I have the opportunity to buy a lightly used FM 90, which is an Argentine-made Browning Hi-Power clone, for ~$300. Seems like a good price, considering it looks like they were selling for that same price about 20 years ago.

What is your experience with the FM 90? Worth a few hundred as a range toy and intro to the Hi-Power platform?

I can’t speak as one with experience with an Argentine version of the BHP...

However, if it were in good condition, or better, I probably wouldn’t hesitate at that price.

Please post pictures when you can.

-Bill

I have had a couple of them and would buy that in a heartbeat. They are well made, and parts interchange.

I've owned the Detective chopped version of the FM M90 since early 1994. I originally tweaked it removing the magazine disconnect, and installing Cylinder & Slide safety and trigger. Then I stippled the front and back of the grip frame, blued the gun, and added Spegel grips. It has remained rock solid.

For $300 I'd say it is a steal and to grab it!

I also own a customized FN MKIII Hi-Power. As great as it is, I find the chopped Detective gets more love. LOL

As an aside, dual recoil springs for the Detective model were not available from FM but the CZ75 Compact 17lb recoil spring Wolff #53917 worked well enough. More recently factory style dual spring kits have been available here: https://bhspringsolutions.com/22-fm90-detective

I hear very good things about the Argentine manufactured Browning Hi-Power clone. If I found one for that I wouldn't be asking about it. It would already be mine!

As others have stated.....if it's in nice shape, grab it and thank your lucky stars for a "Hell of a Deal". I had a couple FM's over the decades and they were just as good as the FN's.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
I have the opportunity to buy a lightly used FM 90, which is an Argentine-made Browning Hi-Power clone, for ~$300. Seems like a good price, considering it looks like they were selling for that same price about 20 years ago.

What is your experience with the FM 90? Worth a few hundred as a range toy and intro to the Hi-Power platform?

Rogue, I've never owned one but I've shot a friend's extensively. It was a great shooter. We were shooting it with 13 round mags and FMJ. There were no malfunctions, but we didn't shoot any JHP. For the price, I just don't see how you can go wrong.

I did get a little bit of hammer bite because of my high grip, but that's easily remedied with a hammer change. Other than that, slim, easy on recoil, accurate. I say get it and get to customizing! The Hi Power design is one of my favorite all time handguns, if not my very favorite. Keep us posted!

quote:

Originally posted by jbourneidentity:
I did get a little bit of hammer bite because of my high grip, but that's easily remedied with a hammer change.

That was my experience the one previous time I fired a Hi-Power.

But that was with the standard spur hammer. This one comes with the rounded hammer.

Same configuration at this one, with the faux Pachmayers and ring hammer:

I have one in my clutch of BHPs, also the "Detective" model. They both work as well as all the other BHPs I have, including my Novak customized model.
For that price you are getting a "real" BHP; all parts except a couple on the "Detective" interchange with the Browning originals. Grab it.

The FM and FIG Hi Power clones are some of the best. Seems like these are going up in price since Browning discontinued its production. In the current market of plastic frame guns I am to the point that any all metal pistol of good quality at or under $300 is hard to pass up.

More accurate than a well used Inglis or a made in Belgium assembled in Portugal BHP that was practically NIB. At that price, absolutely a buy.