I hope to add one of these to my stable someday. One of my hesitations has always been 1). the mag safety that apparently has to be removed to give it a decent trigger pull, and gunsmithing and I don't mesh, and 2). I'm a bit confused about the different manufacturers and variants.

On both counts, though, I just need to spend some time schooling myself. I suspect it'd be well worth the time.

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1). the mag safety that apparently has to be removed to give it a decent trigger pull, and gunsmithing and I don't mesh

It doesn't have to be removed. You can polish the magazine safety and the spot on the magazine where they contact. That said, removing the magazine safety is not hard once you get the trigger pin out (which can be a pain). Putting the magazine safety back in if you change your mind, however, is a challenge.

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2). I'm a bit confused about the different manufacturers and variants.

Assuming you are looking for a shooter, stick with Browning or FN-marked MkIII single action models. Browning HPs and FN HPs are the same gun, both made by FN Herstal.

Chris

I've been considering one of these as well. How difficult would you say this is to carry as comparred to a P228 or even a 1911 ? Pictures make the gun look very slim so I'm thinking it'll be pretty easy to hide, but I have yet to get to see one in person.

I vote easier to carry (read "slimmer") than the P228. Maybe lighter than a 1911 '45.

FM made a short slide version, does FN make one as well?

Hello. I am not aware of one from FN.

Best.

If you want a P35, I would not hold off because of worries about the magazine disconnect. For IDPA-type shooting, the impact of the MD on the trigger pull isn't all that noticeable, and the P35 isn't a target pistol anyhow. The real problem with the MD is that it prevents empty magazines from dropping by gravity.

A bigger concern of some folks is the fact that, if used as a carry gun, the P35 has to be carried cocked and locked. Some people are concerned about safety; what bothers me, though, is more the dust and crud that a carry gun acquires getting down in front of the hammer. That said, I've carried mine, and, frankly, with a good holster (in my case, a Milt Sparks IWB and a Mitch Rosen pancake), the P35 carries as well as or better than a lot of "small frame" autos.

Unless you are a rabid traditionalist, go for a Mark II or Mark III. The grips are thinner and the hold is better; the safety is far easier to flick off on draw; and you'll be surprised how controllable the P35 is.

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The real problem with the MD is that it prevents empty magazines from dropping by gravity.

With genuine fn/browning mags (which have the "mousetrap" spring built in) the mags shoot out of there with authority.

Any comments on the .40 S&W version of the High Power?

I could not get the '40 back together again with that 30lb plus recoil spring. I traded it in for the '9. Those with a stronger grip say they don't have that much of a problem with the '40 but I just couldn't rack it without cocking the hammer first or get it back together after field stripping it for cleaning.

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Originally posted by REdwin89:

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The real problem with the MD is that it prevents empty magazines from dropping by gravity.

With genuine fn/browning mags (which have the "mousetrap" spring built in) the mags shoot out of there with authority.

I'm guessing the "mousetrap" came along later than mid-1980s, which is when I acquired my genuine FN magazines? (Living in the People's Republic, I can't purchase any new ones.) I have a bunch of genuine FN Browning mags, and none of them drop empty by themselves.

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Originally posted by Nick:
Any comments on the .40 S&W version of the High Power?

Love mine! (got two) Very pleasant shooting pistols!

One of the pride and joys of my collection is the HP made in 1943 with the Waffen stampings.

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Originally posted by cens:
It doesn't have to be removed. You can polish the magazine safety and the spot on the magazine where they contact.

Polishing the mag safety/magazine may help somewhat (or you can use "mousetrap" factory mags that have some kind of a slick, lacquered finish applied to them for the same effect) but part of the grittiness is caused by the compression of the magazine safety spring.

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Originally posted by RKG:

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Originally posted by REdwin89:

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The real problem with the MD is that it prevents empty magazines from dropping by gravity.

With genuine fn/browning mags (which have the "mousetrap" spring built in) the mags shoot out of there with authority.

I'm guessing the "mousetrap" came along later than mid-1980s, which is when I acquired my genuine FN magazines? (Living in the People's Republic, I can't purchase any new ones.) I have a bunch of genuine FN Browning mags, and none of them drop empty by themselves.

Yes, mousetrap mags were introduced when FN started outsourcing using Mecgaras its OEM magazine supplier, which happened sometime in the 90s I believe.

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Originally posted by REdwin89:
I could not get the '40 back together again with that 30lb plus recoil spring. I traded it in for the '9. Those with a stronger grip say they don't have that much of a problem with the '40 but I just couldn't rack it without cocking the hammer first or get it back together after field stripping it for cleaning.

Putting a .40 BHP back together with your bare hands is next to impossible, but there's a simple trick that makes it a hell of a lot easier.

I also tried to use the plastic "recoil spring holder/pusher" after receiving a new '40 recoil spring from FN USA. Looked like a pretzel after a few tries. Used a 9mm recoil spring to get it back together and sent it back to FN for a 9mm.

The Browning HP in 9mm is a great gun. I have done side by side shoot outs both from a Rest and off hand with my Sig P226 and Sig P6 and the HP shoots groups the same size as the other two. That plus mine has been 100 % reliable makes it a keeper in my book and a great gun.

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Originally posted by cda926:
It is official!!You guys are a bad influence on me and my bank account!

I'd been watching an older FN HiPower on Auction Arms for a few weeks and this thread convinced me to dive in. "Buy It Now" is a dangerous thing!!! LOL!!

I've owned at least 6 other HPs over the years.It is nice to be back......

Do you really have 125+ revolvers?! if so sell me a lil smith & wesson J frame .357!

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Originally posted by REdwin89:
I also tried to use the plastic "recoil spring holder/pusher" after receiving a new '40 recoil spring from FN USA. Looked like a pretzel after a few tries. Used a 9mm recoil spring to get it back together and sent it back to FN for a 9mm.

All you need to do is get some kind of a metal or even plastic rod (i.e. a thin cleaning rod or a small paintbrush), stick it through the hole in the guide rod and use it for additional leverage while pressing the muzzle end of the slide against your knee. Pretty easy.