Post by jonfhp40 on Oct 6, 2020 16:22:42 GMT -5
Mark Allen, one of the partners at BH Spring Solutions, is both exceptionally knowledgeable on all things High Power-and an exceptionally persistant guy. As many of you know, I'm actively collaborating with them with many of their offerings and improved components for the High Power, specifically with my MK III .40.
Mark has been regaling/nagging me (in a friendly way) for about a year about how I might want to install the SFS. Equally persistantly, I said "No." Repeatedly. I simply didn't see the merit in it for me, and in fact many of the improvements he touted it provided were in fact already in place on mine without going the SFS route.
Mark, being Mark, in spite of my reluctance, simply shipped me an SFS kit, the mid-level Tactical one, which included the SFS conversion and an ambidexterous magazine release system. On it's arrival, I laughed, called Mark, and thanked him for the new desk ornament he sent me-but I was intrigued by the ambi magazine release, which I promptly installed, and has remained on my High Power.
Until recently, the SFS kit languished on my desk. However, Mark's continued advocacy gradually seeped into me, and, I agreed, at least out of fairness and the desire to gain some hands-on experience with it to install it on my High Power, which I did after concluding my testing and evaluation of the BH Spring Solutions prototype magwell system.
Why was I reluctant? Well, many, if not most of the advantages to be derived from the installation of the BH SS SFS kit have already been accomplished via installation of earlier BH SS components-My High Power already had incorporated the BH SS complete spring upgrade, with all the OEM springs replaced (except for the sear spring-more on that in a bit), so I had the 30# mainspring, improved trigger action/triggerpull achieved with their prototype trigger action system revision kit, the improved RDIH extended slidestop (providing a more ergonomic slidestop as well as simplifying field-stripping), the ambi magazine release and several varieties of BH SS grips.
Plus, to me, the High Power is a classic firearm, and while mine didn't have the older ring hammer, I liked the appearance of the contemporary OEM spur hammer. I'm not afflicted by hammer bite from it, and my gunsmith, Chris at C.a.R Firearms, had beveled the sides and back of the hammer and then refinished it for me to make it a little more user friendly and comfortable, especially for IWB carry. Conversely, I simply didn't like the aesthetics of the SFS abbreviated spur hammer profile-I thought it looked a bit goofy, like a serif font letter.
So, you can correctly deduce that while I was commited to being openminded and objective about the SFS system, my inclination was that it would be an install, objectively and sxubjectively tested and evaluated, and then removed, and I would and re-install the OEM action system (another great thing about most of the improved components BH Spring Solutions provides is that they're structurally unobtrusive; if you don't like them, you simply un-install and reinstall the OEM components, as their installation required zero mods to the pistol itself, at least concerning the components I'm concerned with; there is a BH SS Picatinney rail system kit available that does require drilling and tapping the frame, but I'm not gonna go that route personally. Suffice it to say my initial advocacy of SFS was pretty low; while I didn't perceive it a a blandisment on John Browning per se, I didn't really think it was necessary, at least for me.
Mark and Slav at BH SS provide a holistic approach tot he SFS system, as they do with most of their offerings. On the system spec sheet, they provide a detailed list of 20 benefits to be derived from the BH SS SFS system;
bhspringsolutions.com/index.php/product/fast-safety-sfs-v2-0-tactical-for-hi-power/
From what I can derive, the SFS system was designed in-house by FN engineers, specifically with engineer Leon Hubert as one of, if not the primary designer, in the 1980s, to make High Power organizational sales more viable to organizations who were reluctant to go with a pistol that was most effective in a cocked-and-locked mode, with the hammer visibly cocked back. Similarly, there was resistance growing to choosing or sticking with a single-action platform, as the 1980 was the start of the explosive proliferation of the DA/SA action, which many organizations saw as intrinsically safer (to both the operator and the public). The SFS system provides a partially pre-cocked hammer, stored/holstered in "hammer down" mode; if needed, the pistol is drawn, taken off safe, upon which time that deactivating the safety lever concurrently cocked the hammer mechanically-it simply flips back to the cocked position when deactivating the safety lever, and is ready to fire in the SA mode. To decock, you simply (literally) push the hammer forward, which de-cocks the gun, as well as mechanically automatically moving the safety levers into the "on safe" mode. Apparently, upon his retirement from FN, Leon Hubert was allowed to take his SFS patent with him; it's apparently been marketed to Daewoo on their DA/SA service pistol for the Korean Army, and commercially offered briefly as an FN option on the High Power on FN (NOT Browning) marketed High Powers, and as an option offered for many years by Cylinder & Slide. Leon has marketed it under his RDIH company, and apparently has licensed it to Daewoo, and Cylinder & Slide still has it up on their website as available (at the same price point as BH SS, at least for the basic SFS kit).
