[Rescue190]

I picked this up recently. The condition is pretty good at least. I have not been able to figure out a year of manufacture or special contract. The L prefix has done me in. Any and all help or opinions are appreciated. The grip panels are red painting on the inside.

John

 

[PolishX]

L series are generally regarded to be fakes made by FEG of Hungary as that numbering pattern doesn't fit anything Browning has ever done. Lots of data out there on these. No secret squirrel stuff on Browning numbering post WWII , here is the link to decode BHP serial #'s .

Hi Power Pistol - Browning

www.browning.com

 

[Rescue190]

If that is correct; that would really piss me off and I do not get mad easily or often.
John

 

[scandiknivars]

The slide legend is another clue that FN did not make it. There is no de between Nationale & Herstal.
Dan

 

[Rescue190]

I did not see that coming. The jaws of life meant for saving might be used for crushing a testicle or two. 90,000 KIPS of crush force ought to do the trick.
John

 

[Doubs]

I think I see a Belgian proof mark on the right side of the trigger guard. Also, my Israeli surplus HP is marked exactly as yours on the slide. If yours was Belian proofed, I'd say it's likely real.

.

 

[Rescue190]

Yes it is Belgian proofed.
John

 

[PolishX]

The difference with IDF pistol of which I own many is that the serial # are standard browning patterns the "Alphabet" BHP's like this one are well known FEG fakes. Check over at the BHP forums you will see. Also the IDF ones with either have a Star of David or the mark of the Sayeret Matkal on them depending on use and are general Mk II and Early MK III models .

The Hungarian fakes tried to duplicate the roll marks and even the proofing but the non standard serial # is the give away. You can call Browning if you like they will tell you the same thing

 

[Ale-Small]

I've seen B prefixed ones as well and these are also regarded as fakes.

 

[PolishX]

The slide legend is another clue that FN did not make it. There is no de between Nationale & Herstal.
Dan

Thats not always the case, look at my example. Other issues that stand out on this one is the IDF SOP called for the drain hole in the front, note on example. Also on the OP example look how off the numbering is. Browning/FN has had the same number sequence for decades and font type . You can see part of it where I had my front strap stippled

 

[PolishX]

Also attention to detail, And I'm not bashing because the FEG clones are great guns for the money. The FEG's used a U notch rear sight and the Browning sights were a squared U notch instead of the rounded that you have here.

 

[scandiknivars]

Thats not always the case, look at my example. Other issues that stand out on this one is the IDF SOP called for the drain hole in the front, note on example. Also on the OP example look how off the numbering is. Browning/FN has had the same number sequence for decades and font type . You can see part of it where I had my front strap stippled

My mistake. The clone is of a later model with abbreviated address.
Dan

 

[Rescue190]

Mine looks like a counterfeit BHP made by FEG.
John

 

[PolishX]

Even the FEG ones are getting pricey, I mean if you didnt over pay no need to use it as a boat anchor. When I got my IDF HP it was before the market went nuts about 5 years ago and I think I paid $300 for it and then had the Cylinder and Slide kit installed, new sights, front strap done etc. I mean if you want a good shooter you have that

 

[Rescue190]

From doing additional research on this crappy gun I am thinking this was an Iraqi contacted gun. The details are still a bit grey but appears to fall into the correct serial number range, finish and slide legend. Any additional thoughts?
John

 

[PolishX]

Iraqi contract ones have the crest on them just before the rear sight and hav standard browning serial number sequencing after 1954

High Power Contract Crest & Symbols | High Power Collectors

I hope I have identified correctly the respective crest (or symbol/code) for each countries per regions. If there are countries not included here that have contracted FN (including FM and FEG) for

highpowercollectors.proboards.com

 

[Rescue190]

The info I was reading was for guns basically smuggled in after the embargo of Sadam's regime.
John

 

[scandiknivars]

What's the source of that information? Gun show lore or does someone have actual primary source information?
Dan

 

[Rescue190]

I agree with the comment about gun lore and most of the info on the net is not correct but you should also watch your words as I do not not live on fantasy island.
I cannot remember the webpage. I will try to find again but I thought credible at the time. The guy was an author on the topic as well. I know an expert that does not make.
John

 

[PolishX]

Call Browning, it will put a stop to all the speculation, they have people who work in archives etc, thats what I would do