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Browning Discontinues Parts & Service for the Hi-Power Models

Talyn

Talyn

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Founding Member

Browning Hi-Power, 1911, CZ75, Makarov Home

Explore the endless options of the BHCustom Shop BHAdvanced Trigger Sub-Assembly for Hi-Power pistols - Available for purchase!!! Refined geometry repositions the trigger “shoe” in the Hi-Powers’ trigger guard and affords a more straight-back trigger pull Wider Triggers that engages with more...
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From an BHSpringSolutions email...

Recently, the Browning Arms Co. decided to terminate parts & service for the Hi-Power pistol models and Browning offered it's remaining inventory of Browning Hi-Power Factory Parts to BHSpringSolutions. FN and Browning have both confirmed that they will not be supplying any additional factory parts or service for the Original Hi-Power Models, and their supply of many critical Hi-Power components was getting thin.

First, the Co-Founders of BHSpringSolutions regard this choice on the part of the Browning Arms Co. as the high compliment that it is. Our gratitude extends to the true professionals at the Browning Arms Co. who made this decision and Extra-Especially to All BHVeterans EVERYWHERE...it is your friendship that makes everything we do, possible.

In the past several years, as BHSpringSolutions succeeded in achieving reliability in Hi-Power models like the Tisas BR-9, Springfield SA-35, and every Hi-Power of History that has passed through the BHCustomShop Service Dept., the Browning Factory Hi-Power Parts have become an important "backbone" of our success because of Browning's excellent consistent adherence to production tolerances.

Next, along with the typical parts like extractors and firing pins, BHSS also acquired sufficient Browning Hi-Power Slide Stock to create a small Limited Edition MULTI-CALIBER Series of BHMasterpiece Hi-Powers.

And finally, you probably understand how important it is to have extra Hi-Power Parts on hand, and how important Browning Factory Hi-Power Parts have been for so many of us, so many times. Take advantage of the BHParts Kits containing Browning Factory Hi-Power Parts.

BH Hi-Power University Video Session 109: BH Announces MULTI-CALIBER Masterpiece Hi-Powers

BH Hi-Power University Session 110: Browning Discontinues Parts/Service for Hi-Powers​

 
More from BHSS...

WHY DID BROWNING DISCONTINUE PARTS SERVICE FOR THE HI-POWER?

Hello Friend (BHVeteran),

The firearm branded as the Browning Hi-Power was manufactured by FN in Herstal Belgium. So, Browning was buying Hi-Powers and Hi-Power Parts from FN. 2017 was the last production year for the Hi-Power at FN.

So, Browning "discontinued" what it could no longer purchase.

When a Browning model is discontinued, and Browning can no longer obtain parts from the manufacturer, Browning typically continues to service the model until their parts inventory is drawn down to the point that they will soon be having difficulty continuing to serve that model.

Recently, the Browning Arms Co. decided to terminate parts & service for the Hi-Power pistol models and Browning offered it's remaining inventory of Browning Hi-Power Factory Parts to BHSpringSolutions. Along with the typical parts like extractors and firing pins, BHSS also acquired sufficient Browning Hi-Power Slide Stock to create a small Limited Edition MULTI-CALIBER Series of BHMasterpiece Hi-Powers.

And finally, you probably understand how important it is to have extra Hi-Power Parts on hand, and how important Browning Factory Hi-Power Parts have been for so many of us, so many times. Take advantage of the BHParts Kits containing Browning Factory Hi-Power Parts, at 40% Savings.*

Best of everything,

Mark & Slav, BHSpringSolutions' Co-Founders

BH Hi-Power University Session 111: Dual Caliber BH Masterpiece Hi-Powers​

 
And more...

Why Did BHSpringSolutions Want Brownings' Hi-Power Parts Inventory?

Hello Friend (BHVeteran),

Sometimes we get questions that seem more appropriate to publicly in our BHNewsletter - and such is the case with the question about BH wanting Brownings' HP Parts.

I have a question of my own that I'm going to toss into this answer:

What is the Service Life of a WELL-MAINTAINED Hi-Power? We'll circle back to this question in a moment.

In the history of the Hi-Power, I count at least 12 manufacturers who created well over 30 different models and versions and variants - and All of those Hi-Power Models are Serviced at the BHCustomShop Service Dept. For most of those various Hi-Powers, replacement parts are long gone.

So, one reason we wanted Brownings' HP Parts: BHSpringSolutions uses Browning's Factory HP Parts at our BHCustomShop Service Dept to keep over 30 different HP models running - they generally drop in everywhere and do the job.

Another reason: The consistency of quality and adherence to tolerances everywhere in the Hi-Power design is of utmost importance. Brownings' quality of consistency in their HP parts production was very strong, and commendable.
Another reason: There are still Hi-Power clones being imported into the U.S. that need certain Browning HP Parts to achieve correct function, so there's no parts supply from that direction that interests us.

