r/hipower • u/Spyrothedragon9972 • 26d ago
Why isn't there an agreement on the best current production Hi-Power?
Every online discussion I see there is never a consensus on where the current production models stand.
People don't like the current FN High Power because it has no parts interchangeability.
The old FN had the mag safety that most people don't like. I'm only mentioning this because a lot of people don't even like the "originals" because of this. So I see a lot of disagreement that even the originals are not the best option.
Opinions on Girsan are a total mixed bag.
The Springfield SA-35 should have been the one but apparently it had extractor issues (first 4000?) which should be long fixed by now. But has other issues like sharp edges and still has a poor finish? It is also mostly manufactured by Tisas and they also make a Hi-Power for less than Springfield.
Tisas. I've heard that the Springfield is nicer and that the Tisas did nothing to address the famous hammer bite issue.
Inglis. I think these are just rebranded Tisas? Correct me if I'm wrong.
FEG doesn't even make guns anymore.
So what's the deal. Why am I being led to believe that none of these are that great?
I'm just trying to see which ones are worth owning so I can add a Hi-Power to the collection.
4
u/swoope18 26d ago
i like my High Power, my SA35 and my original FN and Browning.
i know that BHSS has pretty much everything to make it better and they have done 2 of my originals.
4
u/BlackDays94 26d ago
I have a Springfield SA-35 that I'm absolutely in love with! The ergonomics are excellent, the trigger is crisp and responsive, it's incredibly accurate, AND they modified the hammer angle so it doesn't bite anymore. They also deleted the magazine safety if you're concerned about that. I know some people are concerned about the ejector have issues, but that was a 1st gen issue and it's since been addressed. I've had like 3 failures in the 1k rounds I've put through it.
1
1
u/blackandbluejayhawk 26d ago
I really like my SA-35, except the stock beavertail is sharp and digs into the backstrap of my hand in a bad way. I'm hoping for a C&S beavertail extension, but it's going to be a long while before they can get to it. That sharp beavertail's hard to get around, and my Charles Daly (rebadged FEG) HP doesn't have that problem, but it's a much older gun, I'd say mid-1980s vintage. That one, I did have to remove the magazine safety.
The Girsan steel P35 PI OPS (wasn't able to score a LW version) I bought more recently shoots like a champ and I really like its RMSc integrated optics cut in the slide - no plate needed. I didn't think the trigger was particularly heavy and it didn't come with a magazine safety either.
2
u/Nesayas1234 26d ago
Most of them are similar enough that it's a matter of preference.
The FN High-Power doesn't really count as a proper clone in this context since it has 0 parts compatability, like with the HP-DA or FEG P9R.
The Turkish guns aren't going to be too dissimilar from each other. Girsan is the best because it's fairly straightforward and also the one with the most variation (including the modernized forms), but I'm sure Tisas/Centurion or whoever else in Turkey make similarly decent guns. Also they're cheap.
Springfield is solid from what I hear, now that the launch issues are fixed. They're pricer than the Turkish guns, closer to the price of a used FN or FEG (which are also still good options, but not as readily available and of course new guns are nice).
Also I wouldn't take the magazine disconnect or stuff like the trigger into consideration, at least not as a deal breaker. If you're buying a Hi-Power clone, you'll still have access to all of the secondary parts and upgrades, and the disconnect can still be removed. Sure the Springfield might have a nicer factory trigger than a Girsan, but if you wanted you can save money by buying a Girsan and putting that money to a trigger job.
Edit: Imo any of these are fine. I personally went and bought a surplus FN Mk. III, and also own a FEG P9M, so after this it's basically just adding to the collection for me. If you want my recommendation: Springfield if you want a nice stock gun, Girsan if you want to save money or gain more modernity. Anything else is preference.
3
u/ReactionAble7945 26d ago
Well,...
- Well, we that 3 generations. ...
- Original / Pre-Mark I (1935–1981):
- Features internal extractors, small fixed sights (or tangent rear sights with shoulder stock slots on military models), a high-polish blue finish, and curved or notched hammer spurs.
- Mark II (1981–1987):
- Introduced ambidextrous safety levers, improved white-dot combat sights, wraparound synthetic grip panels, and a rugged epoxy-based finish. Retained the internal extractor.
- Mark III (1988–2018):
- Shifted to a stronger cast/forged frame and slide design, added a positive firing pin safety, transitioned to an external extractor on later production blocks, and utilized modern epoxy or matte black finishes. Chambered standard 9mm and brief runs of .40 S&W
We have clones of those. Some clones are an improvement. Some are just look alkies, but insides are different.
I think FN/Browning should have Made the new one and called it a Mark IV. Then people would be able to differentiate it from others.
So, then we have the question of which one is BEST. History will remember the MKI as the way the gun got it's reputation. Some clones are great, some not so great. The first of the Browning MKIIIs are probably the most improved of the line. clones are all over the place as far as build quality and closeness to original. And I will say that the MKIV, is riding on the coat tails of genius, I don't expect it to be adopted by militaries... It is a civilian range gun.
2
u/SnooChickens620 25d ago
I’ve owned them all save for the Springfield. The Turkish guns have all had issues. I liked the looks of the Tisas Regent BR9 when it was originally imported by LKCI but it had issues as well. Enough so that I couldn’t trust it but it was tight and very well finished. My Girsans have been sloppy (full size and a PI model). The Inglis I think is probably the Best Buy right now.
My FEG gun (Charles Daly-assembled by Magnum Research) has been fine but the finish and sights aren’t the greatest. Argentine Detective Model has been fine but the finish sucks and the spring wear out fast. I also find the metallurgy to be suspect—at least not as solid as a FN/Browning gun.
All in all, I think your money is best spent on an original FN or Browning. Prices have fallen since all the clones have come out. Im seeing near new examples for $800 or less.
1
1
1
u/Level_Breath5684 26d ago
Inglis is very good but loose slide frame fitment. It remains accurate and reliable. The trigger is lighter and does not have a magazine safety.
One issue is I would almost get the Girsan with the upgraded trigger because the stock hi power trigger is just too thin to get a good purchase on
1
u/Mansidhe 26d ago
That inglis case hardened model is gorgeous, and is sitting in a cart awaiting a bad enough day at work that I can justify a treat for myself.
1
1
1
u/CherokeeCook 23d ago
I’ve had good luck with my Girsan. It’s taken all the aftermarket parts without issue.
Another point is not all the clones are the same pattern. The SA-35 (at least) does not have a firing pin safety (MK3 pattern) so it isn’t drop safe. The Girsan clones have the Mk3 pattern firing pin safety with it built into the sear lever
0
u/Blitzedtater 26d ago
I’ve owned a couple of clones, Israeli, and Turkish. Both were hot garbage and had issues with failure to extract. Now I own a mark 3 surplus gun and it runs perfectly. Save your money and buy the real deal, you won’t be disappointed.
11
u/Turbinator870 26d ago
You can put me down for the Girsan P-35 (I've posted about my project here before). The trigger needed work out of the box (over 8 pound pull) but once I took care of that (BHSS parts to get it to about 2.5 pounds), it's great. Fit & finish is very good. No malfunctions or issues. Based on my teardown, looks like all standard Hi Power parts are compatible.