The New FN High Power Forgotten Weapons Review

wvsig

wvsig

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish...
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I have to admit I am a fanboy of Ian McCullon of Forgot Weapons so I am biased. He of course knows his stuff but isn't as mainstream as a lot of the "objective" reviewers these days. He really gives a nice overview of the pistol and what is new and improved and what was retained. The best part of the entire video is when he calls it like the New Ford Bronco. It is reaching back to the nostalgia of the original but in the end it is only a Bronco in name and if you dropped them back to back you see the limitations of the older design.

 
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wvsig said:
... if you dropped them back to back you see the limitations of the older design.
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Maybe. But it depends on what you mean by "limitations". If you put them side by side (especially an older commercial genuine Browning Hi Power) you definitely see differences.

In 1973, and upon getting my first job out of graduate school, I bought a Hi Power new -- in a Chicago suburb -- for $175. Made in Belgium (possibly one of the last, or so I heard at the time). Beautiful gun. Elegant design. The only thing I ever did to it was to put Pachmayr grips on it, stone various surfaces, and (just a few years ago) put better (fixed) sights on it. I still have it and it's still beautiful. Everyone who's ever shot it found it to be wonderful.

I just don't have anything like the same reaction to what I'm seeing in the new "version" in this video. And -- however much I love Brownings -- if I wanted a gun of this size and configuration, I wouldn't pick one of the new copies, clones, or even one of the current "improved" genuine Brownings. To me they're not obviously what John Browning would do at all. They're "pretend Brownings". But that's just my (mostly emotional) reaction ato them. :)
 
711b said:
Maybe. But it depends on what you mean by "limitations". If you put them side by side (especially an older commercial genuine Browning Hi Power) you definitely see differences.

In 1973, and upon getting my first job out of graduate school, I bought a Hi Power new -- in a Chicago suburb -- for $175. Made in Belgium (possibly one of the last, or so I heard at the time). Beautiful gun. Elegant design. The only thing I ever did to it was to put Pachmayr grips on it, stone various surfaces, and (just a few years ago) put better (fixed) sights on it. I still have it and it's still beautiful. Everyone who's ever shot it found it to be wonderful.

I just don't have anything like the same reaction to what I'm seeing in the new "version" in this video. And -- however much I love Brownings -- if I wanted a gun of this size and configuration, I wouldn't pick one of the new copies, clones, or even one of the current "improved" genuine Brownings. To me they're not obviously what John Browning would do at all. They're "pretend Brownings". But that's just my (mostly emotional) reaction ato them. :)
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Ok I own a 73C I also own this T series

ONhDhcy.jpg


Look at the sights. Look at the thumb safety it was state of the art in 1935. By todays standards it is not serviceable pistol. Is it amazing and valuable? YES! Also the gun you own and shoot was not design by JMB. The idea he designed it is a huge part of the misplaced nostalgia. Your comments speak 100% to the Bronco analogy. LMAO
 
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wvsig said:
Also the gun you own and shoot was not design by JMB. I idea he designed it is a huge part of the misplaced nostalgia.
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I know that -- except that Browning was definitely involved in the design. And some of the features were compelled by the French military. But the fact remains that it is an elegant pistol in ways that the copies and more contemporary improvements are not. In fact, it is that elegance that they are attempting to recover.

The safety is easily replaced if you feel the need. The grips are easily replaced. But I think that no one -- including you -- would confuse the elegance of the original with its lack in the newer versions. There is no misplaced nostalgia here. I don't care if Browning himself fully designed the pistol. I don't care who was involved in it. I care about the result.

And again, if I wanted a pistol of that size and capability to actually use as a practical matter in most circumstances, I would choose neither the original nor one of its "Bronco" copies. There are many better choices nowadays from several makers. It was, after all, an early 20th century military pistol -- that various contemporary makers are attempting to leverage in today's market. Laugh whatever part of your anatomy off that you prefer. Perhaps our tastes simply differ. :)
 
711b said:
I know that -- except that Browning was definitely involved in the design. And some of the features were compelled by the French military. But the fact remains that it is an elegant pistol in ways that the copies and more contemporary improvements are not. In fact, it is that elegance that they are attempting to recover.

The safety is easily replaced if you feel the need. The grips are easily replaced. But I think that no one -- including you -- would confuse the elegance of the original with its lack in the newer versions. There is no misplaced nostalgia here. I don't care if Browning himself fully designed the pistol. I don't care who was involved in it. I care about the result.

And again, if I wanted a pistol of that size and capability to actually use as a practical matter in most circumstances, I would choose neither the original nor one of its "Bronco" copies. There are many better choices nowadays from several makers. It was, after all, an early 20th century military pistol -- that various contemporary makers are attempting to leverage in today's market. Laugh whatever part of your anatomy off that you prefer. Perhaps our tastes simply differ. :)
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Man you have no idea who you are talking to. Poke around and you will find there is not another member of this forum who loves fhe BHP more than I do. Ask around seriously.

To quote some guy with the last name of Yost once told me the BHP is a good pistol to make it great it needs a trigger job, great sights and a great thumb safety.

