Israeli FN Hi-power

[ray1970]

Tell me more about how you removed the original finish and did the patina look?

Stripping the old finish was easy. I simply disassembled it and tossed the parts I wanted stripped into the glass bead cabinet.

The finish was kind of an evolution of sorts.

First, I thought I'd do a rust blue job on it. Turns out making things rust around here is damn near impossible so I gave up on that pretty quickly.

Thought maybe I'd give it some sort of spray finish so I picked up a can of Brownells Alumahyde II from Bowers. Turned out really good looking but apparently the thickness of the coating made reassembly impossible.

So, back in the blast cabinet it went.

After that I just decided to experiment. Took a solution of selenous acid, copper nitrate, and nitric acid (simple "cold bluing" compound) and coated everything. Once it was all crusty and whitish looking, I ran the parts under warm water in the sink and buffed everything with fine steel wool. Then I coated it with plenty of CLP.

I might just enjoy shooting it just like it is for a year or so and see how the (lack of ) finish holds up. If it starts developing a nice patina from use I might just keep enjoying it. If it looks like surface rust is going to be a problem I'll find someone to give it a professional finish.

[stenz]

Awesome. Looks great as it sits. Makes me want to get one!

[ray1970]

Awesome. Looks great as it sits. Makes me want to get one!

If you put it off long enough they'll sell out and then you won't have to spend the money.



Just like I did with the Sig 228 trade ins.

[ray1970]

Took her out to the range today. Functions just fine. Due to the snow and mud, I refrained from setting up multiple targets at various ranges and really putting it through it's paces. Instead, I just did some static work at 25 yards. Took about five or six shots for me to get a feel for it. The single action, hammer fired pistol isn't something I'm accustomed to these days. Lol.

I was actually a little surprised how much perceived recoil there was compared to my Glock 19. I would have thought a heavy, all steel gun would be a real pussy cat but muzzle flip was more than I expected and getting back on target from shot to shot was a bit slow. I guess the whole polymer frame and low bore axis thing really works well for the Glock.

[sroz]

....but she sure does look better than a Glock. She really looks sweet.

[ray1970]

Well, here's another picture. Don't freak out. It isn't loaded. I just wanted a picture of it in condition one for looks. Empty mag, empty chamber. Had the entire range to myself. Nobody was in any danger.

[davsel]

My buddy sent me the link to these Aimsurplus Hi-Powers a few weeks back, knowing I've always wanted a Hi-Power.
Now I see this.
Had to have Santa order me one. Hope it comes in as nice a shape as yours, Ray.

[ray1970]

Other than the finish, mine was in excellent shape. Hopefully yours is too.

[davsel]

Picked it up today from SG-Tactical in Colorado Springs - plug for a great place to do transfers for $30 total.
It is very nice. Finish is a bit worn, but mostly looks like holster wear on all the corners - no scratches or gouges. Grips are scratched up, but fit well. Bore looks great.
Just needs a good cleaning.
Thanks for making me "pull the trigger" on this purchase, Ray.
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