Probably the most influential reason, though, was because we know that FN/Browning is not going to ever make anymore Hi-Power Parts again. In other words, when Browning decided to release their remaining inventory of Hi-Power parts, we knew "this is all there is".

So, these are the primary reasons we wanted to acquire the remaining Browning Factory Hi-Power function parts.

Back to my question: What is the Service Life of a Well-Maintained Hi-Power pistol? If you ask Google this question, it probably references Stephen Camp's Book where he estimated HP Service Life as 30,000 - 50,000 rounds, and barrel life to be 20,000 - 25,000 rounds. And I think those sound like reasonable guesses. However, we currently have at the BHCustomShop Service Dept an FEG Hi-Power that has a one-owner known round count of 108,000, and on its third barrel. We're rehabilitating his 108,000 round FEG because it doesn't look or feel very presentable anymore - and it's going to take replacement of all or most of the internals.

I think our friend with the 108,000 round FEG Hi-Power has gotten a lot of service-life-benefit because he concerned himself over the years with keeping his HP as well-maintained as he could.

I seem to remember that the Service Life expectation of the Beretta 92 (M9) was 50,000.

Many parts / components in the Hi-Power, or any other handgun, will not go 50,000 rounds without replacement. We refurbish and beautify a lot of Hi-Powers where the owners' intentions for their Hi-Power is to be a family heirloom to be passed down to heirs someday. With a BHSprings Optimization and Servicing now, and a small supply of replacement springs and parts for the future, many Hi-Powers could be passed down to multiple generations and remain in perfect functional condition.

The Hi-Powers place as one of the Most Influential Semi-Auto Handgun Designs is already established history and not subject to change - makes them worthy of "family-heirloom-status".

So, this is the more complete answer about why BHSpringSolutions wanted to obtain the remaining Browning Hi-Power Factory Parts.

It is our pleasure to serve you,

Mark & Slav

BHSpringSolutions' Co-Founders
 

​
BHRecommended Maintenance Intervals / Parts Replacement Intervals in the Hi-Power
All Wire Springs in the Hi-Power: Every 5 Years or 5,000 Rounds, whichever comes first

(This "Best-Practices Recommendation" is aggressive because of the many variables that can impact the service life of any spring. Owners of Compact Barrel Length Hi-Powers should replace Recoil Spring(s) every 2,500 Rounds.

Remember, ALL SPRINGS that are compressed upon Install are "working" (exerting energy), so yes, Compressed Springs do wear themselves out with TIME, and use.)

Sear Spring (flat metal spring in the HP Grip Frame)

Replace every 20 - 25 Years*

The Sear Spring doesn't see much stress from function / shooting so "Round Count" is not a factor in this replacement interval recommendation. If ever a Hi-Power's Trigger Break Weight becomes Lighter, over time, for no reason, the Sear Spring should be suspected of having surpassed it's useful life and replaced.

*Note: More recent Hi-Power production from Springfield, Girsan, Tisas, have produced instances where Sear Spring service life (ability to apply sufficient pressure/stability to the Sear) has been observed to be less than 1-2 Years. Trigger break weight readings of less than 4.5 lbs in these models, or any Hi-Power model (when unmodified) should not be loaded or used until a safety testing protocol is completed. Contact BHSpringSolutions for Consultation.

Factory OEM Hi-Power Barrel

Approximately 20,000 - 25,000 Rounds

Heavily influenced by the maintenance protocol of the Hi-Power where the Barrel is installed. The union of the 2-piece original HP Barrel design does NOT get stronger over time. Users may expect longer service life from the BHAdvanced Barrel for Hi-Powers due to the reinforced Barrel Cam Lug and 1-Piece Design.

Extractor

Approximately 12,000 Rounds or when a New Extractor Spring does not restore satisfactory extractor hold
The Hi-Power Extractor is the #1 Replaced Hi-Power "Hard-Part" at the BHCustomShop Service Dept.

Due to the Hi-Power Extractor's modest size, a small amount of wear usually necessitates replacement.

Ejector

Approximately 20,000 - 25,000 Rounds or if ever

Ejector shows signs of wear or deformation.

Because the Ejector works in cooperation with the Extractor, recement of the Ejector at time of Extractor replacement may be considered a "Best-Practices Approach" if Ejector shows any signs of wear.

Firing Pin Retaining Plate

This Part has a Fracture Reputation - always visually check this part for any sign of fracture during normal cleaning after use.

On or around 1989, FN/Browning redesigned / improved the Hi-Power's Firing Pin Retaining Plate. On the "face" of the redesigned firing pin retaining plate, above the hole where the firing pin protrudes, there is a circle impression with three partial horizontal lines visible inside the circle.

