View Full Version : BHP vs. Glock?
Other than lighter weight does a 9mm Glock have anything on a 9mm High Power?
The HP's seem to be just as reliable and maybe more accurate. They are also thinner. I have heard that the HP mags and other parts are very durable too. It does seem quicker or easier to insert a mag into a Glock than into a HP.
both will serve you well,
the BHP fits my hand better and is very accurate,
Glock has more after market parts and a quicker/postive trigger reset.
The one thing a BHP has that glock does not,
real true actuall combat....world wide and still going strong.
Well since this is in the BHP forum it will always be BHP for me. All kidding aside I have used my BHP while on duty. I can honestly say that it was an extension of my arm and has never failed me in the heat of the battle. You could almost close your eyes and shoot and always hit your target. It's just a natural pointing pistol for me.
I never noticed the quicker trigger reset of the BHP. I'll have to compare it to one of my Glocks. I can fire my BHP faster than I hope I will ever need to. But that appplies to the Glock and other pistols too. Another plus for the Glock is that the finish is more durable than on my blued BHP. I was thinking of getting a 9mm Glock but when I consider the BHP, that I already have, I cannot justify the expense let alone the need.
DFin, it's the other way around, the Glock has a faster reset. I love the BHP. It feels great, shoots great and holds up well. That said, I can draw and hit faster with my Glock. It takes abuse and neglect better than anything I've owned. It also conceals a bit easier except for IWB. Although it hasn't seen any world wars like the BHP has, it has seen plenty of action in the last 20 odd years and proven itself. If I had to choose only one for combat or SD, it'd be the Glock. However, I wouldn't feel poorly if I had to use a BHP, either.
DFin, it's the other way around, the Glock has a faster reset. I love the BHP. It feels great, shoots great and holds up well. That said, I can draw and hit faster with my Glock. It takes abuse and neglect better than anything I've owned. It also conceals a bit easier except for IWB. Although it hasn't seen any world wars like the BHP has, it has seen plenty of action in the last 20 odd years and proven itself. If I had to choose only one for combat or SD, it'd be the Glock. However, I wouldn't feel poorly if I had to use a BHP, either.
That is what I meant to say, that I had not noticed the Glock's faster trigger reset. I have since compared them in dry fire mode and can see that the Glock has the shorter and faster reset.
The Glock has the faster trigger and lower bore axis.
Reliability is a draw.
Durability favors the Glock, although the BHP is far more durable than it gets credit for.
Ergos go to the BHP, IMO.
Both weapons can sustain abuse pretty well, but the Glock more so due to its finish and lower parts count.
The Glock will have the advantage of being the more modern weapon, but it still has a good 30-40yrs before it can claim to have the 'experience' and longevity of the BHP. The BHP has been everywhere in combat and it works extremely well.
The SAS used it before switching to Sigs and I think the Brit army and others still use it.
How likely is it to fail as compared to a Glock?
The SAS used it before switching to Sigs and I think the Brit army and others still use it.
How likely is it to fail as compared to a Glock?
Depends on what kind of failure.
Cracked breech face? Glock
Cracked slide? BHP
Cracked Frame? Either
Broken trigger lever? BHP
Broken firing pin/striker? Glock
Both are super reliable WRT ammo feeding/ejection. Older BHP's were sometimes finicky with JHP ammo, but we're talking guns well before Glock was even making a pistol.:supergrin:
I ran approx 5000 rounds thru an FEG clone without a single issue with parts or jams. My present day gun needed a trigger lever replaced by orig owner. It's been perfect for a few thosand rounds since.
G17's have gone half a million rounds, that's crazy durable.
Modern BHP's should go 100K with similar parts replacement intervals...in either case, that's more than 99.9% of shooters will ever need in durability.
Thanks for the info. I was referring to the newer BHPs in comparison to Glocks. I have read that during WW2 the Germans manufactured some BHPs after they invaded Belgium. Those were not as reliable and the safeties were known to fail. Probably due to poor quality metals used.
