Browning Hi-Power, or 1911 in 9mm?

[PaperTarget]

The late Stephen Camp had something to say about this.

He starts off with "What About the 1911 in 9mm? A frequent discussion topic on the forums centers on the feasibility of a 9mm 1911 rather than the usual .45 ACP and to a lesser degree, the .38 Super and 9x23mm. The general answer seems to be that the 1911 is at its best in its original caliber with a few preferring it in either Super or 9x23mm. Some owners of the 9mm 1911 will then mention their good luck or bad, depending upon how their pistol has performed..."

you can read the rest here.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/1911in9mm.htm

[farmerjoe]

9mm 1911? Like driving a plug-in Corvette.......

[BigPimping]

Neither. Get a HK P7 or a Glock.

[denpython]

If you prefer the double action trigger feel, get the BHP DA or DAO or get a CZ.. If you prefer the single action get the BHP traditional or a 1911.
Recently I passed on a BHP target and bought a 1911a1 9mm. I did not want to fuss with trigger work ,mag disconnect tweaks and firing pin block. My 1911 is a true series 70. Great out of the box. (Just like the CZ 85C :-) ...).
Camp was the Hi Power expert and I respect his soul but modern production 9 mm 1911 benefit from computer aided tolerances. That was not available during the Colt series 70 mk 4 9mm (I used to own one).
So take dated respectable opinions with a grain of salt.

HiPower is a gentleman's gun for sure. I like the look and feel of the 1911 and CZ.
Gimme an HP and I won't say no.

Shoot both and decide.

[Ora Serrata]

+1 for the high power.

I have a 1911, my father in law has a high power. I prefer the high power

[23 Blast]

Looks like the Hi-Power is winning.

And of course, the CZ fanbois gotta say their piece...

FWIW I've owned two CZ75b pistols, a CZ P01, and the SP01, which was really nice as it doubled as a sledgehammer, walnut cracker, boat anchor, aircraft wheel chock, counterweight for a freight elevator, and was also fairly nice shooting 9mm out of.

I sadly divested myself of all my CZ guns in a (misguided) fit of "I need to simplify my collection!" when I opted for Herr Gaston Glock's Gats.

But my Colt 1911 has always been my most favorite gun. I think a BHP is in my future.

[newbie1234]

...............
I've never had the pleasure of shooting a BHP, ..............

You from OC right ? Firing Line indoor range in Huntington Beach has BHP for rent. Rent it, shoot it then make a decision for yourself.

While back when I was plan to buy a BHP, but as member of the range I got free pistol rental, I rented it once, shot 50 rds in parallel with my 1911 9mm . And find out that I like my 1911 9mm more so I did not buy it. That just me, for you is difference, may be BHP is the best pistol that ever build for your style of handling and shooting, who know !

Borrow from SIRGRUMPS

I have owned both.
You should base you decision after answering a few questions.
If you plan to leave it stock --BHP
If you plan a lot of mods, 1911.

Think of it this way, 1911 are like Chevys, everyone make parts and know how to fix them.

A BHP is more like Mopar, much more limited in parts, always more expensive for the same part as a 1911.

My 1911 9mm, is SS, and I installed a beautiful grip that please my eyes and the grip fit my hand liked glove. That why I like 1911 9mm more.

[Sailormilan2]

The Hi Power is a bit smaller, and easier to carry as an EDC gun. It fits the hand well, and is very comfortable. However, because it is smaller and lighter, it lacks the brute strength of the 1911. For many years it has been accepted gospel that one should not shoot a lot of +P ammo in it, and certainly not any +P+. However, with certain simple mods, similar to what is done to a 1911 to allow it to shoot 10mm, the Hi Power can handle lots of +P ammo.
Due to its design, the Hi Power is known for having a trigger that is harder to tune for a better trigger pull, though it can be done. Later versions(the Mk III), with their double dovetail sights, are easier to put sights on if one doesn't like the sights that came with the gun.

[smle-man]

If you've already had a 9mm, just try the Hi Power and see if you like it. Its a really fun pistol to shoot too. My opinion- the 1911 is the better pistol to own. Ergonomics on both are great- but that hammer bite is a ***** the first time it gets you(and it eventually will). More after market options for the 1911 also, and magazines.

Been shooting BHPs for 40 years and never got pinched by the hammer. Don't let that concern stop you from getting one.

[dk94044]

Both but the 1911 in 9mm bobtail; add to the mix a CZ Legend

[redhemi]

Right now I have both and enjoy the 1911 more. I bought a SA loaded target 1911 9mm around 4 years ago and with the exception of 2 times it goes to the range each time because I enjoy it that much. I decided I wanted to give my SA a occasional rest so I started looking at other guns when I came across a BHP practical and bought it. Before I bought the Browning I also put a deposit on a CZ 75b-SA. Well after about 200 rounds the Browning did not impress me much . I got my CZ about a month ago and all I can say is wow I really enjoy shooting it. Now my only dilemma is what to do with the Browning, shoot it more maybe it will grow on me, keep it because they don't make this one any more or sell it because someone else would enjoy it more than me

My suggestion to you is find a BHP to shoot and see if it's for you. If you think the 1911 9mm isn't right you might want to try some of the better guns in 9mm also just don't get a Glock

[mtenenhaus]

like others here have stated...both great platforms.. the grip dimensions and beavertail on the 1911 favor it for me.

[jyo]

Get both (why not?)---I enjoy 1911 types, but somehow ended up with three P35s of various eras---don't feel bad about that even a little bit...

[Timbob55]

If it 'twas me? Hi Power.

[nikki#2]

... I once had a SA 1911 target in 9mm, and sadly, sold it off. It was an extremely pleasant shooter,
but it felt strangely weird in that it seemed like so much metal to launch a Itty bitty 9mm pill.

The Classic with adjustable sights might be just the ticket!
Grabagun had the best price I could find, but save some $$$ for trigger work,
'cause it definitely needs it to be compared to a 1911. The grip is thicker as well,
but fits my large hand perfectly. You might need to switch to thinner grips.