Custom Browning Model Hi-Power, High Power, Duo Tone Blue & Hard Chrome Compensated 6 3/8” Single Action, Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1986

SOLD FOR: $1,675
LSB#: 151209GW14

Make: Browing

Model: Hi-Power

Serial Number: 245PT02366

Year of Manufacture: 1986 (http://www.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/detail.asp?id=35)

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum

Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q.”, the right side is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM / BY FABRIQUE NATIONAL HERSTAL”. The right side of the barrel, visible through the ejection port is marked “BAR-STO 9mm P”. The right side of the rear sight is marked “BO-MAR / R / UP / PAT”. The front strap of the grip frame is marked with the serial number. The left trigger guard bow is marked “D”, the right is marked with a star over “M” and a proof mark.

Barrel Length: 6 3/8”. The barrel has a blued steel block that features a weight, screwed into the ‘underlug’ of the compensation block for aim stability. The top of the block has two compensation ports that are 0.31” diameter holes that go through the top of the barrel as photographed.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a 0.13” wide black blade with a serrated, vertical face that is integral to a serrated ramp base, which is slotted fore to aft into the compensation block. The original front sight, located on the slide, has been ground flush to the slide. The rear sight is a Bo-Mar square notched, serrated leaf on a base that is adjustable for elevation and windage; the base is pinned onto the slide; a recess was cut into the slide to accommodate a low mounted position for the Bo-Mar. The modification extended the sight radius to about 7 7/8”

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are fully checkered walnut panels that have rich grain and ergonomic, ambidextrous swells. The panels are not marked to designate the manufacturer but they have superb fit to the grip frame, but for a small chip loss at the butt of the right panel as photographed. There are checkers that have chip losses on both panels, with some minor compressions and small scratches. There is some checker variation on the aft edges of the grips from panel to panel. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued Compensation Block & Slide, Hard Chrome Frame, Slide Stop, Safety, Magazine Release, Trigger & Hammer; The front and back straps of the grip frame were stippled, the slide was serrated on the flat of the slide release and on the back of the slide.

Finish Originality: The top of the slide was refinished after making the original location of the front sight flush with the slide. The frame and some smaller components were refinished in hard chrome.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is fowling and some traces of frosting in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. There is finish thinning and losses on the compensation block, with heavier scratches on the bottom. The slide has a drizzle of scuffs and small abrasions, there are areas of built oxidation on and around the rear sight; a heavier cluster on top of the slide is leading to pitting, please see our photographs; there are buff and grind marks visible under the finish on top of the slide from when the original front sight was made flush with the slide. The front and back strap portions of the grip frame have been stippled, creating a fine bit of traction. The frame has areas of abrasion through the hard chrome finish. There are small areas of pin prick erosion under the finish. The screw heads are lightly tooled and highly serviceable. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition as having been refinished during modification.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The pistol has been set up with an ambidextrous thumb safety and an over travel screw, installed underneath the frame just in front of the trigger. The trigger has been modified to break at about 4 pounds. The magazine release has been extended with a checkered extension, mounted on the left side of the frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One 13-round double stacked, hard chrome refinished magazine is included as photographed; the base plate is a Pachmayr checkered rubber floor plate. There are scratch and wear marks but the spring is strong and the feed lips are unmarred. The magazine rates in about Fine condition as refinished.

Our Assessment: This is a slick custom Browning Hi-Power that has a 6 3/8” barrel with two compensated holes drilled through the top of the barrel and attached compensation block. The block has a weight that is screwed into the ‘underlug’ portion and provides a stable balance to the system. The front sight on the slide was made flush and a high profile blade was slotted fore-to-aft onto the compensation block, extending the sight radius to 7 7/8”. The front and back straps of the grip frame were stippled and the frame was refinished in hard chrome. The pistol has a bright, sharp bore and retains about 92% of its metal finish. There are areas of oxidation on the slide with minor abrasions, scuffs and edge wear on the slide and frame. Please see our photographs, this will make a silhouette shooter or speed pistol competitor very happy. Given the unique look of this gun, recreational shooters will be in fierce competition. Good luck and please see our photographs.