Current prices?

[frankmc]

Hi.
New member here who is finally getting serious about buying a BHP in .40 S&W, but prices on GunBroker are making me wonder about the feasibility especially since there seems to be several hundred dollars worth of potential performance/reliability upgrades that are recommended.  
Do y'all expect these prices to increase, decrease or remain about the same going forward past the upcoming presidential election (depending upon who wins?)
I look forward to drinking from this fire hose of BHP knowledge!
V/r,
Frank

[tnorris]

I found one in June of 2019 for $650 with original case and materials, matte finish, one magazine and the original owner had night sights and a C&S trigger installed. Very clean and almost, very nearly un-fired. A friend was happy to pay $1200 a month ago for a near pristine blue version with no alterations and no case.

I hope prices will go back down next summer. There are deals out there...

A BHP40 should be pretty much ready to go. What are the several hundred dollars worth of potential performance/reliability upgrades you expect to invest in? I'm guessing most 40s weren't shot much. They aren't as old as most High Powers. Springs, SFS, new BHSS trigger, buffered recoil spring guide rod and possibly sights (the sights on the MKllls are pretty usable) are the things I might do.

My first BHP40 was a NIB closeout for $399 from CDNN. I think a couple other guys here found the same deal.

[frankmc]

Here are the upgrades I've come across in my review thus far. They're mainly a compilation of Cylinder and Slide and Blackhawk upgrades.

Trijicon tritium night sights are what I'm used to on our issued Glocks, but I really like the Heinie-type low profile three-dot tritium as they seem well suited for the BHP.

Additional work I am considering would be:

install an SFS system
throat feed ramp
deburr breach face
radius and polish center rail
polish and deburr all internal working surfaces
radius and tension the extractor
replace any and all springs as needed
polish the chamber
recrown muzzle if needed
remove magazine disconnect
either bevel mag well or install mag funnel
install extra power recoil spring
install wide ambi safety since I'm left handed
possibly install extended beavertail
possibly serrate top of slide
any necessary enhancements to the magazines
Cerekote

I'd appreciate any thoughts on the "must haves" vs the "nice to haves".

Thanks!

[jonfhp40]

Out of all you've listed, I think the only things I'd recommend, at least initially, would be a thorough re-springing, using BH Spring Solutions kit, components and tools as necessary.

If you can obtain OEM magazines with the NP3-like finish and the "mousetrap" spring, I'd recommend them, as the mousetrap spring and OEM followers are superior to Mec-Gar's aftermarket magazines for the .40 (although the Mec-Gar aftermarket magazines would be my follow-on recommendation)

If you go the SFS route, there's absolutely no reason to get an extended beavertail. Regardess of the SFS decision, I'd strongly recommend getting BH SS's extended slide stop/release (it's the one that is also part of the SFS kit-but for a .40, you'll need to file down the tab that actuates the slide hold-open follower interface; it's protrusion (necessary for smaller 9mm cartridges) will need to be reduced a bit to accomodate the larger .40 without causing operational issues).

I would also recomend the BH SS recoil buffer assembly to replace the OEM RSA guide rod.

I'd hold off on the extended mag well, as BH SS may have an excellent screw-on one available in the near future; I reviewed one of the prototypes in my ongoing review thread. BH SS will also have a significantly improved trigger kit in the VERY near future available for retail sale; I've also reviewed it.

Certainly in the near future, I see the value and buy-in price of the .40 Hight Powers continuing to ascend, particularly if there's a 10 round magazine restriction re-enacted; otherwise, prices will likely continue to ascend, as there were a more finite number of .40's produced, and they're a very nice package-sort of a High Power Improved.

You didn't mention grips; I'd consider one of BH SS's selections, or a Hogue or VZ G10 option. mproved grips can have a pleasently disproportonate improvement effect.

Right now, I'd invest in ammunition, Stephen Camp's excellent "The Shooter's Guide To The Browning Hi Power," ammunition, training as needed, and range/competion (such as IDPA) before performing any of the other hardware modifications.

Best, Jon

[frankmc]

Jon,

Thanks for your must appreciated and very informative reply!

Buying Camp's book was the first thing I did and even received a nice email from his wife Sandy in the process. That book should be required reading for the HP!

You actually answered my next question about additional OEM magazines. What is the best source for them and exact wording/description (especially the NP-3-like finish) to aid in the search and verification they're OEM?

I agree that the extended beavertail wouldn't be needed with the SFS. I originally thought the "bite" was due to the slide, but since then I have come to understand it's actually the hammer that does the biting.

