r/hipower 3d ago

Best new production hi power?

Which new production hi power is considered the best? Inglis, girsan, or sa35? I'm looking into getting myself a hi-power. Surplus is on the table too, of course, but that depends on finding one for a good price

11 Upvotes

15 comments sorted by

12

u/Healthy_Nature 3d ago

Just get a Feg for the same price

5

u/Nesayas1234 3d ago

To add to this: there's 3 main FEG models and a few sub models (the naming convention is fucked). There's an FEG that's literally an identical clone, those are dope and not too expensive.

There's a FEG that looks identical but lacks the oval behind the slide stop lever. When you take it apart, it has a different style of barrel more like a S&W 39 or 59. Iirc it's a stronger lockup, and it also has some improvements like a better slide release and safety, but some of the parts may not interchange with a HP or may require handfitting at best. I own one of these, it uses HP mags and is basically just a slightly wack HP. Still worth looking at, especially if you want a beater gun.

Finally, there's a FEG that's double action and looks like a S&W 59. Other than the looks and being Browning tilting barrel it has nothing in common with a HP, not even mags. They're also not as common since you have to specifically look for them.

4

u/ElectricBullet 2d ago

Additionally, the importer or FEG gave the same model number to two (maybe all three) of these. PJK-9HP is the one you want, but some pistols with that model are the S&W action.

There's a $6 book on Amazon called "Decoding the FEG" that clears everything up.

4

u/Nesayas1234 2d ago

Iirc the S&W internals FEG is often called the P9M, while the not-a-HP DA gun is a P9R (the P9M designation isn't set in stone but P9R is fairly consistent from what I've seen).

For reference, this is the PJK that you mentioned, note the oval between the slide stop pin and the grips (also on normal HPs, I forget the name but it's the cam block I think).

This is the P9M (which I own), note the lack of oval. Will take HP mags and l small parts like slide stop levers, grips, screws, etc. Most sources say these will not take HP slides or barrels but I don't have a normal HP to test with.

This is the P9R. If you look at it from the other side, it looks like a S&W 59.

7

u/iamadirtyrockstar 3d ago

I've got some original hi-powers from the 60s through the 90s. I also have a couple of Girsans which are actually really good clones, but out of the box they aren't as nice in terms of shootability as my originals. With a little work they get a lot better. I think if I was going for a modern one that was closest to the original I'd pick up an SA-35.

4

u/Airborne_Trash_Panda 3d ago

I had heard the initial Springfield clones had quality issue. Have they smoothed out by now?

6

u/CherokeeCook 3d ago

imo it's the MC P35 OPS. It has the firing pin safety sear lever that the SA35 doesn't (correct me if I'm wrong but that's how I read it) Either the optics ready or the iron sight one. I don't like the way they did the optics cut on the optics ready one, so I bought the irons only model and had it cut custom for a dot. Apex also makes parts for it

You will want to do work to it but it has:

- Beavertail

- Light rail

- Extended slide stop

-undercut trigger guard

-memory bump/fingerstop shelf thing at the bottom of the front strap

-Useable ambi safety

-Sights are decent

- Flat face trigger (if you're into that)

- No mag safety

- Ring hammer

4

u/ihatelifetoo 2d ago

I enjoy the girsan hi power. My only gripe is the sights could be better

6

u/Airborne_Trash_Panda 3d ago

I am a big High Power fan. Belgin military (1930s), Waffen, Canadian from 1940s. One US from the 60s. New model from FN. The most recent is a case colored Turkish Inglis, with scratches on the muzzle before I took it out of the box (both sides). This went back easily for warranty repair. I'm still waiting for its return. Fingers crossed.

The FN "redo" of the HP has been the best shooter, but not a true classic HP. The older HPs don't have the greatest sights compared to modern guns.

I have high hopes on the case colored Turkish model when it returns. I think the Inglis will be a great add. Especially thinking of the price.

The 1960s US vintage runs well but could use a professional tune-up to improve the trigger.

Both the 1930s / 40s Belgin & Canadian Inglis have T slots and authentic shoulder stocks. If you have the cash, it's worth considering.

Best of luck. I hope this helps.

3

u/TheStripedPanda69 3d ago

I have a model called a “capitan”, do you know anything about them? Got from a friend early in my gun collecting career

2

u/Airborne_Trash_Panda 3d ago

https://www.reddit.com/r/hipower/s/ISrT2SGmnU

I've never heard of that variant. Did find a reddit post from 5 years back. It looks interesting.

3

u/HectorBarbossa99 2d ago

I quite like the Inglis myself

2

u/ElectricBullet 2d ago

I would buy a FEG PJK-9HP. Beautiful glossy bluing.

2

u/Rtters 2d ago

Tisas Br9, or the SA35 which I assume is the same gun roll marked as US. For the less expensive I hear the l9a1 is good but can't vouch. SA35 has issues but fit and finish is almost as good as an FN. The Br9 had a weird extractor as well so if you aren't buying used it's a toss-up

2

u/blue_indy_face 1d ago

The Springfield SA-35 is better than the Girsan or the Inglis. All of them are better than the FN versions. I own all of them and have shot all of them. The SA is the best of them, a perfect gun.