I've heard various theories, that Browning sold the Argentine's old, worn out equipment to allow FAMAS (?) to make copies of the FN HiPower GP35. You see them occasionally with Argentine markings, and the quality seems every bit as good as FN's with very slight differences. Any thoughts on are they a worthwhile addition? I've seen them mostly arsenal-refinished with a Parkerized-style coating. I seem to recall seeing lots of them in the late 90's, not so much now. ANy discussion or help on one of these pistols?
Hello, I don't know what FAMAS is. Browning never produced a single High Power/GP35 ever, Fabrique Nationale did. After WWll, Fabricaciones Militares Sociedad del Estado , Buenos Aires, Argentina, entered into license agreements with Fabrique Nationale, Herstal, Belgium, to produce High Powers and other FN arms. The first Argentine High Powers were produced in Belgium for FM with appropriate Argentine markings, plus Belgian markings. I believe FN assisted in setting up production in Buenos Aires. These pistols had some fairly minor dimensional differences vs the Belgian pistols. They also produced a short slide Detective version as a complete pistol or as a slide kit. I acquired a "like new in blister pack" Detective slide kit in 2005 or so and use it to this day mated to an '80s FN Alloy Frame. Some fitting was required to allow the FM slide to run optimally on the FN frame. I cannot imagine that the production line provided to FM was old and worn out. If I found one in good condition at a good price I would add it to my collection if it was an early FM pistol, a later FM pistol, or an Argentine marked FN pistol. Cheers, Tim
This is the one I am considering. Looks in good shape, of course ya hate to buy without hefting/examining a purchase. But would appreciate any thoughts on it's value/condition from what you can tell. https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1114717242
It looks OK-ish in the photos. I would hope to get it for $500 or less. I tend to be on the frugal side. Nothing on this one screams "buy me now". I would be happier with a new Turkish clone for under $500. Cheers, Tim
My only thought there, is a new Turkish clone isn't an Argentine HiPower. It's just some other gun, and there are lots of guns if you just want "a gun", but if you want an Argentine HiPower, then the Turks never made one because they aren't Argentine. But the input is worth considering. I've had an FEG P9-R and while it looks like a HiPower, it ain't. It's just another gun.
I also have an FEG High Power. Like the Canadian Inglis and the FM pistols, it was produced under license by Fabrique Nationale. Mine has some major tolerance problems and two different import marks. I bought it, as High Power number three, for $300. A kinda well used bargain. It operates perfectly now after some upgrades. In a sense, anything other than a Fabrique National High Power made in Belgium is just another pistol. The Turkish pistols, I have four from three different manufacturers plus an SA-35, are all fairly well made, function just fine, and are reasonably priced new pistols, the SA-35 being the most expensive for no tangible reason. The Argentine made pistols are also just another pistol. Amending my earlier list of preferences, I would prefer a Belgian made Argentine pistol if I was seeking one. If you have a need or desire for an Argentine produced BHP... any arguments or rationalizations against it hold no sway. If you buy it, please post a write up on it!!! Cheers, Tim
