|
Post by tnorris on Feb 9, 2021 22:15:58 GMT -5
Hello Gramberg,
Re the hard to rack the slide thing... have you considered the BHSS Buffered Recoil Spring Guide Rod? Installing it with the lightest spring makes it easier to rack the slide. Mark at BHSS could also run you through options for using a lighter recoil spring and appropriate FP spring.
I would replace all the springs (extractor spring) and check the extractor for wear, probably test a good standard strength recoil spring. They all kinda work together... if the timing isn't right from a worn spring or the wrong spring it's just not gonna function right. Again... get the springs from BHSS. They also do amazing work. Mark is a High Power magician.
The *V is written to have been used by the inspector of proof (Macon Isidor) who was at FN from 1929 to 1953. Because of the matching serial numbers (a complete matching number pistol) and the external extractor it should have been made after 1962 which is not within the tenure Macon.
I don't recall seeing that particular FN Browning roll mark. I'd like to see more pictures of the strange markings and hope a couple other guys wander by.
Cheers,
Tim
|
|
|
Post by ToddSig on Feb 9, 2021 23:19:50 GMT -5
Gramberg, welcome to the forum. My best guess is that you have an FM Argentine Hi Power. Probably made near the end of the FN/FM contract, or as FM transitioned into the making their own Hi Power copy the M90. There are no Belgian proof marks on the barrel, it should have the Proof of Leige Mark, sometimes referred to as a honeybee shape as well as the lacking full FN or Browning roll marks as Tim points out. Additionally the odd mark, which looks like a ch, just above the serial number on the barrel is a mark FM of Argentina uses. Below is an image from the barrel of my FM M90 Hi Power with the same mark. I will leave the function issues to some of the more experienced gunsmithing and armorer folks. Hope this helps.
|
|
|
Post by pjk9hp on Apr 16, 2021 3:20:50 GMT -5
The odd mark that ToddSig has shown represents the image of the "Monumento a La Bandera" (Flag Monument) located in the city of Rosario in Santa Fe, Argentina where the FM factory is situated.
|
|
|
Post by ToddSig on Apr 17, 2021 16:53:00 GMT -5
pjk9hp, good to see you posting. Thanks for the info on the FM Rosario logo and what it relates to. Off topic, as an FEG enthusiast did you see the interesting thread with a lot of detailed and previously unknown info on FEG?
|
|
|
Post by gravey479 on Jul 26, 2021 20:22:51 GMT -5
My High Power serial number T293941 can anyone identify year and make?
|
|
|
Post by tnorris on Jul 26, 2021 21:09:58 GMT -5
My High Power serial number T293941 can anyone identify year and make?
Welcome - first post!
Probably 1969- 1971?
The chart at the Browning website is not completely accurate.
Link at the top of this thread... and here.
There may be date codes on some of the parts (firing pin retaining plate, trigger guard, barrel, hammer, inside bottom of slide), and they may be different, indicating the quarter of the year each part was made/stamped. You will be looking for a number inside a diamond or partial diamond if it was stamped after 1967. An "8" inside a four sided diamond shape would be the first quarter of 1968, a one sided diamond (upper left side) would be forth quarter 1968. If there is one somewhere on the frame, I generally use that as a "production date" and it is usually the last date of all of the parts. I'd guess there are exceptions!
It was commonly called the T series, for the serial number which begins with the letter T. All High Powers (and Browning High Powers) were made by Fabrique Nationale Herstal, Belgium. This should be roll markrd on the left side of the slide. Other companies made clones and licensed copies... sounds like yours is from FNH (FN) by the T serial number.
Hope this helps... post some in focus closeup pictures of qualifying marks if you can!
Cheers,
Tim
|
|
|
Post by cmdrcody on Sept 22, 2021 10:28:40 GMT -5
I just got an older high power sn# 55537 What would be possible dates of manufacturing?
|
|
|
Post by ToddSig on Sept 22, 2021 10:49:35 GMT -5
CmdrCody, that brings back high school memories, Hot Rod Lincoln and Down to Seeds and Stems. Have to head over to Youtube and give a listen Thanks for posting, from the serial number, if not a contract pistol, probably early to mid 1950s. From the images I cant make out enough details, so please take a look at let us know the following. On the barrel, non serial number side, let us know what the letter laying on its side with an asterisk above it is (a lower case b or a D??). This will give us an inspectors name and date range. Also, on the barrel foot, serial number side, next to the front foot curve, are some lines, box like with a number in it. Is it a 3? This is a production date mark, and could be 1953 or whatever the number is which relates to the year. Also, look for similar numbers within lines/box on the trigger, hammer, bottom of the grip, backside of the slide stop, underside of the slide etc. Many of the 1950s High Powers had production marks on parts beyond the barrel. Let us know what you find out and we should be able to get the production date for you.
|
|
|
Post by cmdrcody on Sept 22, 2021 16:42:23 GMT -5
It does have the lower case b on its side with the asterisk, the number in the box is 3.
