Browning, FN, FEG, Charles Daly, FM...

silversport · 03-16-2010, 06:26

OK...I have read some of the virtues and vices of the Browning/FN design as well as those by FEG, FM and Chalres Daly...I have read of the screaming deals there were on the FN's sold in the US as well as the now defunct Charles Daly model...but examples of each can be found at gunshows, the usual places and of course pre-owned (and sometimes, butchered

)...SO...

are the "clones" and other versions still the bargain Hi Power or has the gap closed considerably???

I was recently in the market for a Browning Hi Power...the new prices seem to be in the high $800s to $900...the clones can be somewhat cheaper but sometimes you get what you pay for and I believe that a Browning/FN may be the better made and finished pistol (I also may be misinformed :D)

Finding the FEG or Charles Daly (my third choice behind Browning marked or FN marked models) either NIB or in near excellent condition in the $500 area, are these still the deals (albeit perhaps less so) that they were when they could be had for $300???...

If the gap has closed, is it better to just locate a gently used Browning or FN???...can they be had (reasonably?) in the same neighborhood...for a shooter as I'm not really interested in collecting...

As for the Charles Daly, I am not a big fan of the XS sights but have read they can be replaced with Novak's of the 1911 variety so...is it still the bargain "Hi Power?"...

....my only real need is for ambi safeties as on the Mk IIIs or as desinged by Jim Hoag (and sold now by Cylinder and Slide)...

Help a brother out...I haven't received my first Hi Power and all this reading has me looking for my second...

Bill

DaBigBR · 03-16-2010, 15:28

A gun store near here has two used, but good condition FN HPs for something like $650 each. There is one new gun for $969 (yes, you read that right). There are smiths out there that will not work on a non Browning or FN HP. Just something to consider.

silversport · 03-16-2010, 17:42

excellent advice...thanks,
Bill

rgregoryb · 03-16-2010, 19:16

To be a HP snob you must buy Browning or FN, I own 9 HPs 1 is a Charles Daly and 1 is a FEG. The Daly and the FEG function as well as my full custom HP although not as accurate because of the barrel/slide/frame fit. I even have an old raggy Inglis that functions well.

Heck I like them all, I need a FM and a Kareen to finish my collection.

silversport · 03-18-2010, 07:54

good to know...thanks,
Bill

bac1023 · 03-18-2010, 19:59

Just FN/Browning for me.

Its not like they cost a ton on the used market.

silversport · 03-18-2010, 21:28

Browning won out for me...thanks for all the help everyone!

Bill

Cliph · 05-17-2010, 15:58

I have several Brownings and FNs, plus 1 FM. The FM is eqaully as good, but cosmetically inferior as the "bluing" looks thick. My gunsmith who is a BHP/1911 devotee says the steel in the FMs is superior in hardness.

silversport · 05-18-2010, 05:39

good to know as well...thanks,
Bill

ralph19768 · 06-04-2010, 19:42

I own 3 --- FN, FM and a FeG.
i like them in that order

Glock 17L · 06-04-2010, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by silversport

Browning won out for me...thanks for all the help everyone!

Bill

Sweet looking BHP Bill..
I'd love to have another some day!!
I used to have a FM Hi-Power..

silversport · 06-05-2010, 11:45

thanks...I have an FN in .40S&W and find it's nice too...
Bill

chippy · 06-30-2010, 08:06

I too am a Hi Power fan. My favorite pistol af all time! While I had a profesional trigger job on the Browning(bought new in 1988) it stays in the safe most of the time. I shoot the Charles Daly (Magnum Research built frame,etc.) made in USA. The trigger is better "out of the box" on the CD. I like Express sights. Grip is great, extended slide release, more positive safety, $289 + shipping from CDNN. Whats not to like about that? The CD shoots as well as the Browning, and the sights are much easier for tired eyes to see! I like the matte black finish of the CD (no gaudy lettering on the slide like the early ones), but nothing looks as nice as the deep, perfect blueing of the Browning. Browning/ FN is still my favorite. I shoot the CD. The only real complaint with the CD is cosmetic. F.E.G.(Hungarian) supplied the barrel assemblies and they need a little more finish work (on the outside) A crown job, and some polish work outside the chamber area would make a dam-fine $300 pistol. If you could find one for less than say $475, go for it! Much better shooter than an FM or FEG. Who knows, maybe a Mag. Research built P35's will be a collectors item some day! As U know, they don't make 'em anymore!
Chip

the perfesser · 06-30-2010, 20:01

chippy,
Your poor 1988 Browning is lonely in your safe while you gallivant around with that CD hussy!

That pretty 1988 gal needs a beau to dote on her. I'm sure that someone on the forum will step up. I would do so myself if I wasn't paying off the 1995-build I have on layaway. I'm already nervous about how the other HPs in the harem will react when I bring her home.....

chippy · 06-30-2010, 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by the perfesser

chippy,
Your poor 1988 Browning is lonely in your safe while you gallivant around with that CD hussy!

That pretty 1988 gal needs a beau to dote on her. I'm sure that someone on the forum will step up. I would do so myself if I wasn't paying off the 1995-build I have on layaway. I'm already nervous about how the other HPs in the harem will react when I bring her home.....

I'm thinking a P35 of WWII vintage might be just the thing to keep her company. Something with a Waffenampt/swaztika stamp on it possibly? Honestly, that's more my kind of collecting.

the perfesser · 07-01-2010, 18:28

My apologies in advance for the following ruminations. I don't have to teach tomorrow and am unwinding.

chippy - As per collecting any older pistol (i.e., older than me, and I am an old man), I struggle against temptation. I started shooting at 50+; as "the perfesser" I have (literally) 3K+ books in the house, so I know where the collecting urge will get me. That's why I only own guns that I will shoot regularly 4-5 range sessions a year. Since I have now "run out of year," I have to stop buying firearms and just spend money on ammo, mags, and holsters. Or on the grandsons....

I love my wife and don't want her to divorce me, so no gun "collecting" (in the strict sense) and no reloading for me. (Where would I put the press and components?)

If I were someone else or in my 20s, however, that collecting bug would have me. I realized that when I purchased a post-war alloy Walther P-1, and subsequently could not even convince myself that self defense needs or hobby shooting justified the purchase. Where would it stop? A Luger? A Tokarev? A Makarov? A vintage Walther PP or PPK? A wartime steel-frame P-38? (We will leave my fascination with wartime M-1 carbines out of the discussion, thank you!)

So chippy, I envy your urge and enjoy it vicariously from afar, for I know I dare not follow. (Let's see, it will soon be 2011 and I have never owned a 1911.......)

But I still think you need to shoot that Browning more!

chippy · 07-02-2010, 22:43

Yeah,
Perfesser, you are probably right. She's a really sweet shooter too!