To me the SFS kit from BH Spring Solutions is the better value, as it provides more value and options, and intrinsically comes with 2 sear springs providing different triggerpull weights and two safety lever springs.
Mark really wanted me to install the SFS on my own so that I could experience and discuss that aspect of the system too; he provided me with the necessary punches and an exceptionally usefull and easily used "Third Hand Tool" to keep the OEM hammer held back when detail disassembling, to both facilitate the disassembly as well as preventing it from unrestrainedly springing forward and possibly damaging the slideless frame. While the kit comes with a detailed instruction sheets and diagrams, only an engineer or patent attorney would appreciate them; they're technically quite correct, but in "engineerish," very difficult for a layman to easily and intuitively grasp.
Fortunately, BH SS has a very detailed collection of YouTube library videos. You'll need to watch Mark Allen's older one from a couple of years earlier first, as it provides detailed and easily followed disassembly instructions; when all the disassembly steps necessary for SFS installation has been accomplished, I strongly recommending switching to partner Slav's updated video (only a couple of months old) for the actual installation of the SFS system on a partially disassembled frame-the detailed step-by-step video guidance and discussion is excellent, and very easily followed.
I also had an opportunity to deep-clean a significant portion of my frame, but as I previously commented on when installing the BH SS optimized spring kit, simply not a lot of GSR and dirt/dust/gunk seems to get into and accumulate in the High Power frame. So essentially, I dusted and applied a light film of protectant (Weapon Shield) to the frame interior, and then wiped it dry. The same was done to all the SFS components prior to installation. I also applied a light coat of Lucas Red "N" Tacky #2 grease to the main safety lever axle, and also on the smaller axle that engages the SFS cocking hook piece.
I will say that the videos really make the disassembly, OEM component removals, and SFS component installation exceptionally easy; as long as you have the basic tools (and ideally an armorer's block) necessary, it's a pretty simple and straightforward task, easily owner accomplished, in less than an hour. (Actually, far less time is really required, but I meticulously did it step-by-step in conjunction with the videos).
Here are some of my initial thoughts and discussion after the SFS installation:
-The single biggest advantage to it is comfort, as the abbreviated hammer spur, which in it's pre-cocked position (similar to a hammer at a half-cock position) simply doesn't prutrude into your side at all. That good for your side, and less likely to wear holes in concealment garments
-The system provides a much easier and safer decocking process for the High Power
-The system seems to be very durable, reliable and safe; I've literally never encountered any discussions of it failing or breaking
-Mark claims that the SFS returns John Browning's internal tolerencing back to the High Power, presumably making it more durable and reliable over the long run in particular. While I've never had any real issues with Saive's modifications, it's an intriguing historical, and perhaps operational point.
-While the SFS abbreviated "serif" looking hammer doesn't seem as balanced to the eye aesthetically to me as does the OEM spur or ring hammers, particularly when back in its full cock position when the safety is released, it actually has kind of an Art Deco look when in repose, pushed forward. It's started to grow on me, frankly. And historically, until modern times (i.e., likely post 1980), High Powers by the vast majority of users were likely probably carried hammer down on an empty chamber as opposed to cocked-and-locked, so there's some historical versimilitude inherent to the SFS in it's carry mode.
-The SFS system inherently provides a drop safety; my Mark III inherently has the FN drop safety lever as well, so I guess it gives me a "belt and suspenders" approach to things, but it's a nice benefit to owners of older High Powers without an OEM drop safety system
-The SFS slide stop is much more ergonomic and accessible for me then the OEM slide stop, and it also expedites field-stripping-with it, you don't need to first lock the slide back, you just push slightly up and you can remove the slide assembly off the frame.
-I find the SFS manual safety levers to be a bit more ergonomic then the OEM "banana" safety levers, and you simply cannot inadvertantly safe the gun by pushing up on the lever; the safety lever is automatically cammed into place concurrently by pushing the SFS hammer foward.
-I'm no gunsmith or engineer, but at first blush there seems to be a striking similarity between the SFS hammer and it's internal coil spring and HK's LEM mechanical arraingement, which has certainly proven to be rugged and reliable.
-The SFS is ideal for holstering while thumbing on the hammer, aditionally ensuring the weapon is easily and safely holstered.
BH Spring Solutions provides not only two sear springs, it also provbides a much simpler sear spring installation and removal, requiring only removing the grips to switch. I have chosen the slightly heavier Type 2 spring, as prefer at least a 4-6 pound triggerpull weight. Two light of a sear spring can run the risk of weapon double fire; my Mark III is probably impervious to that, but I'll start with the heavier spring, which provides an excellent trigger pull weight to my feel, at least in dryfire practice so far.
