Browning High Power barrel locking lug

[Viper49]

Anyone here experiencing HP barrel locking Cam broken.

Here are some pictures of the broken HP barrel locking cam. Is this a material fatigue or not forged correctly. Your comment is very much appreciated.
IMG_0068.jpg

IMG_0063.jpg

IMG_0062.jpg

[sickboybrad]

Not sure about the broken part, but what model/ year is the barrel from.
I have two HP's, one new, and one T series.
Just looking out for myself, I would be upset if this happen to me.
B

[maxx03]

Round count?

[shafferds]

What hot ammo were you using?

[-hanko]

Stress fracture...first I've seen.

If you're looking for a replacement, check Fred Kart or BarSto first...good stuff.

Ammo might be a cause, although the weapon has been around since forever and what's rated as +P now was standard up to 1970. Mine shot thousands of rounds, mainly 147gr. and 124gr. +P's...no issues, no undue wear.

[ARDude]

I have a MK3 with maybe 5-7 thousand rounds thru it. Bought it new in the early '90's. No +P or hollow points. Strictly 115-124 gr fmj. My lug did not completely break off like yours, but it is cracked and separated in the same place as yours.

Another Calgunner here suggested to send it to Don Williams for new barrel, and some other goodies. I think I will soon. I miss shooting it.

[MarkInFolsom]

I always thought the locking lugs were on top of the barrel?

[Viper49]

Browning Hight Power locking lug

Is a Browning MKIII that I brought in the 90s. It have about 1500 rounds throught the HP with primary Federal 115gr FMJ and it is a safe queen for a long time. Oil and shoot it last sunday and the cam broke.

[ARDude]

I always thought the locking lugs were on top of the barrel?

Yes they are.

[ARDude]

The part broken is the barrel cam. One end holds the recoil spring and guide rod in place. The other end allows the barrel to tilt up and back into place during recoil.

Op: When I contacted Browning about this, they said to ship the gun to them on my dime. Cost to replace barrel with them is about $400.00!
Probably about $100 to ship to them.
But they did say they would pay the return postage.

I decided I would get a Bar Sto barrel from Don Williams, also getting some other items from him. Trigger job, different sights, and refinish.

[Viper49]

Browning Hight Power locking Cam

ARDude
That is the same story the customer service give me when I called them last Thursday. The guy quoted me $400 for the barrel and $85 dollar an hour to fit the barrel. Like you said I am looking for a KKM or Bar-sto right now. When I check the Bar-sto barrel, on the barrel hood center there is a alignment tap and my Browning barrel does not have it. Could that cause the barrel to misalign when the slide return to battery and broke the locking cam.

[Snoopy47]

I had to replace a barrel as well years ago, and the cost was the same story.

You will have to go aftermarket, and you'll end up getting a much better barrel.

[tophatjones]

That's a really pathetic response from customer service. They should at least replace the barrel on their dime since it must be a factory defect. I don't know how many thousands of rounds it would take for a properly made barrel to crack but I'd bet over 100k.

[jyo]

I have three Hi Powers of various years---all fired extensively---have not seen a failure such as yours. The good news is I have a brand new Browning P35 factory barrel in my stash of parts. A few years back, I dropped it into my 1978 pistol and it locked up perfectly---I would not hesitate to fire the pistol with this barrel. I believe Barsto has a "drop-in" barrel available that requires no fitting.
My pistols all shoot so well that I see no reason for me to purchase a match-grade barrel...

[ARDude]

From what i have read online, this barrel failure happens only with mk3 browning made barrels. And it is a rare problem.

I agree with tophatjones, browning should take care of it in full. It is unacceptable that a barrel only lasts a few thousand rounds.