Any of the ones I have in my stable have just these modifications if they are for real use. Keep doing you I will keep doing me… I love FNGs

PS JMB was long dead when the gun we call the BHP was developed. He did the original design based on Saives mag and then never worked on the project again.
 
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wvsig said:
Man you have no idea who you are talking to. Poke around and you will find there is not another member of this forum who loves fhe BHP more than I do. Ask around seriously.

To quote some guy with the last name of Yost once told me the BHP is a good pistol to make it great it needs a trigger job, great sights and a great thumb safety.

Any of the ones I have in my stable have just these modifications if they are for real use. Keep doing you I will keep doing me… I love FNGs

PS JMB was long dead when the gun we call the BHP was developed. He did the original design based on Saives mag and then never worked on the project again.
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Your grace, no one doubts your superior knowledge in the Browning Hi-Power and its illustrious history, but I fear in this case you may be coming on a bit strong.
 
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Gaston said:
Your grace, no one doubts your superior knowledge in the Browning Hi-Power and its illustrious history, but I fear in this case you may be coming on a bit strong.
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Ok but a FNG telling me that my aesthetic for this particular platform does not lean towards the original is funny.

No need for formality. In the end it is just someone running their mouth on the wrong subject with the wrong person.

Also what rubbed me the wrong way is that he didn’t understand the whole point of the video and literally verbatim parhrased all of the criticisms the video addressed.
 
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wvsig said:
Ok I own a C73 I also own this T series

ONhDhcy.jpg


Look at the sights. Look at the thumb safety it was state of the art in 1935. By todays standards it is not serviceable pistol. Is it amazing and valuable? YES! Also the gun you own and shoot was not design by JMB. The idea he designed it is a huge part of the misplaced nostalgia. Your comments speak 100% to the Bronco analogy. LMAO
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Just out of shear curiosity, what “standards” make it unserviceable today?
 
Chdamn said:
Just out of shear curiosity, what “standards” make it unserviceable today?
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The sights are really poor vs your most basic 2022 design. On a pre MKIII there are no direct replacements. The thumb safety is small and it’s SOP is different than the way most people use a thumb safety today.

In the world of fullsized 9mm handguns 13+1 or even 15+1 is lacking but that is nitpicking.

To me its like do you want to field a WWII setup 1911 for defense or a more modern example? It is not that the older 1911 can’t get the job done but there are better tools for the job.

For me when it comes to the BHP I like to upgrade the older platform so I can have more modern useable firearm contained in an old school package.

That is the appeal of the SA35. The step up are things like this.

5512724F-9FB3-4343-9E4D-72E8E6A1EF1E.jpeg
 
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wvsig said:
The sights are really poor vs your most basic 2022 design. On a pre MKIII there are no direct replacements. The thumb safety is small and it’s SOP is different than the way most people use a thumb safety today.

In the world of fullsized 9mm handguns 13+1 or even 15+1 is lacking but that is nitpicking.

To me its like do you want to field a WWII setup 1911 for defense or a more modern example? It is not that the older 1911 can’t get the job done but there are better tools for the job.

For me when it comes to the BHP I like to upgrade the older platform so I can have more modern useable firearm contained in an old school package.
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Ok. But I’m not sure how any of that falls into the category of unserviceable.

To me that’s like comparing a Ferrari to a WWII jeep.

The first is really nice and really fast. As long as you pay to service it and put the most expensive fluids in it.


The other can go anywhere. Just not as prettily.
 
Chdamn said:
Ok. But I’m not sure how any of that falls into the category of unserviceable.

To me that’s like comparing a Ferrari to a WWII jeep.

The first is really nice and really fast. As long as you pay to service it and put the most expensive fluids in it.


The other can go anywhere. Just not as prettily.
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I think there is more to it than that. The Ferrari is amazing if you want to go fast on good roads or a track. The jeep is good for off road and is more of an all around vehicle.

The BHP the FNG is referring to is neither. It is not a great all around pistol anymore. It was in 1935 maybe even I 1973 but today it isn’t without some improvements.

It is certainly not a Ferrari because it does not have great tigger, great reset, sights etc… it is super sleek with great ergos if your hands are not too large but it stock is not a race car.
 
wvsig said:
Man you have no idea who you are talking to.
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And I don't care. You're trying to argue a matter of preference. And that never works. As for the hair-splitting you want to do about the design history of the pistol or (as I said) about who was involved in which parts of the design), I also don't care.
 
wvsig said:
I think there is more to it than that. The Ferrari is amazing if you want to go fast on good roads or a track. The jeep is good for off road and is more of an all around vehicle.

The BHP the FNG is referring to is neither. It is not a great all around pistol anymore. It was in 1935 maybe even I 1973 but today it isn’t without some improvements.

It is certainly not a Ferrari because it does not have great tigger, great reset, sights etc… it is super sleek with great ergos if your hands are not too large but it stock is not a race car.
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Yeah. And unserviceable means not in working order or fulfilling its function adequately; unfit for use.

I was simply being obtuse.

One is newer and nicer looking. Maybe easier to function.

But the roll up windows in one of my trucks have never broken, unlike the electric ones in my other truck.