So-am I converted? We'll see over time, but I'm much more impressed than I anticipated. I just hate having to now acknowledge Mark Allen's likely forthcoming "I told you so..."
Some images of my Mk III with the SFS installed:
Best, Jon
Mark has been regaling/nagging me (in a friendly way) for about a year about how I might want to install the SFS. Equally persistantly, I said "No." Repeatedly. I simply didn't see the merit in it for me, and in fact many of the improvements he touted it provided were in fact already in place on mine without going the SFS route.
Mark, being Mark, in spite of my reluctance, simply shipped me an SFS kit, the mid-level Tactical one, which included the SFS conversion and an ambidexterous magazine release system. On it's arrival, I laughed, called Mark, and thanked him for the new desk ornament he sent me-but I was intrigued by the ambi magazine release, which I promptly installed, and has remained on my High Power.
Until recently, the SFS kit languished on my desk. However, Mark's continued advocacy gradually seeped into me, and, I agreed, at least out of fairness and the desire to gain some hands-on experience with it to install it on my High Power, which I did after concluding my testing and evaluation of the BH Spring Solutions prototype magwell system.
Why was I reluctant? Well, many, if not most of the advantages to be derived from the installation of the BH SS SFS kit have already been accomplished via installation of earlier BH SS components-My High Power already had incorporated the BH SS complete spring upgrade, with all the OEM springs replaced (except for the sear spring-more on that in a bit), so I had the 30# mainspring, improved trigger action/triggerpull achieved with their prototype trigger action system revision kit, the improved RDIH extended slidestop (providing a more ergonomic slidestop as well as simplifying field-stripping), the ambi magazine release and several varieties of BH SS grips.
Plus, to me, the High Power is a classic firearm, and while mine didn't have the older ring hammer, I liked the appearance of the contemporary OEM spur hammer. I'm not afflicted by hammer bite from it, and my gunsmith, Chris at C.a.R Firearms, had beveled the sides and back of the hammer and then refinished it for me to make it a little more user friendly and comfortable, especially for IWB carry. Conversely, I simply didn't like the aesthetics of the SFS abbreviated spur hammer profile-I thought it looked a bit goofy, like a serif font letter.
So, you can correctly deduce that while I was commited to being openminded and objective about the SFS system, my inclination was that it would be an install, objectively and sxubjectively tested and evaluated, and then removed, and I would and re-install the OEM action system (another great thing about most of the improved components BH Spring Solutions provides is that they're structurally unobtrusive; if you don't like them, you simply un-install and reinstall the OEM components, as their installation required zero mods to the pistol itself, at least concerning the components I'm concerned with; there is a BH SS Picatinney rail system kit available that does require drilling and tapping the frame, but I'm not gonna go that route personally. Suffice it to say my initial advocacy of SFS was pretty low; while I didn't perceive it a a blandisment on John Browning per se, I didn't really think it was necessary, at least for me.
Mark and Slav at BH SS provide a holistic approach tot he SFS system, as they do with most of their offerings. On the system spec sheet, they provide a detailed list of 20 benefits to be derived from the BH SS SFS system;
bhspringsolutions.com/index.php/product/fast-safety-sfs-v2-0-tactical-for-hi-power/
From what I can derive, the SFS system was designed in-house by FN engineers, specifically with engineer Leon Hubert as one of, if not the primary designer, in the 1980s, to make High Power organizational sales more viable to organizations who were reluctant to go with a pistol that was most effective in a cocked-and-locked mode, with the hammer visibly cocked back. Similarly, there was resistance growing to choosing or sticking with a single-action platform, as the 1980 was the start of the explosive proliferation of the DA/SA action, which many organizations saw as intrinsically safer (to both the operator and the public). The SFS system provides a partially pre-cocked hammer, stored/holstered in "hammer down" mode; if needed, the pistol is drawn, taken off safe, upon which time that deactivating the safety lever concurrently cocked the hammer mechanically-it simply flips back to the cocked position when deactivating the safety lever, and is ready to fire in the SA mode. To decock, you simply (literally) push the hammer forward, which de-cocks the gun, as well as mechanically automatically moving the safety levers into the "on safe" mode. Apparently, upon his retirement from FN, Leon Hubert was allowed to take his SFS patent with him; it's apparently been marketed to Daewoo on their DA/SA service pistol for the Korean Army, and commercially offered briefly as an FN option on the High Power on FN (NOT Browning) marketed High Powers, and as an option offered for many years by Cylinder & Slide. Leon has marketed it under his RDIH company, and apparently has licensed it to Daewoo, and Cylinder & Slide still has it up on their website as available (at the same price point as BH SS, at least for the basic SFS kit).
To me the SFS kit from BH Spring Solutions is the better value, as it provides more value and options, and intrinsically comes with 2 sear springs providing different triggerpull weights and two safety lever springs.
