Range Report: FN Hi Power Competition Model...

Stephen A. Camp · August 29, 2002, 08:37 PM

Hello. Made for a few years during the '80s, the FN Competition Model is no longer produced by FN...or anyone else that I can find.
Some parts will interchange with the standard Hi Power models, while some are unique to the Competition only. The hammer hooks differ a bit in their height from the standard versions though a standard hammer could be used if needed and the magazine disconnect is in the frame rather than the trigger and does not interfere with the trigger pull. It has the small, classic HP thumbsafety and is not ambidextrous. Stocks were Pachmayrs. Finish is a dull olive green parkerized finish on this gun, but I'm told that some were black. Mine was not imported by Browning, but by Cassi.

The frame and slide are the same size as for the "regular" HP, but the gun has a 6" bbl that has flats on the sides near the muzzle and is threaded for a nut that in conjunction with two screws, holds a muzzle weight with integral front sight onto the extended bbl.

Rear sight is click adjustable for windage and elevation, but is about the goofiest looking thing I've seen. It appears to be made of spring steel as the sight itself provides upward pressure against the elevation screw via a tab extending from the sight to the top of the slide. It's not the sturdiest looking thing, but if the gun's intended only for the target range, I guess it'll have to do. In any case, it does work and holds zero when set.

The front sight is a non-serrated post integral to the muzzle weight. In the picture, though out of focus, you can see the opposing screws and the nut on the muzzle weight.

Front sight:

Rear sight:

Test Gun: Though a stock gun is described above, the gun I used is very lightly modified.

Its original spur hammer has been slightly bobbed to prevent hammer bite.

It's now wearing Spegel blk, checkered, delrin stocks.

Magazine disconnect is gone. (I know it didn't effect the trigger pull, but I do NOT like these things.)

A factory extended thumbsafety was fitted to the gun. The right-side safety lever's been removed with the pin dressed down as I don't care for ambis on the HP.

It has a standard strength, factory recoil spring in it as well as a Buffer Technology shock buffer. The recoil spring that comes on the Comp is lighter than the standard as the extra weight on the end of the longer bbl does slow unlocking. The standard spring worked fine with standard pressure and one +P load.

In this picture, you can see the gun's "left" side with the extended factory safety, Spegel stocks, and bobbed hammer.

Here's the other side.

The serial number's not on the front of the grip strap, but on the ejection port-side of the slide and frame.

Ammunition: Eight types of ammunition were used with the pistol today in two different bullet weights.

Federal 115 gr standard velocity JHP ("9BP")
Federal 124 gr M882 FMJ
Federal 124 gr Nyclad Hollow Point
Handload: 124 gr Rainier PRN over 6.9 gr Blue Dot
Winchester USA 115 gr FMJ
Fiocchi 115 gr FMJ
PMC 115 gr FMJ
Corbon 124 gr +P "Bonded" JHP (Gold Dot JHP)

The picture below shows the 10-shot groups fired two-hand hold, standing at 15 yards. I had assumed I'd find one that outgrouped the others. I think the Federal 115 gr JHP did, but the human error present could be masking the true accuracy load of these. Data is visible for the handload as well as which maker's ammo was grouped where. (The three pasters on the left side of the picture didn't stick to the cardboard and had been stapled, but were removed by the impacts. That's why you see only holes on that side. A flyer is noted. The rest felt "right."

These two groups were also fired at 15 yards and the ammunition used is visible in the picture. Note: Only 7 rounds of the Corbon was used. (I only had 17 rnds with me and needed the other 10 for another target test.)

All of the ammunition shot very well for me and all group well enough for my purposes. Cases with the standard velocity loads landed in a neat cluster about 5' to my right while the +P load about doubled that distance.

I am not a good enough shot to say for sure what is the best load fired today.

Observations:

The gun's reliable with all rounds fired today as well as some other JHPs (Triton, Winchester, handloads, Hornady, etc) I've fired in the past and the thing "shoots." Recoil from the already-low recoil 9x19mm round is somewhat less, but muzzle flip is greatly reduced. It occurred to me that while the pistol's not designed for it, it could do double-duty as a home defense pistol. To that end, the following target consists of 5 sets of controlled pairs fired from a Weaver stance @ 10 yards.

That's where I used the last 10 Corbons. This thing's a shooting machine and the notch in the rear sight is wide enough to find the front sight at speed. I did NOT have a timer, but would estimate each pair was fired in around a second. There was no draw and I started from a "high ready" position.

