The Hi Power Pistol
Table of Contents
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over the Hi Power pistol. The pistol is one of the most notable and influential semi-automatic handguns in history, paving the way for future designs. Our goal with this blog post is to provide a brief overview of this iconic pistol while delving into its features, traits, history, and more. Without further ado, let’s talk about the Hi Power pistol.
What is the Hi Power?
The Hi Power, often referred to as the Browning Hi Power, is an iconic single action handgun. The pistol is ultimately the product of two renowned firearms designers, John Moses Browning and Dieudonne Saive. Browning passed away in 1926 while the design for the handgun was still being completed, leading to its completion by Saive.
The Hi Power utilizes a single action firing system, meaning that the trigger’s sole purpose is to drop the hammer. Operation of the pistol is dependent upon the hammer being cocked back prior to firing. This is typically done during the loading process. The pistol features an external thumb safety which can acti as a catch for the slide during the disassembly process. The Hi Power is a double stacked handgun which was designed around a 13 round detachable box magazine. In later years,
Mec-Gar introduced flush-fitting 15 round magazines which increased the capacity of the Hi Power without adding additional length.
The pistol and its variants have been utilized for a variety of use cases throughout their existence. Many shooters have employed Hi Power pistols in competition settings, specifically in those focusing on single-action pistols. Many law enforcement and military entities have also utilized the Hi Power and its variants for duty usage, establishing the design’s status as a reliable service handgun. Beyond use in law enforcement and martial situations, the Hi Power has also been a favorite among recreational shooters, concealed carriers, and collectors.
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Where Does the Name Come From?
The name “Hi Power” is derived from the fact that the pistol’s magazine capacity. During the period in which the pistol was developed and introduced, the Hi Power eclipsed the capacity of other contemporary service handguns. The firearm is also referred to as the “GP” or “P35” in addition to being referred to as the Hi Power. The “GP” stands for
Grande Puissance, a French term which literally means “Hi Power.”
Are Hi Power Pistols Only Available in 9mm Luger?
While the original Hi Power pistols were in
9mm Luger, the Hi Power was also offered in models chambered in
.40 Smith & Wesson. These models featured 10 round magazines rather than 13 round magazines as they use larger casings. While the
.40 caliber Hi Power exists, there are significantly more Hi Power pistols available in the original
9mm Luger chambering than the alternative
.40 Smith & Wesson chambering.
Influential Design
The Hi Power, like the 1911, another notable Browning handgun design, would go on to inspire the development of subsequent handguns. The Hi Power essentially paved the way for “Wonder Nine” handguns which became popular during the latter half of the 20
th century. Specifically, many traits and design cues from the Hi Power are visible in handguns such as the Czech CZ-75. The Hi Power legitimized the concept of a double stack service pistol and paved the way for a litany of other designs. The Hi Power also inspired a variety of clones and copies which sought to emulate the iconic design.
Who Made Hi Power Pistols?
Originally, Hi Power pistols were manufactured by Fabrique Nationale Herstal in Belgium. Production also took place in a variety of other countries since the pistol’s inception. Many licensed reproductions of the pistol have been produced since its inception, notably by countries such as Argentina and Canada.
During World War Two, FNH sent manufacturing plans to the United Kingdom as the Nazis expanded their presence throughout Belgium. As a result of this, the plans were sent to John Inglis and Company in Toronto, Canada. Inglis produced two models of the Hi Power pistol, one for use with Commonwealth forces in World War Two and another model intended for a Nationalist Chinese contract.
Modern Production Variants
The Hi Power design lives on today in a variety of forms. Clones and reproductions from companies such as Springfield Armory, Girsan, and Tisas are currently available on the market. Additionally, FN has recently begun production of a modern Hi Power pistol which they have dubbed the “FN High Power.” The name of the new FN offering is similar to the name of its predecessor but different enough to distinguish it from original models. This modern offering from FN includes 17 round magazines, ambidextrous controls, and a reversable magazine release to name a few new features. These offerings allow shooters to acquire a Hi Power style pistol without having to search for an old production one.
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Military Usage
The handgun has a well-known reputation as a service pistol. Notably, the pistol was used by both Allied and Axis powers during World War Two. Additionally, multiple countries have utilized original Belgian pistols, clones, and licensed copies throughout the Cold War and even into the 21
st century. Countries such as England, Ireland, Argentina, Israel, Canada, and China have utilized the pistol in military applications.
Conclusion
All in all, the Hi Power pistol is one of the most iconic and influential semi-automatic handguns in history. The pistol appeals to shooters of all types, from those who appreciate history, handguns in general, and service pistol enthusiasts alike. We here at True Shot Ammo have a wide range of
ammo for sale which will work great with a Hi Power handgun. Whether you are looking for
9mm Luger,
.40 Smith & Wesson, or want to
purchase ammunition of another type, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.
Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at sales@trueshotammo.com for more ammo options.
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