Mark really wanted me to install the SFS on my own so that I could experience and discuss that aspect of the system too; he provided me with the necessary punches and an exceptionally usefull and easily used "Third Hand Tool" to keep the OEM hammer held back when detail disassembling, to both facilitate the disassembly as well as preventing it from unrestrainedly springing forward and possibly damaging the slideless frame. While the kit comes with a detailed instruction sheets and diagrams, only an engineer or patent attorney would appreciate them; they're technically quite correct, but in "engineerish," very difficult for a layman to easily and intuitively grasp.
Fortunately, BH SS has a very detailed collection of YouTube library videos. You'll need to watch Mark Allen's older one from a couple of years earlier first, as it provides detailed and easily followed disassembly instructions; when all the disassembly steps necessary for SFS installation has been accomplished, I strongly recommending switching to partner Slav's updated video (only a couple of months old) for the actual installation of the SFS system on a partially disassembled frame-the detailed step-by-step video guidance and discussion is excellent, and very easily followed.
I also had an opportunity to deep-clean a significant portion of my frame, but as I previously commented on when installing the BH SS optimized spring kit, simply not a lot of GSR and dirt/dust/gunk seems to get into and accumulate in the High Power frame. So essentially, I dusted and applied a light film of protectant (Weapon Shield) to the frame interior, and then wiped it dry. The same was done to all the SFS components prior to installation. I also applied a light coat of Lucas Red "N" Tacky #2 grease to the main safety lever axle, and also on the smaller axle that engages the SFS cocking hook piece.
I will say that the videos really make the disassembly, OEM component removals, and SFS component installation exceptionally easy; as long as you have the basic tools (and ideally an armorer's block) necessary, it's a pretty simple and straightforward task, easily owner accomplished, in less than an hour. (Actually, far less time is really required, but I meticulously did it step-by-step in conjunction with the videos).
Here are some of my initial thoughts and discussion after the SFS installation:
-The single biggest advantage to it is comfort, as the abbreviated hammer spur, which in it's pre-cocked position (similar to a hammer at a half-cock position) simply doesn't prutrude into your side at all. That good for your side, and less likely to wear holes in concealment garments
-The system provides a much easier and safer decocking process for the High Power
-The system seems to be very durable, reliable and safe; I've literally never encountered any discussions of it failing or breaking
-Mark claims that the SFS returns John Browning's internal tolerencing back to the High Power, presumably making it more durable and reliable over the long run in particular. While I've never had any real issues with Saive's modifications, it's an intriguing historical, and perhaps operational point.
-While the SFS abbreviated "serif" looking hammer doesn't seem as balanced to the eye aesthetically to me as does the OEM spur or ring hammers, particularly when back in its full cock position when the safety is released, it actually has kind of an Art Deco look when in repose, pushed forward. It's started to grow on me, frankly. And historically, until modern times (i.e., likely post 1980), High Powers by the vast majority of users were likely probably carried hammer down on an empty chamber as opposed to cocked-and-locked, so there's some historical versimilitude inherent to the SFS in it's carry mode.
-The SFS system inherently provides a drop safety; my Mark III inherently has the FN drop safety lever as well, so I guess it gives me a "belt and suspenders" approach to things, but it's a nice benefit to owners of older High Powers without an OEM drop safety system
-The SFS slide stop is much more ergonomic and accessible for me then the OEM slide stop, and it also expedites field-stripping-with it, you don't need to first lock the slide back, you just push slightly up and you can remove the slide assembly off the frame.
-I find the SFS manual safety levers to be a bit more ergonomic then the OEM "banana" safety levers, and you simply cannot inadvertantly safe the gun by pushing up on the lever; the safety lever is automatically cammed into place concurrently by pushing the SFS hammer foward.
-I'm no gunsmith or engineer, but at first blush there seems to be a striking similarity between the SFS hammer and it's internal coil spring and HK's LEM mechanical arraingement, which has certainly proven to be rugged and reliable.
-The SFS is ideal for holstering while thumbing on the hammer, aditionally ensuring the weapon is easily and safely holstered.
BH Spring Solutions provides not only two sear springs, it also provbides a much simpler sear spring installation and removal, requiring only removing the grips to switch. I have chosen the slightly heavier Type 2 spring, as prefer at least a 4-6 pound triggerpull weight. Two light of a sear spring can run the risk of weapon double fire; my Mark III is probably impervious to that, but I'll start with the heavier spring, which provides an excellent trigger pull weight to my feel, at least in dryfire practice so far.
So-am I converted? We'll see over time, but I'm much more impressed than I anticipated. I just hate having to now acknowledge Mark Allen's likely forthcoming "I told you so..."
Some images of my Mk III with the SFS installed:
Best, Jon