A while back, I happened to've chronographed some of the same ammunition brands used today out of the longer bbl. Ten-shot averages fired from 10':

Winchester USA 115 gr FMJ: 1223 ft/sec
Fiocchi 115 gr FMJ: 1287 ft/sec
124 gr Federal Nyclad HP: 1190 ft/sec
Handload (See above): 1308 ft/sec

If this pistol were to be used for defense, I'd likely use either the Federal 115 gr JHP or the Nyclad. With the longer bbl, you get into +P velocities.

If you like Hi Powers and want an accurate pistol for the range or small game hunting, I think this one is definitely worth looking at. They can be found.

Best.

Bompa · August 29, 2002, 09:26 PM

I would love to have one of those..Have never seen one for sale
in this neck of the woods..Now the way things are in this state, Mass., there will most likely never be any on the market.. The last
HiPower I saw for sale looked like it was used hard and put away
wet,it was a mess,and the price was the same as a new gun in the rest of the world..
I will keep looking and hoping to find one..
Mr Camp you have some very fine guns and your posts are always informative...Keep up the good work..

Guess I will just have to live with my early FN marked Practical
model and of coarse the CZ75b's that share the space in the safe..

Erik · August 29, 2002, 09:29 PM

A couple of things:

What should one expect to shell out for one of these?

What does it weigh?

You need to stop apologizing for pretty damn good shooting!

Stephen A. Camp · August 29, 2002, 09:29 PM

Hello, sir, and thank you for the kind words. I feel for you and all the good folks living under the stupid, inane "gun control" laws that only affect the honest. Keep your eyes open though; you might locate one.

I'd give this one up if it would abolish such stupid "laws."

Best.

Stephen A. Camp · August 29, 2002, 09:49 PM

Hello. I don't really know how much it weighs, but it'd be likely 3 to 4 OZ more than a standard HP. I paid $800 for this one slightly used. I have seen new ones sold for about $850.00.

I really don't note any difference in weight when actually holding it, but the longer length and extra weight out front does make it extremely steady to hold and shoot.

Best.

schild · August 30, 2002, 09:19 AM

After reading this last night I checked out GunsAmerica.com, saw two for around $900. I had forgotten about this BHP, very interesting. Could make me want to own a BHP again.

croyance · August 30, 2002, 03:10 PM

I think that earlier this week, I saw some BHP described as the GP model on either auction arms or gun broker, though they are no longer listed. The picture shown makes it look the same as your competition model. It had the barrel weight, the most distinguishing feature.
Are they indeed the same model gun? Did FN release two guns with similar features? Is my memory playing tricks again?

Stephen A. Camp · August 30, 2002, 03:26 PM

Hello. I've seen the same gun referred to as a "GP Comp" and the Hi Power referred to as "GP." These initials stand for "Gran Puissance" or something similar in French and means "High Power," if memory serves.

Best.

ACP230 · August 30, 2002, 04:06 PM

Nice photos and great shooting.

I wish I'd run across one of those guns when they were a bit cheaper. I always thought they looked neat. Even the rear sight didn't bother me.

Jeff OTMG · August 30, 2002, 05:40 PM

The next time you field strip the gun look in the slide, along the top, toward the front near where the step is. See if there is a flat piece of metal welded in up there. That is a piece of spring steel. If it isn't there get it cut out now. You will ruin your barrel lugs if you leave it in. That leaf spring presses down on the barrel to help lock it in the same spot each time. The problem is that it is pressing down in the wrong direction attempting to unlock the lugs. You might need to get the barrel refitted, but you won't be rolling lips up on the lugs everytime you shoot the gun. You can tell how much the gun was shot by feeling for these 'lips' on the lugs. Check it out. For more info you can contact Bill Laughridge.

PS I did this to mine after 500 rounds and the lips had already started to appear.

sven · August 30, 2002, 06:37 PM

Stephen:

Laughing about your notes on the 'flyers' in the photos. Keep the reviews coming!

Thanks,

-s

Stephen A. Camp · August 30, 2002, 07:33 PM

Hello, JeffOTMG. Thanks for the information. I looked and it is there. I checked the bbl lugs and so far, they are fine. No rolling and no "lips." I do use a slightly heavier recoil spring that that which came the the Competition. I will definitely look into this and appreciate your taking the time to mention this.

Best.

kahr Carrier · August 30, 2002, 09:22 PM

Nice gun ,Nice range report. A good read.