The one advantage you might glean from the BHP is that it will ignite harder primers and, as a result, may ignite a greater array of ammo. As much as I love Glocks, they can exhibit light primer strikes on occasion (I've seen this with .40s and .45s; never with 9mm). If I had to go overseas and I thought that I might be using unknown ammo from unknown sources, I'd probably take a BHP over a Glock.
yotecaller
05-04-2008, 21:05
I can carry a HP more cofortable than any of my Glocks and the HP fits my hands better.
DJ Niner
05-05-2008, 00:41
DFin, you say that the BHP is thinner, and as far as the slide goes, that's probably a safe call. But have you measured a Glock 9mm and stock BHP across the thickest part of the grips, or the frame at the slide release? I don't have the figures on-hand, but I though that the Glock was comparable in those areas, or maybe even a bit smaller.
Can anyone who has both do a little measuring for us?
DFin, you say that the BHP is thinner, and as far as the slide goes, that's probably a safe call. But have you measured a Glock 9mm and stock BHP across the thickest part of the grips, or the frame at the slide release? I don't have the figures on-hand, but I though that the Glock was comparable in those areas, or maybe even a bit smaller.
Can anyone who has both do a little measuring for us?
I only have a Glock 27 & 21 so I can't compare the BHP to a G17 or 19. A good way to measure them would be with a set of digital calipers like DOC540 used yesterday to measure the dimensions of a S&W 36 and Colt Detective Special. It would be interesting to see though.
I've got both, but the BHP is a Practical model so the grips are larger than normal.
Still want the dimensions?
DJ Niner
05-07-2008, 01:22
Sure! Can you do the slides at the widest point, and the frame across the slide release? That should give us an idea of how close they are, at least.
Thanks!
Here are some dimensions for a stock Glock 17 vs. a Browning Hi-Power FN/Portugal in the 9mm Practical model:
Slide at Widest Point -
BHP @ Rear Sight (Std. dovetail sight) - .875"
BHP @ Front of Slide before it narrows down - .905
G17 @ Rear Sight - 1.10"Across Slide Release -
BHP - 1.1"
G17 - 1.22" (Includes top edge of frame)Across Slide Safety Lever (BHP Only)
Ambi Safety Levers - 1.295"
Single Safety Lever - 1.12"* Note that the Ambi-Safety Lever width is only 0.095" wider than the G17 at the Slide Release due to the wider Glock frame width.
Widest Point of Grip
BHP w/ Practical Grip - 1.45"
G17 w/ Standard Grip - 1.16"
** G17 w/ Standard Grip at 3rd Gen Finger Indents - 1.253"
G17 w/ Slip-On Grip - 1.51"Hope this helps in the discussion.
Personally, I shoot my BHP a lot more accurately and darn near as fast, according to the IDPA timers. That's not saying I'm anywhere as fast as I could/should be if I were to practice more with either of them, though, just that the BHP is a natural fit in the hand with everything stock on it.
DJ Niner
05-09-2008, 00:51
That last "Widest Point of Grip" measurement is the one I thought I remembered as being in favor of the Glock. Thanks for taking the time to do this for everyone!
Is the Glock you measured a flat-side-grip 1st or 2nd generation gun, or a 3rd gen with the thumb rest dimple and corresponding bump? I would assume the thumb rest bump would add a little bit of width, unless another part of the frame is thicker.
I love BHPs, once the hammer bite issue is taken care of. I have fat hands so it can cause me some pain. Also the mag disconnect has to come out in any of mine. Glocks work fine and all, but I just don't get excited by them any more.
That last "Widest Point of Grip" measurement is the one I thought I remembered as being in favor of the Glock. Thanks for taking the time to do this for everyone!
Is the Glock you measured a flat-side-grip 1st or 2nd generation gun, or a 3rd gen with the thumb rest dimple and corresponding bump? I would assume the thumb rest bump would add a little bit of width, unless another part of the frame is thicker.
This is a Gen 3 G17 with the thumb indents. I've added the dimension above. It didn't seem thickest at that point but it is.