BHSpringSolutions recommends all Hi-Power users keep a spare Firing Pin Retaining Plate on hand and / or replace any firing pin retaining plates that are not the newer design.

FIRING PIN

Approximately every 20,000 - 25,000 Rounds or if ever any wear or deformation is observed.

This is a High-Impact Component. It's also a very well designed part that has been produced well by most manufacturers of the Hi-Power. Although Firing Pin failures have happened and have been observed, it is relatively rare in well-maintained Hi-Powers. Replacement reduces the liklihood of failure-to-fire.

BHSpringSolutions recommends Hi-Power users have a spare Firing Pin on hand.

TYPE II SEAR LEVER (DROP-SAFETY TYPE)

Replace at approximately 30,000 - 40,000 Rounds or if wear is observed at any engagement area.

This is a well-designed multi-function part that rarely requires replacement except in high round count Hi-Powers. Anytime this part exhibits any wear, BHSpringSolutions recommends replacement to achieve least possible trigger travel and most reliable / best-performing Trigger Reset.

OEM RECOIL SPRING GUIDE ROD

Approximately Every 25 Years

The Hi-Power's OEM Recoil Spring Guide Rod contains a captured non-replacable spring. The influence of the internal spring maintains the Hi-Power's Slide Stop in the "down position" until manipulated upward by the magazine follower when the magazine is empty.

The captured spring can be compromised by rust or natural loss of strength over time.

With a Hi-Power fully assembled and no magazine installed, a press upward on the slide stop should result in the slide stop naturally returning to the "down" position. Failure to pass this test indicates the spring inside the Recoil Spring Guide Rod has surpassed its useful life.

Type 1 (Floating) Sear Lever

Replace with: BHAdvanced Type 1 Safety Sear Lever w/ Spring for Hi-Powers

Because the Hi-Powers' original floating sear lever can and does contact the sear by virtue of the slide returning to forward battery, BHSpringSolutions recommends replacement of ALL Type 1 Floating Sear Levers in all Hi-Power Models containing a Type 1 Floating Sear Lever in favor of the BHAdvanced Type 1 Safety Sear Lever w/ Spring which maintains the Sear Lever positively positioned until activated by the trigger / trigger lever.

TRIGGER LEVER

Replace approximately every 20,000 Rounds or anytime any wear is observed.

Anytime this part exhibits any wear, BHSpringSolutions recommends replacement to achieve least possible trigger travel and most reliable / best-performing Trigger Reset. Also, over time, the relationship of the Trigger Lever where it mounts/mates with the trigger

OEM TRIGGER & MAGAZINE DISCONNECT
With normal cleaning, rust preventative practices,
and spring maintenance, Service Life of these components may exceed 50,000 Rounds

OEM MAGAZINE CATCH / RELEASE

Approximately 25,000 - 30,000 Rounds or if ever mag is not reliably retained in the grip frame due to excessive wear at the Magazine Catch's engagement area.

SLIDE STOP

Replacement required only if excessive wear is exhibited in the area that engages with the detent ball in the Recoil Spring Guide Rod, or if any signs of metal fatigue are observed.

Failure of this part is extremely rare.

OEM Hammer-Assembly/Sear/Safety-Assembly (a.k.a. at BHSpringSolutions: "The Hi-Power's holy-trinity")

This is the Hi-Power's Operating System and the three Parts/Assemblies involved are relational and are considered "mated parts".

With normal cleaning, spring maintenance, and rust preventative, Service Life of an OEM Hi-Power Operating System and its components may exceeed 25,000 Rounds.

Replacement of one or two areas of the operating system may require professional assistance and may not be possible in some cases.

If ever any excessive wear is expected in any of the components involved in a Hi-Power's Operating System, consult with a BHSpringSolutions Representative.

This recommendation covers the following components: Hammer, Hammer Strut, Hammer Strut Pin, Hammer Strut Strut-Nut, Hammer Strut Strut-Nut Stop Pin, Sear, Safety Lever(s), Safety Lever Detent.

SOLID PINS (Trigger Pin & Sear Pin)

Replace if pin shows any visible wear, deformation, or metal pitting. Replace Trigger Pin if it no longer reinstalls snug in the grip frame.

Roll Pins (Various)

Replace if pin shows any visible deformation, rust-compromise, or fails to reinstall snug in its "home".

OTHER NOTES / DISCLAIMERS: The estimates of Service Life and Maintenance Intervals noted here are general guidance from BHSpringSolutions based on the servicing of over 500 Hi-Power Pistols at the BHCustomShop Service Dept as of February 2024.

The actual experienced longevity of any component in any handgun may beless or more than these estimates based on a large number of factors and variables that influence length of useful service life.

There are no substitutes for periodic Gunsmith Safety Inspections of your firearm.
 
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