August 29, 2002, 08:37 PM	#1
Stephen A. Camp Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 1999 Posts: 2,504	Range Report: FN Hi Power Competition Model... Hello. Made for a few years during the '80s, the FN Competition Model is no longer produced by FN...or anyone else that I can find. Some parts will interchange with the standard Hi Power models, while some are unique to the Competition only. The hammer hooks differ a bit in their height from the standard versions though a standard hammer could be used if needed and the magazine disconnect is in the frame rather than the trigger and does not interfere with the trigger pull. It has the small, classic HP thumbsafety and is not ambidextrous. Stocks were Pachmayrs. Finish is a dull olive green parkerized finish on this gun, but I'm told that some were black. Mine was not imported by Browning, but by Cassi. The frame and slide are the same size as for the "regular" HP, but the gun has a 6" bbl that has flats on the sides near the muzzle and is threaded for a nut that in conjunction with two screws, holds a muzzle weight with integral front sight onto the extended bbl. Rear sight is click adjustable for windage and elevation, but is about the goofiest looking thing I've seen. It appears to be made of spring steel as the sight itself provides upward pressure against the elevation screw via a tab extending from the sight to the top of the slide. It's not the sturdiest looking thing, but if the gun's intended only for the target range, I guess it'll have to do. In any case, it does work and holds zero when set. The front sight is a non-serrated post integral to the muzzle weight. In the picture, though out of focus, you can see the opposing screws and the nut on the muzzle weight. Front sight: Rear sight: Test Gun: Though a stock gun is described above, the gun I used is very lightly modified. Its original spur hammer has been slightly bobbed to prevent hammer bite. It's now wearing Spegel blk, checkered, delrin stocks. Magazine disconnect is gone. (I know it didn't effect the trigger pull, but I do NOT like these things.) A factory extended thumbsafety was fitted to the gun. The right-side safety lever's been removed with the pin dressed down as I don't care for ambis on the HP. It has a standard strength, factory recoil spring in it as well as a Buffer Technology shock buffer. The recoil spring that comes on the Comp is lighter than the standard as the extra weight on the end of the longer bbl does slow unlocking. The standard spring worked fine with standard pressure and one +P load. In this picture, you can see the gun's "left" side with the extended factory safety, Spegel stocks, and bobbed hammer. Here's the other side. The serial number's not on the front of the grip strap, but on the ejection port-side of the slide and frame. Ammunition: Eight types of ammunition were used with the pistol today in two different bullet weights. Federal 115 gr standard velocity JHP ("9BP") Federal 124 gr M882 FMJ Federal 124 gr Nyclad Hollow Point Handload: 124 gr Rainier PRN over 6.9 gr Blue Dot Winchester USA 115 gr FMJ Fiocchi 115 gr FMJ PMC 115 gr FMJ Corbon 124 gr +P "Bonded" JHP (Gold Dot JHP) The picture below shows the 10-shot groups fired two-hand hold, standing at 15 yards. I had assumed I'd find one that outgrouped the others. I think the Federal 115 gr JHP did, but the human error present could be masking the true accuracy load of these. Data is visible for the handload as well as which maker's ammo was grouped where. (The three pasters on the left side of the picture didn't stick to the cardboard and had been stapled, but were removed by the impacts. That's why you see only holes on that side. A flyer is noted. The rest felt "right." These two groups were also fired at 15 yards and the ammunition used is visible in the picture. Note: Only 7 rounds of the Corbon was used. (I only had 17 rnds with me and needed the other 10 for another target test.) All of the ammunition shot very well for me and all group well enough for my purposes. Cases with the standard velocity loads landed in a neat cluster about 5' to my right while the +P load about doubled that distance. I am not a good enough shot to say for sure what is the best load fired today. Observations: The gun's reliable with all rounds fired today as well as some other JHPs (Triton, Winchester, handloads, Hornady, etc) I've fired in the past and the thing "shoots." Recoil from the already-low recoil 9x19mm round is somewhat less, but muzzle flip is greatly reduced. It occurred to me that while the pistol's not designed for it, it could do double-duty as a home defense pistol. To that end, the following target consists of 5 sets of controlled pairs fired from a Weaver stance @ 10 yards. That's where I used the last 10 Corbons. This thing's a shooting machine and the notch in the rear sight is wide enough to find the front sight at speed. I did NOT have a timer, but would estimate each pair was fired in around a second. There was no draw and I started from a "high ready" position. A while back, I happened to've chronographed some of the same ammunition brands used today out of the longer bbl. Ten-shot averages fired from 10': Winchester USA 115 gr FMJ: 1223 ft/sec Fiocchi 115 gr FMJ: 1287 ft/sec 124 gr Federal Nyclad HP: 1190 ft/sec Handload (See above): 1308 ft/sec If this pistol were to be used for defense, I'd likely use either the Federal 115 gr JHP or the Nyclad. With the longer bbl, you get into +P velocities. If you like Hi Powers and want an accurate pistol for the range or small game hunting, I think this one is definitely worth looking at. They can be found. Best.

