BHP Gunsmith recommendation in the Houston area

November 14, 2021, 12:01 AM

C L Wilkins

Have an issue with one of my Hi-Powers. Very hard to move slide back due to hammer spring being too stiff/hard.

Anyone familiar with a good, knowledgeable smith in the Houston area?

November 14, 2021, 12:23 PM

car541

There are a collosal number of absolute clowns running around that area breaking people’s guns for a fee.

Given that, I would bet Ed Vandenberg in pearland is your best best.

Changing the mainspring on a hi power is not a great idea. The BHP design has a very light slide, and the mainspring weight is integral to the unlocking process and keep the slide velocity correct in recoil. Changing it is not a matter of just checking primer indents and moving along. Hi Powers with lightened mainsprings will round their locking lugs faster than the stock spring, and that can go pretty fast as it is.

If you do want to change it, it isn’t hard, just make sure you have a jig, loyal assistant or a strategic piece of twine to hold the hammer back while you reinstall the sear.

November 14, 2021, 06:50 PM

cwelch

Everything you will need to DYI.

BH Spring Solutions

Browning Hi Power - Complete Spring Change

November 16, 2021, 07:42 AM

papaac

quote:
Originally posted by car541:
There are a collosal number of absolute clowns running around that area breaking people’s guns for a fee.

Given that, I would bet Ed Vandenberg in pearland is your best best.

Changing the mainspring on a hi power is not a great idea. The BHP design has a very light slide, and the mainspring weight is integral to the unlocking process and keep the slide velocity correct in recoil. Changing it is not a matter of just checking primer indents and moving along. Hi Powers with lightened mainsprings will round their locking lugs faster than the stock spring, and that can go pretty fast as it is.

If you do want to change it, it isn’t hard, just make sure you have a jig, loyal assistant or a strategic piece of twine to hold the hammer back while you reinstall the sear.

I agree; Ed is hard to beat.

November 17, 2021, 11:19 PM

VictorLouis

He's here in Phoenix, but the mod/s he made really impressed me. No need to cock the hammer just to cycle your slide...

https://thegunsmith.com/price_list.html

November 20, 2021, 11:24 AM

HK Ag

I would look up Eddie Jimenea, he worked on a Para-Ordnance .45 for me and also a friends pistol. Top notch work.

November 25, 2021, 09:31 PM

bczrx

quote:
Originally posted by C L Wilkins:
Have an issue with one of my Hi-Powers. Very hard to move slide back due to hammer spring being too stiff/hard.

Anyone familiar with a good, knowledgeable smith in the Houston area?

Is this a new to you Hi Power, or something that has changed in a gun you already have and are used to?

If new, the best no-cost approach is to cock the hammer first, and pull the slide back.

Also, is this a 9mm or .40S&W hi power?

I don't have any suggestions on people, but have some knowledge of the system.

December 13, 2021, 08:33 AM

C L Wilkins

quote:
Originally posted by bczrx:
\
quote:
Originally posted by C L Wilkins:
Have an issue with one of my Hi-Powers. Very hard to move slide back due to hammer spring being too stiff/hard.

Anyone familiar with a good, knowledgeable smith in the Houston area?

Is this a new to you Hi Power, or something that has changed in a gun you already have and are used to?

If new, the best no-cost approach is to cock the hammer first, and pull the slide back.

Also, is this a 9mm or .40S&W hi power?

I don't have any suggestions on people, but have some knowledge of the system.

Sorry for the untimely response...

Have had this particular Hi Power for about 10 years and it seems to have gotten progressively worse for some reason. It is a 9mm and bought it new.

I will be taking it in for a "look-see" in a few weeks to one of the suggested smiths. I don't have this issue with the others. Thanks to all for the recommendations.