Echoes of the Past, Relevance of the Present
The crisp air of the range, the smell of gunpowder, and the promise of hitting steel – that’s what calls to many of us. And for generations, one handgun has epitomized reliability, elegance, and a certain historical significance: the FN High Power. This iconic firearm, born from the genius of John Browning, has seen service around the globe, gracing the holsters of soldiers, police officers, and civilian enthusiasts alike. Today, we delve deep into the reintroduction of this classic, offering a thorough *FN High Power review*, examining its features, performance, and whether this reimagined handgun lives up to its legendary heritage.
The FN High Power isn’t just a gun; it’s a piece of history. Designed by the prolific John Browning, arguably the most influential firearms designer of all time, the High Power represents a culmination of his engineering expertise. Browning’s innovative design, coupled with its exceptional 9mm cartridge and high-capacity magazine for its time, made it a game-changer. Sadly, Browning himself passed away before its official production, but his legacy lived on. The pistol was then refined by Dieudonné Saive and subsequently adopted by the Fabrique Nationale (FN) of Belgium.
This pistol quickly gained widespread adoption by military and police forces. Its robust construction, reliable operation, and comfortable ergonomics made it a favorite among soldiers and law enforcement personnel. From the battlefields of World War II to countless police departments worldwide, the FN High Power earned its reputation as a dependable sidearm. The British Army, Canadian Forces, and many others relied on the High Power, further solidifying its status as a global icon.
The design, of course, went through various iterations over the years. Changes included sight configurations, grip variations, and minor internal modifications, but the core principles of the original design remained largely unchanged. The Hi-Power’s longevity speaks volumes about the strength and effectiveness of Browning’s original vision. Now, after a significant hiatus, FN Herstal, the original manufacturer, has answered the call of nostalgia and the demands of the modern market and brought this classic back to life. This new iteration presents a fresh opportunity to experience a truly legendary handgun.
Unveiling the Details: Examining the Features
Let’s take a close look at the new FN High Power, assessing what makes it tick. The frame is constructed from a durable alloy, offering a solid feel in the hand. This metal selection enhances durability while keeping the overall weight manageable for comfortable carry. The slide, crafted from stainless steel, provides robustness and smooth operation. The finish is typically a matte black, offering both a professional appearance and corrosion resistance.
The barrel, precision-machined, is typically around 4.7 inches long, a balance between compact size and accuracy potential. The rifling ensures accurate bullet stabilization, contributing to good grouping on the range. The sights are a significant aspect of any modern pistol. The renewed High Power often features enhanced sights, improving target acquisition. You might see high-visibility three-dot sights or even optics-ready cuts on the slide, which give you the option of mounting a red dot sight.
The controls, true to the original design, are intuitive and easy to access. The manual safety, positioned on the left side of the frame, allows the user to safely carry the pistol in the “cocked and locked” condition (cocked hammer with safety engaged). The magazine release, usually ambidextrous on the re-introduced model, is located on the grip near the trigger guard, enabling quick magazine changes. The slide stop, conveniently placed on the left side of the frame, facilitates reloading and slide locking.
The grip, perhaps the most critical element for comfortable handling, is designed for optimal ergonomics. The grip angle is well-suited to natural pointability. Checkered or textured grip panels, crafted from wood or polymer, provide a secure hold, even in wet or challenging conditions. The magazine, a double-stack design, typically boasts a respectable capacity, allowing for a good number of rounds on tap before a reload is needed.
Specifications: A Closer Look at the Numbers
Understanding the specifications is vital to assessing any firearm. The FN High Power operates in the standard 9mm Luger chambering, a widely available and versatile ammunition choice. Weight, unloaded, falls into a comfortable range that balances controllability and carry-ability. The overall length is comparable to other pistols in its class, making it easy to conceal or carry openly. The height and width are manageable, ensuring a good fit in a holster. The barrel length, as mentioned, contributes to accuracy. The magazine capacity offers a good balance between firepower and portability.
On the Firing Line: Performance and Handling
The true test of any firearm lies in its performance. Range testing is where we can assess the High Power’s real-world capabilities. The FN High Power often performs very well, consistently grouping shots at typical defensive distances. The trigger pull, a critical factor in accuracy, is often improved compared to older Hi-Power models. Smooth and predictable, it allows for accurate shot placement.
Reliability is paramount. The FN High Power is known for its reliability. The updated designs are often known to feed, extract, and eject rounds without issues. Any malfunctions experienced should be minimal. Proper maintenance and ammunition choices can further ensure its smooth operation.
Ergonomics and handling are vital for shooter comfort and control. The grip feels natural in the hand, allowing for a solid and comfortable grip. The controls are easily accessible and can be manipulated without shifting the shooter’s grip. The recoil impulse, while not entirely absent with the 9mm cartridge, is generally manageable, facilitating rapid follow-up shots.
The trigger pull weight and feel play a significant role in accuracy. The updated FN High Power often sports a trigger that is notably smoother than that found on the older models. The trigger break should be crisp, contributing to precise shot placement. Comparing the trigger pull to other pistols in its class helps to identify if it’s a positive feature.
The Balance Sheet: Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
Every firearm has its strengths and weaknesses. The FN High Power’s advantages are many. Its reliability, which has been proven over decades of service, is a significant draw. Accuracy, when paired with a good shooter, is often excellent. The ergonomics, specifically the comfortable grip, contribute to intuitive handling. The classic design, a testament to its enduring appeal, adds a certain character.
However, there are also potential drawbacks. The new High Power may see increased cost compared to some other modern pistols. The availability of aftermarket parts and accessories might be somewhat limited compared to more popular models, although this is changing. The hammer bite, a potential issue with the original design, is often addressed in the updated versions, but it’s something to be aware of.
Customizing the Classic: Aftermarket Potential
The aftermarket for the FN High Power, while perhaps not as extensive as for some other firearms, does offer a range of options for customization. You can easily find holsters, from inside-the-waistband to outside-the-waistband options. Several magazine manufacturers are available to ensure reliable feeding. Improved sights, such as tritium night sights, increase visibility in low-light conditions. Grip panels, available in a variety of materials, offer customization of the grip’s feel and appearance. While not as vast as for some other platforms, these offerings give the owner a chance to tailor their High Power to their preferences.
Value Proposition: Assessing the Investment
Evaluating the FN High Power involves more than just its performance. The price needs to be considered relative to its features and the competition. The cost reflects the quality of the materials, the engineering, and the historical significance of the design. Comparing it to other handguns in the same price range, like other heritage designs or modern striker-fired options, can help inform your decision.
Final Verdict: A Timeless Legacy Continues
The FN High Power, in its renewed form, represents a successful modernization of a classic. It retains the essential qualities that made it so iconic – reliability, ergonomic design, and historical significance – while incorporating improvements in materials, trigger feel, and sight options.
The FN High Power is an excellent choice for those who appreciate classic design, superior ergonomics, and proven reliability. Collectors, history buffs, and shooters who value a well-built and accurate handgun will all find something to appreciate here. While the price may be a consideration for some, the quality and heritage of the pistol justify the investment. However, if you are on a strict budget, other options might be more economical.
The re-introduction of the FN High Power is a welcomed event for the firearms community. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of John Browning’s genius, and the desire for a reliable, accurate, and stylish sidearm. The enduring legacy of the FN High Power continues. This pistol is a highly recommended option for anyone looking for a dependable and beautifully crafted handgun. It’s a pistol that truly stands the test of time.