Keep in mind that this BHP has the Packmayr grips with the palm swells and they are quite a bit wider than the standard flat grips. I use this one for IDPA so I like these grips and haven't changed them.
epsylum, I've got the Commander hammer on this one and never had a bite problem like others claim. I used to have a BHP .40 with the standard hammer and did get a little from time to time with that one but I didn't like the trigger shape on it so that got sold a few years ago.
tshadow6
05-09-2008, 21:02
I retired my BHP from active duty in favor of my G-19. My BHP served me very well every time I believed I needed it, but the pros of the G-19 just outweigh the negaives. Lighter weight, more accurate, easier to conceal and higher ammo capacity. I will NEVER sell off my BHP, but I carry my G-19.
DJ Niner
05-09-2008, 22:48
Thanks again for your time and effort on this, Obi Wan!
Vitamin G
05-20-2008, 20:07
I love my BHP's, but i'd feel more comfortable with the lack of safety in a combat situation of the glock.
General carry, i do the BHP.
Other than lighter weight does a 9mm Glock have anything on a 9mm High Power?
The HP's seem to be just as reliable and maybe more accurate. They are also thinner. I have heard that the HP mags and other parts are very durable too. It does seem quicker or easier to insert a mag into a Glock than into a HP.
I prefer the HP.
Poohgyrr
07-10-2008, 03:48
Glocks are much easier to detail strip and replace parts on. For the physical size, the stock Glock mags hold more rounds than almost any other brand. IME, Glocks have been very reliable with ammo they like. If the Glock grip does not fit you, a grip reduction is expensive...
My .40 Hi Powers are more reliable than my .40 Glocks. If the stock Hi Power grip doesn't fit you, replace the grips (easy and cheap).
On a good day I can't tell the difference in accuracy. Otherwise, the BHP usually does better for me.
Both are good and proven.
I've shot my G19 and BHP together at the range in the past. I'm just much more of a Hi-Power guy. They fit my hand better and I shoot them more accurately. Plus, the Hi-Power looks awesome. :supergrin:
I like them both, but the old Browning is tried and true.
Stephen A. Camp
10-01-2008, 13:37
Hello. Here are some observations on the two pistols if interested:
http://hipowers-handguns.blogspot.com/2008/06/hi-power-and-glock-17.html
Best.
I've shot just about every model of Glock and Hi Power made-both are great pistols-but I never found ANY Glock that can group as wall as most Hi Powers can, nor as reliable or easily repaired, and I witnessed a .40 Glock 22 "KABOOM"-not seen that on a HP- I'll take the HP anyday-but still feel well armed with a Glock (not in .40S&W mind you).
I've got a bunch of glocks in various calibers, and only one BHP. As ugly as the glock is, the BHP is beautiful. In my opinion the browning is probably the best-looking pistol out there, and this includes the venerable 1911. BHP's have been around a long time, and the've got a proven & solid record of combat in all types of envoirments. I bet that a few special operation groups still use the BHP as their secondary sidearm/defense pistol. Hell, the brits SAS used it for a long time befor going to Sigs. As a matter of fact, you are still able to see a few BHP's in cop holsters, this of course goes for some of the older guys who were far ahead of their time. I know a guy on the job that packs a BHP that has a beautiful hard chrome job done by Tripps, he loves the thing. Long live BHP's!
rvrctyrngr
10-30-2008, 14:57
I've got a boatload of Glocks and one BHP. I like them both, carry both, and shoot both a lot. I carry the Glocks more simply because of the weight. I shoot the BHP better, I think.
I don't know about the reset being faster on a Glock, but it is definitely more pronounced.
When it gets right down to it, if I could only have one handgun, I'd choose a Glock. Reason being that parts/accessories are more available/cheaper and they're stupid-simple to work on with little knowledge or experience.
Ghost Tracker
11-06-2008, 15:53
I was a longtime BHP fan & shooter well before I bought my first GLOCK. The BHP is a natural pointing, smooth running, tailored feeling, once expensive, quite beautiful firearm design. Call it the Ferrari of Handguns. The GLOCK is a simple, utilitarian, ecomonical, functional, durable, not-so-beautiful firearm design. Call it the Toyota Pickup of Handguns. It's smart/necessary to own/drive the Pickup. It's elegant/exclusive to own/drive the Ferrari. Both are capable, fun, and shows you have good-taste (for different occasions). If forced to only keep one, it's the pickup. But as long & as often as you can, you're enjoying the Ferrari.
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