Newer, sleeker and nicer doesn’t always mean better.
 
I just decided that I really don’t care.

New guns, new ergonomics. Great for some. Not so much for others.

If you like it buy it. If you don’t….well don’t.

Good night folks. It is Friday so commence to arguing.
 
Chdamn said:
Yeah. And unserviceable means not in working order or fulfilling its function adequately; unfit for use.

I was simply being obtuse.

One is newer and nicer looking. Maybe easier to function.

But the roll up windows in one of my trucks have never broken, unlike the electric ones in my other truck.

Newer, sleeker and nicer doesn’t always mean better.
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You are being obtuse… my point is that the gun in its 1973 configuration is outdated. People for years asked FN to release and updated modern version they did it and everyone is hating on it.

I am not sure I will get one I love the pointabilty and the feel in the hand of the BHP I am unlike others willing to admit it’s short comings.
 
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Chdamn said:
I just decided that I really don’t care.

New guns, new ergonomics. Great for some. Not so much for others.

If you like it buy it. If you don’t….well don’t.

Good night folks. It is Friday so commence to arguing.
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Typically response. You really don’t want to discuss the merits or negatives. Hit and run.
 
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wvsig said:
You are being obtuse… my point is that the gun in its 1973 is outdated. People for years asked FN to release and updated modern version they did it and everyone is hating on it.

I am not sure I will get one I love the pointabilty and the feel in the hand of the BHP I am unlike others willing to admit it’s short comings.
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That’s the problem with submitting to “popular” demand.

Just because the vocal minority demand something doesn’t mean the silent majority will like it.

There’s an interesting historical anecdote about the Edsel and the Mustang that sort of fits
 
I’d test drive it.
I actually dislike the current trend towards large sights. Really do want a better safety that the original though.
 
JimB said:
I’d test drive it.
I actually dislike the current trend towards large sights. Really do want a better safety that the original though.
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From what I understand it uses the same lever time will tell if you can replace it.
 
wvsig said:
Typically response. You really don’t want to discuss the merits or negatives. Hit and run.
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Huh. I thought I was. You just seem to be taking an emotional response.

Just because someone doesn’t agree with your belief that something is better doesn’t mean that they are wrong.

I was trying to bow out gracefully. But if you don’t want me to…..it is Friday.
 
Chdamn said:
That’s the problem with submitting to “popular” demand.

Just because the vocal minority demand something doesn’t mean the silent majority will like it.

There’s an interesting historical anecdote about the Edsel and the Mustang that sort of fits
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Really you just posted to pick a fight then you slink away.
 
Chdamn said:
Huh. I thought I was. You just seem to be taking an emotional response.

Just because someone doesn’t agree with your belief that something is better doesn’t mean that they are wrong.

I was trying to bow out gracefully. But if you don’t want me to…..it is Friday.
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No emotion at all. Just killing time
 
wvsig said:
Really you just posted to pick a fight then you slink away.
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No slinking. You are looking for a fight apparently.

I asked for a clarification since my understanding of the word unserviceable didn’t mesh with what you posted.

I don’t agree with the logic that newer is better. Sometimes it is. Sometimes not.

Larger sites are always a plus. Especially as I get older.

But I don’t quite get the animosity towards people who don’t agree
 
Chdamn said:
Just so we’re clear. You accused me of picking a fight and running. But you’re just killing time?
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Yup I posted info and a video about the new FN. A FNG basically said I don’t appreciate the old design. Then you arrived.

And yes I am literally killing time. I am out of the Carolinas in the next 30 days. So after that you most likely won’t have to deal with me much If at all.
 
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To be fair, there’s nothing hideously wrong about the new design. But nothing ground breaking either imo.

Honestly it’s the equivalent of taking a new truck and putting wider tires and bigger mirrors on it. That’s what I took from the video.

The first pistol I ever shot was a browning para bellum and I can’t see changing the design unless you’re going to do something radical.
 
Chdamn said:
To be fair, there’s nothing hideously wrong about the new design. But nothing ground breaking either imo.

Honestly it’s the equivalent of taking a new truck and putting wider tires and bigger mirrors on it. That’s what I took from the video.

The first pistol I ever shot was a browning para bellum and I can’t see changing the design unless you’re going to do something radical.
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I agree with that. Sort like the new Bronco which was the point of the OP. No one is buying the Bronco because it is the best SUV ever made. It is not ground breaking. It is modern yet nostalgic.
 
Gaston said:
I wasn't trying to bash your thread, but I figured I'd had a bit of fun on a Friday night. Back to your regularly scheduled programming.
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No worries i didn’t take anything you said negatively. Really I don’t take anything on here one way or another anymore.
 
I really like this new FN High Power design. I'd get it before I got an older BHP, because it addresses the issues that I have with the pistol that kept me from getting one over other guns that are more practical for my purposes. I'd get one once it can mount an RMR to the slide. After I got the P320, M9, and 2011 I want more... :D It's a low priority, but this new design puts BHPs back on the menu for me.

I also really like the point of the video. This gun's release isn't stopping a diehard purist from buying any of the million of "correct" BHPs already on the market as they come available.
 
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