I know it is heresy, but I have always thought that the Browning Hi-Power was a much better handgun than the 1911. The only flaw IMHO is the magazine trigger interlock safety, which does not allow the trigger to operate unless the magazine is in place. This also causes enough friction that the magazine will not drop free upon release.
I have often thought that I should take my vintage 1969 Belgium Browning in and see about this. I have read many times over the years that this device can be removed but something always came up to put this on the back shelf. Yesterday I got curious and went to YouTube.
This is a simple five minute fix needing only a thin punch or, in my case, a precision screwdriver and the lid from a bottle of water. With this interlock removed it is possible to drop the hammer on an empty firearm without inserting a magazine. The magazines are now drop free, and as an added bonus the trigger pull is much better than either of my 1911s. Here is the video: magazine safety
I’ve wanted one for a long time and had read about this issue.
It seems that Springfield Armory is now making a current version of the Hi Power, the SA 35, with the mag interlock removed also. I am seriously considering picking one up!
I’ve always thought the Hi-Power fit my hand better than any other pistol.
I’ve owned 2 of them; A Belgian made one I bought in (around) 1967 or 68, and an Argentine one I bought around 1990. Unfortunately they bit me (hammer bite) and I got rid of them. Springfield says they’ve fixed that particular problem, so I’m interested in the SA-35, but it may all be moot, 'cause my wrists and hands may not let me shoot without pain anymore.
@Bumbazine
Mine was made in 1969, and is a Mark II. It has the ring hammer rather than the spur and it solved the hammer bite, at least for me. Since I posted this OP I dropped it off at Cylinder and Slide a nationally known gun smith who conveniently is half an hour from my house to get an ambidextrous safety installed. Once it is left hand accessible it will be the perfect pistol.
Hey. I know them. Good company. I bought an ambi safety for my Colt Government Model 380 from them. Had to install it myself though.
Still have it, though I can’t see the tiny sights anymore.
I have an Argentine Hi-Power on a shelf above my computer in the office at home. My primary home defense weapon. Lovely firearm, and a sweet shooter. About the only change I’ve made on it is to slap some Pachmayr grips.
@silenus
I agree. Mine is Belgium made. The overall design makes it a classic. Never had a jam or stovepipe. The magazine safety removal helps but it really needed a left hand safety.
The Hi-Power is the pistol that got me interested in pistols. 13 rounds! Holy cow. There was nothing else like it. Today nearly every full sized pistol holds at least 15 rounds but it was sure novel at the time.
