT -5
And yes, I am looking to sell both items.
If you have not already received interest in the two Detectives, you might wish to post images and selling info in our For Sale/Trade listing. It should generate some interest.
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Post by weaselmaster on Jan 15, 2023 14:09:53 GMT -5
What's an FM Detective valued at? I've got a factory one but looking to offload most of my collection. I've shot maybe a handful of magazines through it. Trying to find pricing has been tough.
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Post by ToddSig on Jan 15, 2023 15:06:31 GMT -5
What's an FM Detective valued at? I've got a factory one but looking to offload most of my collection. I've shot maybe a handful of magazines through it. Trying to find pricing has been tough. Currently, on Gunbroker they seem to be selling between $1000-$1500. Condition will play a large factor. The slides have sold on EBay for around $600. Here is one which sold in late Nov for $1050. www.gunbroker.com/item/957737335There is an FM 95 Detective selling on Gunbroker right now with box, with about 4+ hours remaining (auction ends at 7:52 pm this evening). Current bid is $825. Because of the competition for desirable firearms, many times Gunbroker can be on the higher side of retail sales prices. It just sold for $1200. Interesting side note, two gunsmiths were involved in late bidding, kcskustoms and kgb customs (Karl Beining). I would assume they were looking to customize and then sell. www.gunbroker.com/item/964775158
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Post by wheatshocker on Jan 15, 2023 22:53:46 GMT -5
Wow! Just amazing to me that these things are selling at such insane prices.
I thought I paid way too much for an old lightweight HP and an FM Detective Slide Kit last year. Now, I'm starting to feel a little smarter.
-Phil
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Post by weaselmaster on Jan 16, 2023 6:52:47 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies. Surprising to see them going for so much. I'm going to get it listed a few places tonight.
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Post by wheatshocker on Jan 16, 2023 7:13:08 GMT -5
weaselmaster good luck with the sale. I'd love to have one but can't afford the 'going rate' that they seem to be selling for these days. -Phil
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Post by ToddSig on Jan 16, 2023 10:01:49 GMT -5
I think some of shock of current values for FM Detectives is residual memory of what they used to sell for 20+ years ago. They were looked upon as a cheap Hi Power clones, and since then have turned into near collectible objects. I bought my first one almost 10 years ago for $400, thought I paid too much, but as Phil mentions, I now feel pretty smart.
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Post by gt40doc on Jan 16, 2023 13:15:27 GMT -5
I bought my 95% Mod 90 FM Detective a number of years ago for $295. I was pleased with that price.....I still have it.
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Post by tnorris on Jan 16, 2023 14:15:33 GMT -5
I bought my 95% Mod 90 FM Detective a number of years ago for $295. I was pleased with that price.....I still have it.
My FM Detective Slide kit, new in the original blister pack, was $90 from someone on E-Bay long ago. It recently got night sights, a BHSS barrel and was refinished to match the alloy frame. Also very happy... I still have and carry it these many years later.
Cheers,
Tim
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Post by gurnard662 on Mar 28, 2024 19:36:29 GMT -5
I just purchased 3 FM detectives over the past month. One is a FM95 from BH Spring Solutions, the second is a FM90 in the original box and the third has an odd serial number. It's 13-XXXXX (on frame). Does anybody know who the manufacturer would be? I can't find any Hi Power Manufacturer that used this numbering system (2 digits followed by a dash and then 5 digits). The slide and barrel has the 1C_XXXX serial number so it clearly came from a kit.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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Post by ToddSig on Mar 29, 2024 8:25:38 GMT -5
gurnard662 welcome to HPC. Three FM Detectives over the past month, that is a nice score. How were the prices? Just wondering if the Girsan PI and PI alloy have impacted the prices of the FM Detective, and if so, to what degree. Regarding your frame with the 13- serial number, some images and any markings on the frame might be of help. I have not seen the 13- and there is no definitive serial number reference for FM HP pistols that we are aware of. That said, there are some examples with a two digit number, a dash, then the balance of the serial number. I found one with an 07- which was one of the early FM HPs produced under the licensing agreement with FN. Maybe your frame is of the period/vintage. So not a stretch to think 13- serial number was also potentially used. As you state, the Detective slide if from a kit with the 1C number, together with a possible FN licensed FM frame. From Atlantic Firearms, note the "Licencia FN Browning) on the slide. atlanticfirearms.com/fn-browning-hi-power-surplus-argentine07- serial number
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