Browning Hi-Powers oversprung?

[Magic_Salad0892]

So, the Mk. III guns come with a 30 lb. main spring, and a 20 lb. recoil spring or something, right?

Is that what causes barrel feet to crack, then sheer off? Because I'm not aware of any other 9x19mm gun that's sprung like that. That's heavy, even for a .45.

Maybe Bill can chime in?

[JonInWA]

The only ones that come OEM with a 20 lb recoil spring are the .40 chambered Hi Powers, which do not, in both my experience and anecdotal knowledge have a reputation for barrel foot cracking/sheering.

9mm OEM recoil spring weight is 17 lbs; OEM hammer spring weight for both 9mm and .40 is 32 lbs.

Best, Jon

[41magfan]

The Mark I that I sent to Ted Yost came back sprung with a 16.5 / 28 pound combination.

[H&KFanNC]

I would love to see more info/threads on BHP's.


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[JonInWA]

We've had some pretty good ones here-check out the search function! (Not that we can't, or shouldn't have more...)

Best, Jon

[Magic_Salad0892]

There's a distinct lack of P35 information on the internet, honestly. None of it ever talks about operational functions like barrel timing, spring balancing, or anything like that.

The abundance of information, and parts is part of why I love 1911s, but the P35 has some catch up to do.

[JonInWA]

Probably because for the most part the Hi Power is seen and utilized as a duty/PDW, as opposed to a finely tuned competition gun; it seems to perform fairly decently as it is sprung and timed, althought other tweaks (particularly an action job) are often preferred.

That said, FN has produced at least two competition-oriented variants, and I'm sure that there are others.

Best, Jon

[okie john]

Here's a good place to start: http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/HiPowerComments.html

But get on it--the author died a few years ago and I don't know how much longer it will be around.


Okie John

[45dotACP]

There's a distinct lack of P35 information on the internet, honestly. None of it ever talks about operational functions like barrel timing, spring balancing, or anything like that.

The abundance of information, and parts is part of why I love 1911s, but the P35 has some catch up to do.
This gives me a sad. I think comparing the hi power and 1911A1 in their original incarnations circa WW2, the P35 gives up nothing to the .45

I just put a few rounds through my mkII and in spite of the 6.5 lb trigger and nubby sights, the gun shoots very well...

[Magic_Salad0892]

Here's a good place to start: http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/HiPowerComments.html

But get on it--the author died a few years ago and I don't know how much longer it will be around.


Okie John

I've read pretty much every single Stephen Camp article on the internet. Brilliant guy. Shame that he passed.

[WilsonCombatRep]

So, the Mk. III guns come with a 30 lb. main spring, and a 20 lb. recoil spring or something, right?

Is that what causes barrel feet to crack, then sheer off? Because I'm not aware of any other 9x19mm gun that's sprung like that. That's heavy, even for a .45.

Maybe Bill can chime in?

I and others are convinced that the weight of the recoil spring has no bearing on longevity of the barrel which is more related to the barrel timing/cam geometry.

Older BHP's (pre 1976 or so) have a 22-24 pound hammer spring and fairly light recoil spring of 15-16 pounds or so and a flat bottom firing pin stop. Just like an original 1911. That is the key. Chuck Warner makes the firing pin stops. That is how mine are sprung.

[JonInWA]

I've read pretty much every single Stephen Camp article on the internet. Brilliant guy. Shame that he passed.

Over the years, I've printed most of them out, and his book, which succinctly covers Hi Power use (and some modifications) is very much still available, including a very nice laminated cardstock detailed disassembly photo chart. They are pretty inexpensive, and very well worth the tariff.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/RHP%20Ad%20Page.htm

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Disassembly%20Guide.htm

Best, Jon

[Magic_Salad0892]

Thank you, Jon!

WCR, that's the problem. There's no real resources that talk about barrel timing.

[WilsonCombatRep]

Thank you, Jon!

WCR, that's the problem. There's no real resources that talk about barrel timing.

What do you want to know? Lug breakage is very rare.

[Sgt_Gold]

The original BHP used a 30# mainspring because of the hard primers in military ammunition. There is a factory 26# spring available. Changing the mainspring is a pain in the ass and the number of shooters asking for match grade BHP triggers is pretty small, so there isn't too much of a demand for custom springing out there. In a 1911 I've run mainsprings as low as 17#, so there is probably quite a bit or room to experiment with as it pertains to the BHP.

[WilsonCombatRep]

The original BHP used a 30# mainspring because of the hard primers in military ammunition. There is a factory 26# spring available. Changing the mainspring is a pain in the ass and the number of shooters asking for match grade BHP triggers is pretty small, so there isn't too much of a demand for custom springing out there. In a 1911 I've run mainsprings as low as 17#, so there is probably quite a bit or room to experiment with as it pertains to the BHP.

The original hammer spring is closer to 23-24# in older guns (pre 1976 or sometime around that) that came from the factory with a flat bottom firing pin stop It dramatically changes the pull. It was my understanding that sometime in the late 70's FN changed to a heavier hammer spring and radiused firing pin stop. Not sure why. Take a look at an older T or C series and you will see what I mean.