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Post by rurallife on Feb 15, 2020 20:57:17 GMT -5
So this is my first Hi-Power. I’m hoping some of you can answer some questions. I know it’s a 1983 model. And it’s had the magazine disconnect thinger removed, wonderful trigger feel! But there’s some unusual things on this one that has me wondering, 1-What kind of grips are these? 2-What kind of safety control is this? Doesn’t look like most. 3-The paint? Looks like FN really laid it on heavy. Really FN? 4-And it does have an import mark, A E CO.  Company doesn’t show up on google. Probably too long ago for internet info? Hope the experts can fill me in on what I’ve got here!      |
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Post by Mister Coffee on Feb 16, 2020 12:53:23 GMT -5
You are in the right place. These folks are knowledgeable and will help you.
Good luck.
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Post by gt40doc on Feb 16, 2020 15:00:43 GMT -5
The grips are aftermarket.......they look like Hogue, but could be some other brand(not factory) The safety looks the be an FEG/Chas. Daley transplant. It is done often, and an excellent upgrade over the original(I have done it to 3 of my BHP) I am not sure about the paint, from your photos.
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Post by rurallife on Feb 17, 2020 4:16:05 GMT -5
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Post by CXM on Feb 17, 2020 10:30:48 GMT -5
First that is a nice HP you have there... I like it a lot...
Well... first off I agree the thumb safety is almost certainly a FEG (who made the Chas Daily version)which is IMHO the best HP thumb safety, which unfortunately is no longer available after FEG went out of business some years ago...
The grips are definitely after market, but unless there are some sort of markings that can't be seen from the outside I doubt you will ever be able to say with certainty exactly who made them... but I will add they are certainly nice looking, at least IMHO...
As to the finish, I would say it is some sort spray on product... no big surprise there... looking at the way the stuff has worn on the trigger I'd guess it is not gun specific... some 10 (more or less) years ago people were touting various consumer market paint products for cheap re-finishing of pistols... some looked pretty good when fresh, but wore out pretty fast... I'm guessing that is what you have... if that HP were mine, I'd strip the paint off and have it refinished in the Cera-coat that looks like a utility blue finish... it looks very much like the epoxy finish used by FN in the last years of HP production and wears very well too...
Nice catch you made...
V/r
Chuck
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Post by jonnyc on Feb 18, 2020 11:22:17 GMT -5
That doesn't look like the painted FN finish I've seen on other military contract BHP imports. I agree that it's some generic paint used to refinish an ugly pistol already in the US.
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Post by rurallife on Feb 18, 2020 13:26:31 GMT -5
That doesn't look like the painted FN finish I've seen on other military contract BHP imports. I agree that it's some generic paint used to refinish an ugly pistol already in the US. So I bought a POS, thanks |
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Post by tnorris on Feb 18, 2020 13:42:19 GMT -5
Tell us how it shoots!
I bought a 1960 HP recently with similar aftermarket grips. They were far too wide for me so I replaced them. If you don't like the safety lever, replace it. Same for the paint, sights, etc.
If she shoots well, you have a great first High Power! If she doesn't, you have a small project on your way to a great High power! Check out BHSpringSolutions (and other great HP places) to see what you might want to do or have done. Might be nothing more than replacing some springs. Might be a better finish and night sights... I'm a big fan of SFS, especially for a carry gun.
Enjoy!!!
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Post by bart on Feb 18, 2020 15:07:23 GMT -5
That doesn't look like the painted FN finish I've seen on other military contract BHP imports. I agree that it's some generic paint used to refinish an ugly pistol already in the US. So I bought a POS, thanks No, it's a nice pistol. Shoot it and have fun. I'd probably change the grips though to something that has some checkering to help with the grip. |
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Post by rurallife on Feb 18, 2020 15:08:03 GMT -5
Thank you for the encouragement. Did I want an E series thumbprint, little grip plate thing in perfect alignment, basically in very nice and decent shape? Why yes I did, but the price is unfortunately out of my reach. I can handle corksniffers, I went for a great Japanese Les Paul Burst copy instead of a Gibson at half the price, so I'm no stranger to deep pocket guys giving me the business.
I actually got what I wanted. I don't have to worry about putting the first scratch on it. And it's got the work on it I didn't have to. There's obviously a plethora of choices for grips, I'll run with these for now. And under the paint it appears this pistol is in great shape, thank you.
Thanks for all the info received so far.
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Post by Mister Coffee on Feb 18, 2020 15:54:59 GMT -5
That doesn't look like the painted FN finish I've seen on other military contract BHP imports. I agree that it's some generic paint used to refinish an ugly pistol already in the US. So I bought a POS, thanks I don't think that's what anybody meant. We are just talking about the finish. Enjoy the gun. It's a goodie. |
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Post by CXM on Feb 18, 2020 16:53:57 GMT -5
I didn't see anyone say you bought a POS... you bought a shooter grade HP and you seem to have gotten a shooter (or maybe a little better) grade gun... nothing wrong with that. If it works reliably and you are happy with it you have all you need or want... if you want something fancier, a reliable shooter can be easily restored to like new... it is all a matter of what you want. FWIW CHuck That doesn't look like the painted FN finish I've seen on other military contract BHP imports. I agree that it's some generic paint used to refinish an ugly pistol already in the US. So I bought a POS, thanks |
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Post by abninftr on Feb 18, 2020 18:18:33 GMT -5
That doesn't look like the painted FN finish I've seen on other military contract BHP imports. I agree that it's some generic paint used to refinish an ugly pistol already in the US. So I bought a POS, thanks You certainly did not buy a POS. What you have is a BHP that was set up for carry. That explains the aftermarket, possibly Hogue, grips and the aftermarket (easier to manipulate than the OEM), possibly Cylinder & Slide -- NOT FEG, safety lever, and the removal of the magazine disconnector. The finish also tells me the gun was loved and cared for, because whoever owned and carried it probably applied a finish (possibly enamel paint) that was available back in the day (1980s) to protect it from wear and rust. RE: The safety lever. Cylinder & Slide made the safety lever you see on your pistol almost from the day they started business. Others copied it. NOVAKS 45 Shop also made a slightly more refined version. I've used and use this same safety lever. I've also fitted it to some mates' pistols as well. |
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Post by warthogge on Feb 18, 2020 22:33:11 GMT -5
Hello Rurallife,
I have the same safety lever on one of my Hi Powers. I'd recognize the shape and plum colored finish anywhere. I'm a little surprised they mated it with what looks like the original hammer. I would love to have that gun and make it a project to change the sights, hammer and refinish. If it shoots and ejects well, you've got a nice gun. Enjoy!
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Post by jonnyc on Feb 19, 2020 7:56:34 GMT -5
That doesn't look like the painted FN finish I've seen on other military contract BHP imports. I agree that it's some generic paint used to refinish an ugly pistol already in the US. So I bought a POS, thanks No, you bought an aesthetically-challenged BHP. BIG, HUGE difference. |
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Company doesn’t show up on google. Probably too long ago for internet info?
