Browning Hi-Power Pistol
The Browning Hi-Power is a semi-automatic handgun that is chambered in 9mm & .40 S&W calibers. Hi-Power pistols come with fixed or low-profile three-dot adjustable sights. The pistol has a standard 13-round magazine but there is an optional 10-round magazine that can be purchased where required by state law. As one of the few pistols to be forged from solid steel, the Browning Hi-Power is extremely durable.
Occasionally a firearm is introduced that is destined to become a classic. The Browning Hi-Power, designed by the legendary John Moses Browning is one of those classic designs. The Hi-Power was one of the last creations by the man considered the greatest firearms designer to ever take an idea from paper to full production.
The Browning company decided to discontinue production of this class in 2018 and much to their surprise, competitors were eagerly waiting to continue producing this top engineered pistol in their own factories.
Browning died in 1926 before the Hi-Power was ready for production. The design was completed by Dieudonne Saive at Fabrique Nationale (FN) of Belgium. The original model was available in either 9mm or .40 caliber Smith and Wesson, with each caliber having a magazine capacity of 13 rounds. The 13-round magazine was almost twice that of era rivals such as Luger, or the venerable Colt Model 1911 in .45 ACP.
Placed into production in 1932, the pistol has a history aligned with the dramatic events of the 20th century. During World War II, Germany occupied Belgium and began using the FN facilities for their own weapons manufacturing. Fabrique Nationale relocated to Canada, escaping the Nazis, and began production of the Hi-Power in North America. It was in Canada that the name Hi-Power became permanently attached to the pistol.
The Hi-Power was one of the very few weapons used by both allied and axis forces in World War II. It was manufactured in many countries during its 82-year run with Browning, some legal, and some forged copies of this classic sidearm.
There were many versions of the Hi-Power but each one used the same firing mechanism and style of magazine. The first design was called the P35, then came the L9A1 English version a few years later. The Mark I is the best known of the models since it was widely produced during World War II. Other versions include the Mark II, the Mark II, and the Standard, a name applied to the Mark III model with walnut grips and a gloss finish. Add in variants like the Practical, the BDM, the Detective, and the Rosario and you soon see why this classic pistol has so many fans.
The only complaint among users of the original design was that on occasion it would pinch the shooter’s hand in the webbing between their thumb and trigger finger. Later designs eliminated this problem, and early users learned to hold the weapon slightly differently to avoid that painful chunk of skin being sliced when the slide came back to eject a cartridge.
Browning Hi-Power Standard Configuration (For all pre-2021 variations):
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Type: | Pistol |
| Caliber: | .40 S&W, 9mm |
| Action: | Semi-auto – short recoil |
| Barrel length: | 4.7 inches |
| Overall Length: | 7.8 inches |
| Height: | 4.8 inches |
| Weight: | 2.2 pounds |
| Capacity: | 13-rounds |
| Feed: | Detachable box magazine |
| Trigger system: | Single |
| Grips: | Wide Variety |
| Sights: | Fixed |
| Safety: | Lever |
| Material: | Steel |
Price:$699-$1199
Springfield Arms SA-35 (Hi-Power) 9mm
With the elimination of production by Browning, Springfield Arms was quick to begin production of the Hi-Power under a similar name to the original production model. The SA-35 is tied historically to the P35 with a few key innovations, one is a larger magazine with a capacity of 15 9mm cartridges, and the addition of modern White Dot front sights, along with the traditional serrated rear sight.
Placed on the market in 2020, this variety features the one innovation shooters will enjoy is the elimination of the pinching of your hand when shooting the firearm.
SA-35 (Hi-Power) 9mm Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Type: | Pistol |
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Action: | Semi-auto – short recoil |
| Barrel length: | 4.7 inches |
| Overall Length: | 7.8 inches |
| Height: | 4.8 inches |
| Weight: | 2.2 pounds |
| Capacity: | 15-rounds |
| Feed: | Detachable box magazine |
| Trigger system: | Single |
| Grips: | Walnut |
| Sights: | White Dot Front, serrated rear |
| Safety: | Lever |
| Material: | Steel |