Custom (Jim Hoag) Belgian Browning Hi-Power 9mm SA Semi-Automatic Pistol, Nill Grips & Extras
SOLD FOR: $2,004
LSB#: 150324PK06
Make: Browning (Made by FN in Belgium). This pistols has Hoag Signature S&W adjustable rear sight, stippling, and Barrel bushing. Our consignor has told us that this pistol was purchased from a good friend that had the work done. Unfortunately we could not find a signature under the slide or elsewhere to tell for certain.
Model: High Power
Serial Number: 70C28003
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “Browning Arms Company Morgan, Utah & Montreal P.Q. / Made In Belgium”. The barrel is marked “Cal. 9m/mP.” and with a crowned “P Perron V” proof, the latter of which is also marked on the right front of the trigger guard. The left front of the trigger guard is marked “6”. The right side of the frame is marked “70C28003”.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights / Optics: This pistol is mounted with a flat topped square notch rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation which is screwed into the top of the slide. We have seen almost this identical sight on Smith & Wesson target revolvers (Jim Hoag style). The front sight is a blade with a serrated rear ramp that is fixed to the slide. The long rear sight base is also serrated and it and the top of the slide have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are Rhomlas textured walnut with “KN” (Nill-Griffe) marked at the bottom of the left grip. The grips show almost no handling marks and the textured surface is sharp to the touch. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: The pistol is polished blue with a matte finish on the top of the slide and fine checkering on the front strap and backstrap.
Finish Originality: The finish is not original. The checkering on the front strap and backstrap are not original, nor is the matte finish on the slide.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp and deep. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its current metal finish. There is a mark near the front of the slide on the left side, a mark on the left side of the frame above the front of the trigger guard, a light mark across the bottom of the trigger guard and a few extremely light marks in the top of the slide. The screw heads, checkering and slide serrations are all sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Excellent condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The magazine disconnect has been removed, and the trigger pull isa crisp 3 lbs. 5 oz. The safety has been replaced with an extended safety, a barrel bushing has been added and the rear sight is certainly not stock. We have not fired this pistol.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with two 13-round magazines with a matte black finish. Both magazines have a split baseplate characteristic of Inglis magazines and are marked “JI”, for John Inglis, the manufacturer of the Inglis Hi-Powers. One magazine has a plastic follower and the other has an aluminum follower. Both show minimal wear and are in Excellent condition. The pistol also comes with an original factory black pistol pouch with brass zipper and a red flannel interior. The outside of the pouch is marked “BROWNING” in gold letters. The only marks on the pouch are some thinning in the finish on the leather reinforcing tab at the end of the zipper at the muzzle. The interior of the pouch shows no marks. Overall the pouch is in Fine to Excellent condition; add a little shoe polish to the leather tab and it will be Excellent. Included with the case are a wrench for the barrel bushing and a gray polishing cloth. The high capacity magazines will not be supplied to a resident of California or to a resident of any state with magazine capacity restrictions.
Our Assessment: This is a Browning High Power semi-automatic pistol made by FN in Belgium. It has been customized with the addition of a barrel bushing, an extended safety, fine checkering on the front strap and backstrap, and custom European walnut grips from Nill-Griffe in Germany. The grips feature Nill’s patented Rhomlas texturing, and are cut on select wood using CNC machines to create their unique look. The rear sight was replaced with a long based target sight, the top of the slide was given a matte finish to reduce glare and the magazine disconnect was removed to reduce the trigger pull and allow the pistol to still be fired while in the middle of changing magazines as long as there is a round in the chamber. This pistol is in about Excellent condition with about 99% of its current finish remaining. The finish shows only a few light marks; the grips show only minor wear in the textured finish and are still sharp to the touch.The bore is bright with sharp rifling. This pistol is the perfect size for concealed carry: not too heavy, a grip frame that is very ergonomic, and it holds 13 rounds of 9mm Parabellum ammunition (plus one in the chamber if you carry it cocked and locked). With an all steel frame and slide, there is no need to worry about using hot loads in this pistol. If you don’t have a carry permit, it is great for home defense, and can also be used in the next Action Pistol match at your local club. This pistol is complete with two Inglis magazines, a factory pouch and a wrench for the barrel bushing, and will make an outstanding choice for your next handgun.
