Looking to buy a war time FN Hi Power with German markings

Burgs said:

Do you research and try to find one that is not late war production. Especially if you want to occasionally shoot it.
Keep in mind that the Nazi-era Hi Powers were essentially made with "conscripted" labor. Slaves, so quality control wasn't what we would now call an employee investment. Wood grips are preferable, if only because with age bakelite becomes very brittle and is easily broken.

Click to expand...

TNorris said:

I found one at my local shop for $500 plus tax. It is an early 1943 ' a - suffix ' pistol, probably a USGI bring back that sat in his basement unused for decades. The poor quality wooden grips were brittle and nearly crumbling from rot. The trigger pull was far too light at appx 2#s and there was some surface rust along with a generally poor original finish. I knew I was buying it when I saw it because it was an old BHP in OK shape for $500. I don't collect war stuff, just High Powers and other pistols. These were not beautiful pistols when they left the factory.

IMO: None of them are shooters, though if you replace all of the springs, the recoil spring guide rod and the extractor if needed, they can be safely fired. The sear spring may be the most critical spring to need replacement and was the reason my trigger was at 2#s rather than 4-5#s. For shooting I replaced the wooden grips with a plastic set from the '80s. They look much like the Bakelite grips and fit well. All replaced parts have been archived for posterity.

If I were looking for one for my collection, I might seek a "last ditch" pistol with a high serial number from the end of Occupation or one of the Liberation pistols sold to GIs as the Germans ran home from Belgium. I would probably never fire this one. A more difficult to find piece would be a very early Occupation version with Belgian proof marks. One of each of the 4 or 5 variations would be fun. If each different version had the same serial number (different suffix or no suffix), that would be even better!

Pictures added for your entertainment.

Cheers,

Tim

At the shop:
View attachment 179802

Archived Parts:
View attachment 179803

Sear Spring Comparisons:
*you can see how they lose their spring with age.
View attachment 179804

I replaced the sear with one from the '80s:
View attachment 179805

RDIH Optimized Sear Spring installed:
View attachment 179808

Covergirl:
View attachment 179807

Some Historical stuff:
View attachment 179806

Click to expand...

Burgs said:

There was a very rare Nazi Hi Power making the rounds at various PA gun shows a few years back. It had all the appropriate German markings and worn finish. It also had the very, very, rare Nazi external extractor and one of exactly none ever built that way. The folks behind the table were a semi elderly couple, or maybe young people cleverly disguised, so I never conversed with them about their unique artifact.

I saw it at several different gun shows, and often I wonder if anybody ever took the bait. Every time I see a new Nazi Hi Power thread I can't help but peek and see if it's the PA gun show example. Maybe next time...

Click to expand...

jdreyiv said:

Thanks so much. I think I am going to try to get one of the early production models. Thanks for the info. John

Click to expand...

TNorris said:

Yes, a WaA613 would be interesting but there are only 15,000 of them.
I hope you keep us updated when you find yours!


Cheers,

Tim

Click to expand...

TennRedEye said:

Here's the actual sales link for his FN High power models:

High Power Pistols From WW2 & Beyond. Shop FN Browning Hi Powers. | Legacy Collectibles

Browse our selection of WW2 Hi Powers as well as Post-War production FN Browning High Power 9mm Pistols. All of our firearms are original and authentic.

www.legacy-collectibles.com

Click to expand...