• What to Look for if Buying a Used Hi Power

    Some of the best deals I’ve gotten on Hi Powers have been from buying used ones at a good price. I’d say to look for the following: 1.  What’s the overall appearance of the pistol?  A worn finish does not always indicate heavy use or neglect, but it might so it’s something to check.  Frequently, it might be like

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  • What about putting shock buffers in Hi Powers?

    What about putting a buffer in my Hi Power?  Does this really do anything and can it affect reliability? The plastic buffers became popular in 1911 pistols several years ago, but have not been without controversy.  Some believe that they are a key player in a heavily shot handgun’s longevity while others believe that they’re not

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  • Is the Browning Hi Power a good defense gun for me?

      I shot a friend’s Browning Hi Power 9mm and liked it.  Would it make a good self-defense gun? I’ve heard that 9mm is too weak for self-protection.  I like the gun, but not the caliber. There are factors besides caliber in determining what makes a “good” self-defense handgun. Reliability is the first thing, regardless of caliber,

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  • Shooting the FNX9 Pt. II: Defense Considerations

    Despite having carried a handgun daily for a quarter-century as a peace officer and now via my concealed carry license, a particular pistol’s capabilities as an implement of protection do not always garner top billing with me. At this point in my life, enjoyment takes first place.  Make no mistake; I have a selection of dedicated self-defense sidearms with

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  • Taking a Look at the FNX 9mm Pistol

    The traditional DA/SA autopistol is capable of firing the first shot double-action; i.e., a single press of the trigger both cocks and releases the hammer, or one can manually cock the hammer and then press the trigger to fire in single-action mode. Subsequent shots are fired single-action due to the slide’s rearward movement cocking the

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  • Shooting the Beretta .45 ACP PX4

    As this is written, there can be little doubt that handgun manufacturers are burning the proverbial “midnight oil” to produce petite pistols intended for the ever-growing number of licensed carriers across the US.  At the same time, handgun designs more suitable for uniform or service use continue being introduced and for good reason: They have been

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