Browning hi power

[battleship]

Any one tell me why this was named as such- (hi power) being that it is a 9mm caliber pistol, thanks.

[Suvorov]

Because it packed 13 rounds of firepower back when most pistols only packed 7-8. In 1935, the days of the "wonder nine" were almost 45 years away. Also, it was European (despite its Utah origins) and the 9mm was NOT considered underpowered in Europe. Compared to all the other handguns available at the time, it certainly could claim the title "hi-power."

[ivanimal]

THe original design was for 15 rounds, John Moses Browning died before completing it. The design was changed to 13 rounds by Dieudonne Saive, and was the first double stack 9mm thus given the moniker Hi-power.

Saive is known for his other inventions the FN-49 and the FAL.

[crowbar]

Wasn't it named "gran puissance" (sp?) or "GP" ?

[ricknadine1111]

[-hanko]

Wasn't it named "gran puissance" (sp?) or "GP" ?

+1...I'm not sure about the spelling either. It translates to 'high power'. It, and the CZ75, are the two nicest 9mm's on earth.

-hanko

[InvictusManeo]

Anyone have experience with the IMI Kareen (Israeli clone)? I don't like buying things I've never tried, but I was thinking about making an exception...

[jazman]

I don't own a High Power, but have shot many. A friend's nickel plated one was the best 9mm I have ever shot, bar none.

[Mitch]

It, and the CZ75, are the two nicest 9mm's on earth.

Two nicest pistols, you mean.

M1911 weenies just hate being reminded that as far as JM Browning was concerned, the Hi-Power was the M1911 perfected (or at least substantially improved).

[elSquid]

A bit I read in a gun rag in the early 80s jumps to mind.

It said that HPs were becoming very popular with police, and it quoted one undercover officer who said ( paraphrased ) "It's so powerful that if you hit a perp in the thumb that it'll break his arm, and if you hit him in the shoulder it'll knock him off his feet."



It _was_ a very cheap ( almost "pulpy" ) gun rag. I forget the name, but I'll never forget that quote.

-- Michael

[crowbar]

How come no one has cloned the Hi Power in .45 ?

[Quiet]

How come no one has cloned the Hi Power in .45 ?

FEG GKK-45 is a double action Hi-Power clone in .45ACP.

[-hanko]

Two nicest pistols, you mean.

M1911 weenies just hate being reminded that as far as JM Browning was concerned, the Hi-Power was the M1911 perfected (or at least substantially improved).

Close...1911's are sweet. If 'pistols' includes revolvers, a much harder question.

[crowbar]

"FEG GKK-45 is a double action Hi-Power clone in .45ACP."

Thanks; that's news to me. I gotta wonder about the DA tho'. I have an FM Hi Power, at least when I can pry it out of my son's hands. Nice pistol. but needs an extended safety.

[Bishop]

Blasphemous question! Say three "hail JMB"s and you are forgiven.