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Posted By: Barkoff Opinions on this Browning 9mm - 08/03/10
Good day. I am in the process of selling some guns for a friend of the family. One of them is a 9mm Browning that is in pretty good shape. Widow says it was never shot, but I can't vouch for that, but it does look clean.

I'm hoping somebody here will be kind enough to give me the age and worth of this pistol. I might by this 9mm or the S&W 39-2 that too is in very clean condition.

The Hi-power in question has the serial 760033##. Inside the grips are red, and have in big numbers 777.

Can anyone help me with age and worth?

Thank you.

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Let me know the widow's phone number and the amount of your bid and I'll be happy to advise you. wink
Very nice!
Hi-Power Standard - Polished Blue Finish
- 9mm Para. or .40 S&W (new 1995) cal., includes fixed front and lateral adj. rear sight, 32 or 35 oz.
Grading 100% 98% 95% 90% 80% 70% 60%
MSR $1,029 $825 $675 $525 $450 $400 $350 $325
Add 50% for ring hammer and internal extractor.
Add 20% for ring hammer and external extractor (post 1962 mfg.).
Add 30% for thumb print feature.
Add 15% for T-prefix serial number.
Major identifying factors of the Hi-Power are as follows: the "Thumb-Print" feature was mfg. from the beginning through 1958. Old style internal extractor was mfg. from the beginning through 1962, the "T" SN prefix (T-Series start visible extractor) was mfg. 1963-mid-1970s for all U.S. imports by BAC, 69C through 77C S/N prefixes were mfg. 1969-1977. Rounded type Ring Hammers with new external extractor were mfg. from 1962-1972 (for U.S. imports by BAC, much later on FN marked pistols). Spur Hammers have been mfg. 1972-present, and the "245" S/N prefix has been mfg. 1977-present. During 2010, all Hi-Powers feature a 75th Anniversary logo etched onto the top of the slide.
Older specimens in original dark green, maroon, or red/black plastic boxes were mfg. 1954-1965 and are scarce - add $100+ in value. Black pouches (circa 1965-1968, especially with gold metal zipper) will also command a $25-$50 premium, depending on condition.
Posted By: petr Re: Opinions on this Browning 9mm - 08/03/10
There's quite a market for high powers. If it is Belgium, it can vary wildly even against listed blue book values. You probably knew that though.
Posted By: JOG Re: Opinions on this Browning 9mm - 08/03/10
That is a Belgian Hi-Power, but the serial number doesn't line up with the Browning scheme: Hi-Power Serial Numbers

If the pistol is as nice in real life as in the photo I'd say $900-$1,200.
That High Power is nothing special. I will do you a favor and take it off your hands for a couple hundred bucks. Better yet, just pass along the woman's phone number and I'll cut out the middle man.
ah
One of the best fitted pistols ever made
I carried one when I rode in the 70's and 80's
I paid $179 for mine
w/ an extra mag, a sleeve holster AND a box of NATO surplus ammo

Sold it many years later for $300 and like all my gun sales
I could kick myself in the ass~

I think one at my range is going for around $9 huno
Originally Posted by ColsPaul
ah
One of the best fitted pistols ever made
I carried one when I rode in the 70's and 80's
I paid $179 for mine
w/ an extra mag, a sleeve holster AND a box of NATO surplus ammo

Sold it many years later for $300 and like all my gun sales
I could kick myself in the ass~

I think one at my range is going for around $9 huno
Welcome, ColsPaul.
Posted By: JSH Re: Opinions on this Browning 9mm - 08/04/10
One of the best handling handguns I have ever shot. Everyone should own at least one Hi-Power and that is a fine looking example.
You need to buy that if you can come up with the funds.
Originally Posted by Bristoe
You need to buy that if you can come up with the funds.
Shshshshsh.
I dropped in on Bud's gunshop today and he had a nice looking Belgian Hi-Power in there for $750.

Bud keeps his guns priced pretty close to the bone and considering the condition of the one in this thread, $750 would be the absolute bottom I'd take for it.

No claims to being an expert, or anything like that,..just my opinion based on current observations.
Originally Posted by Bristoe
I dropped in on Bud's gunshop today and he had a nice looking Belgian Hi-Power in there for $750.

Bud keeps his guns priced pretty close to the bone and considering the condition of the one in this thread, $750 would be the absolute bottom I'd take for it.

No claims to being an expert, or anything like that,..just my opinion based on current observations.


Thanks, I gave my friend first crack at that Browning or S&W 39 (he is the one that called me and asked me to come help with this). I called my old man and I think he is going to buy the rest of the collection with the exception of that old trapdoor and .38 I found a couple of websites for the trapdoor enthusiasts, so I'm hoping they will tell me exactly what she has and see if somebody there wants to buy it.

If the old man ends up with the browning I'll make a move on it when work improves.
Who still makes the Hi-Power? Can you still purchase a Browning version? Just curious.
FN (Fabrique Nationale) has ALWAYS made the Browning Hi Power and here int he States they still do and you still can...this year is the anniversary (75th)...very nice...
Bill
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