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Old 01-12-2013, 02:53 PM   #4236
Brian D.
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Join Date: Jan 2009
First Name: Brian
Location: SW Ohio
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Default Re: First Firearm Thread.

My latest acquisition was a Browning Hi Power Mark III (black epoxy finish) chambered in 40 S&W caliber. Best I can tell Browning/FN stopped importing the .40 version some time ago, not sure they're even still in production. This one was made in 1993 but in virtually unfired condition. Well, until it fell into my clutches, that is.

Have tried out several .40 S&W handguns thru the years, the BHP is among the best imo. When they made them they didn't just shoehorn a .40 barrel into a nine millimeter platform. The slide was widened, extra locking lug added to the barrel and slide, heavier recoil spring added. Those changes make it as pleasant to shoot as the 9 mm version.

The epoxy based finish used on the BHP may not be pretty, but past experience has shown it to be very resilient, even with frequent carry. If you're in the market for a modern era BHP to tote and use a bunch I highly recommend this finish over the blued.

As to the still available new 9mm Browning Hi Powers...

For what it's worth the "silver chrome" (Browning's name for hardchrome) model BHP is also very durable, but dang those can be hard to locate, they haven't done that finish in several years now. The Practical Model is epoxy black over silver chrome, think those are still imported, or at least some remain in the new supply pipeline.

Oh, one more variant surfaced a few years ago and may still be out there new: A digital camo finish. Again, not much to look at, but I believe that finish is again epoxy based, and should be tough.
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