My best estimate when I bought it as a trade in was early 50’s.
It’s in nice shape for the age. Bluing is very fine condition, but it looks like someone kept taking the slide stop out with an empty mag inserted because you have the idiot arc just to the left of Belgique in the Herstal Belgique on the slide. That’s pretty much the only blemish.
I already have some shooters, and I only have two spare internal extractors so I won’t shoot this one too often.
I didn’t have a hot rod Lincoln, but I did have a 1970 Olds 4-4-2. I always enjoyed when guys in high school (early 70’s) would look at the engine and tell me the 370 hp 455 wasn’t the correct engine for the car.
|
|
|
Post by tnorris on Sept 22, 2021 20:47:48 GMT -5
CmdrCody, I like to see the marks in the circled area. I have seen another one, dated to 1952, with SN 55,633. It would be helpful to see "the number in a partial box" for as many different parts as possible.
In 1950 this mark was on the other side of the pistol in the same location, and upside down.
Cheers,
Tim
|
|
|
Post by ToddSig on Sept 23, 2021 0:11:02 GMT -5
CmdrCody, 442 in High School, nice! I had a beat up Volvo, although my brother had a 1968 Camaro, 327 with 365 heads, competition cam, edelbrock manifold, Holley 4 barrel carb, Hurst shifter, dual exhausts and Cragar mags. It was a fun car. Nothing like American muscle.
Looking at the marks on your High Power, I dont think the inspection mark is a b, the asterisk should be on the top of the letter, and if rotated, it might be a q. The q mark was used by Gaspard Dewilde, from 1952-1968, and again from 1974-1984. Thanks for the clarification on the barrel production mark of a 3, which dates the part to 1953, box with open top 1st quarter of 1953, left and bottom only, 2nd quarter, top and sides 3rd quarter and top and right side 4th quarter. As Tim mentions, look at other parts for similar numbers in boxes, and with all of them should give you a close date of manufacture. Any other markings would also be helpful and might shed some light on the pistols origins.
I have an FN High Power, serial 40,230 with production marks from 1952.
|
|
|
Post by cmdrcody on Sept 23, 2021 18:59:00 GMT -5
I started with a 1960 VW bug my dad had bought in Germany. No radio, no fuel gauge, a reserve tank my sister always threw over but never told me until I ran out of gas before I got to the gas station. It did have a canvas sunroof which my buddies loved. I bought the Olds with money I’d saved up from my paper route, lawn mowing and monies I got for gifts from relatives. People were getting rid of the gas guzzlers so they were inexpensive.
Anyway my 3 has an open top so it looks like 1st quarter of 1953. I think I did okay for the purchase. It fits well with my other BHP’s.
|
|
|
Post by pjk9hp on Oct 20, 2021 11:44:28 GMT -5
pjk9hp, good to see you posting. Thanks for the info on the FM Rosario logo and what it relates to. Off topic, as an FEG enthusiast did you see the interesting thread with a lot of detailed and previously unknown info on FEG? Hi Todd! How are you? Apologize for the very late response. As to the recent release information of FEG by Laszlo, all I can say is "Hallelujah"!!! Now there's a sequel to Jerry's book on decoding the FEG and would probably known as "FEG Finally Decoded!" Very thankful that we have Laszlo here. Keep safe!
|
|
|
Post by jortiz on Apr 22, 2022 15:46:22 GMT -5
Hello, my BHP is made in FN HERSTAL BELGIQUE, and the serial number is plainly "0886", this is cryptic to me and hope to have someone help me find out more info on the gun, thanks in advance. Don't know how to add images to the post.
|
|
|
Post by tnorris on Apr 22, 2022 23:01:33 GMT -5
Hello, my BHP is made in FN HERSTAL BELGIQUE, and the serial number is plainly "0886", this is cryptic to me and hope to have someone help me find out more info on the gun, thanks in advance. Don't know how to add images to the post.
If you would like, you may email the to me and I will post with your permission.
tnorris@ameritech.net
Cheers,
Tim
|
|