Speaking of biting, I bit the bullet and just purchased a FN .40 and looking forward to having it in-hand in a few days.

Additional OEM mags are my next priority as they'll get scarce the quickest. If you happen to find a good source for them, please let me know if it's not too much trouble.

Thanks for the help brother!

Frank

[jonfhp40]

I beleve there were 2 different finishes appplied to the contract magzines Mec-Gar provided to FN/Browning: Originally, those with the NP3-like silver finish, and then I believe I saw some previously on either the FN or Browning website that had the mousetrap spring, but appeared to be a matte blue/black/dark gray of some sort.

If you have the magazine safety retained, the NP3-type finished tube might be a bit more ideal. The OEM magazines for the .40 pistols, regardless of finish will be sporting the magazine mousestrap spring, so be on the lookout for that.

In terms of sourcing, I have no brilliant insights-try the various auction sites, forums, ebay and parts warehouses would be my best suggestion; here are some examples that a quick ebay search came up with:  www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=Hi+Power+.40+magazine&_sacat=0

Here's some as on Numrich's website:  www.gunpartscorp.com/gun-manufacturer/browning/auto-pistols-brown/hi-power/magazines-hi-power

At the end of the day, the new Mec-Gar magazines will likely be just fine.

Best, Jon

[tnorris]

I had to think about this for a few days...

I'm pretty happy with the Meprolight sights BHSS installed last year.

Larger glowing part than the Trijicon sights that came with my second BHP40.

install an SFS system

install wide ambi safety since I'm left handed

Do this, SFS.

throat feed ramp
deburr breach face
radius and polish center rail
polish and deburr all internal working surfaces

radius and tension the extractor

It's a modern MKlll... should not be needed?

replace any and all springs as needed

Absolutely. Go to BHSS for springs, and nowhere else.

polish the chamber

recrown muzzle if needed

Maybe... maybe not needed.

either bevel mag well or install mag funnel

possibly serrate top of slide

Unnecessary fancy stuff...?

The part Jon mentioned is pretty cool.

possibly install extended beavertail

An abomination, since you asked me.

SFS cures hammer bite.

remove magazine disconnect

any necessary enhancements to the magazines

You will want the new BHSS Advanced Trigger Assembly when it is available.

It does not have a magazine disconnect. No other trigger work will be needed.

You will need no enhancements to magazines to have them eject in a very positive manner.

You will thank me (and Jon!) for this... I have one in my carry pistol and want 10 more.

install extra power recoil spring

The BHSS Buffered Recoil Spring Guide Rod makes a huge difference in my 40s.

Cerekote

Refinishing is always a matter of individual taste. Hoping I don't sound like a broken record... BHSS is doing some really beautiful work. Take a look at their Masterpiece Maker program. It would be quite simple to have a refinish done through BHSS and have Mark install and optimize all the extras before it comes home to you. Talk about that other polising stuff with Mark and see what his recommendations are.

I've had three High Powers through BHSS for optimizing... two of them were refinished. I am extremely pleased!

You will love the BHP40 as it comes.

Good luck with your upgrade choices when you acquire one!

[frankmc]

I see two types of OEM BHP .40 magazines for sale..."standard" and "practical".

Is there any difference other than the rubber floor plate on the "practical" version?

Is one generally preferred over the other?

I like the rubber floor plates on my Wilson 1911 magazines a lot.

My pistol should be arriving this coming Monday...Christmas is coming early!

[Bob Reed]

Excluding the late model blackened magazine tubes that Jon mentioned, the rubber base pad is the only difference.

[ToddSig]

The correct magazine for the .40 S&W, either Standard (blued) or the MKIII (eoxy finish)is the flat floorplate.

The Silver Chrome (hard chrome) and Practical (black epoxy slide, hard chrome frame) both which could be purchased in .40S&W or 9mm came with Pachmayr Signature grips and Pachmayr rubber pads on the magazine.

Many Hi Power owners like the rubber pads and use them on all versions of the HI Power. So a matter of taste.

Midwest Gunworks offers both Browning branded mags with and without pads for the .40 S&W Hi Power

www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/prod/11205

Great source for all mags, particularly Mec-Gar is Greg Cote, great prices and fast shipping.

gregcotellc.com/cart/browning-mecgar-magazines-c-121/?zenid=0bgj67vmfhvnj6jcc5n1slhtc5


If you do decide to upgrade sights, make sure you look into Novak sights. All you need to do is send them your slide, and in about a week or so, they send it back. Great work.

www.novaksights.com/Products.aspx?CAT=9527


Todd