August 29, 2002, 09:29 PM	#3
Erik Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1999 Location: America Posts: 3,316	A couple of things: What should one expect to shell out for one of these? What does it weigh? You need to stop apologizing for pretty damn good shooting! __________________ Meriam Webster's: Main Entry: ci·vil·ian Pronunciation: \sə-ˈvil-yən also -ˈvi-yən\, Function: noun, Date: 14th century, 1: a specialist in Roman or modern civil law, 2 a: one not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force b: outsider 1, — civilian adjective

August 30, 2002, 09:19 AM	#6
schild Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2002 Location: Illinois Posts: 344	After reading this last night I checked out GunsAmerica.com, saw two for around $900. I had forgotten about this BHP, very interesting. Could make me want to own a BHP again. __________________ Schild HK's, Glocks, Colts, Walther, Sig, Benelli, Ruger, NAA, Cz, etc.

August 30, 2002, 04:06 PM	#9
ACP230 Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2000 Posts: 632	Nice photos and great shooting. I wish I'd run across one of those guns when they were a bit cheaper. I always thought they looked neat. Even the rear sight didn't bother me. __________________ "To disarm the people (is) the best & most effectual way to enslave them." George Mason.

August 30, 2002, 09:22 PM	#13
kahr Carrier Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2002 Posts: 368	Nice gun ,Nice range report. A good read. __________________ " Have gun will travel" Springfield if your listening make a 10mm 1911.

August 29, 2002, 09:26 PM	#2
Bompa Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2001 Location: western Mass. Posts: 135	I would love to have one of those..Have never seen one for sale in this neck of the woods..Now the way things are in this state, Mass., there will most likely never be any on the market.. The last HiPower I saw for sale looked like it was used hard and put away wet,it was a mess,and the price was the same as a new gun in the rest of the world.. I will keep looking and hoping to find one.. Mr Camp you have some very fine guns and your posts are always informative...Keep up the good work.. Guess I will just have to live with my early FN marked Practical model and of coarse the CZ75b's that share the space in the safe..

August 29, 2002, 09:49 PM	#5
Stephen A. Camp Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 1999 Posts: 2,504	Hello. I don't really know how much it weighs, but it'd be likely 3 to 4 OZ more than a standard HP. I paid $800 for this one slightly used. I have seen new ones sold for about $850.00. I really don't note any difference in weight when actually holding it, but the longer length and extra weight out front does make it extremely steady to hold and shoot. Best.

August 30, 2002, 03:10 PM	#7
croyance Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2001 Posts: 3,604	I think that earlier this week, I saw some BHP described as the GP model on either auction arms or gun broker, though they are no longer listed. The picture shown makes it look the same as your competition model. It had the barrel weight, the most distinguishing feature. Are they indeed the same model gun? Did FN release two guns with similar features? Is my memory playing tricks again?

August 30, 2002, 03:26 PM	#8
Stephen A. Camp Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 1999 Posts: 2,504	Hello. I've seen the same gun referred to as a "GP Comp" and the Hi Power referred to as "GP." These initials stand for "Gran Puissance" or something similar in French and means "High Power," if memory serves. Best.

August 30, 2002, 05:40 PM	#10
Jeff OTMG Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 1998 Location: Austin, Tx (for now) Posts: 3,548	The next time you field strip the gun look in the slide, along the top, toward the front near where the step is. See if there is a flat piece of metal welded in up there. That is a piece of spring steel. If it isn't there get it cut out now. You will ruin your barrel lugs if you leave it in. That leaf spring presses down on the barrel to help lock it in the same spot each time. The problem is that it is pressing down in the wrong direction attempting to unlock the lugs. You might need to get the barrel refitted, but you won't be rolling lips up on the lugs everytime you shoot the gun. You can tell how much the gun was shot by feeling for these 'lips' on the lugs. Check it out. For more info you can contact Bill Laughridge. PS I did this to mine after 500 rounds and the lips had already started to appear.

August 30, 2002, 06:37 PM	#11
sven Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2002 Location: Palo Alto, California Posts: 536	Stephen: Laughing about your notes on the 'flyers' in the photos. Keep the reviews coming! Thanks, -s

August 30, 2002, 07:33 PM	#12
Stephen A. Camp Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 1999 Posts: 2,504	Hello, JeffOTMG. Thanks for the information. I looked and it is there. I checked the bbl lugs and so far, they are fine. No rolling and no "lips." I do use a slightly heavier recoil spring that that which came the the Competition. I will definitely look into this and appreciate your taking the time to mention this. Best.