Any experience with the FEG 35 A/K/A the Hungarian Hi Power?

[Martinjmpr]

Saw a couple of these on GB and I'm wondering how they compare to a "real" (Belgian) Hi Power? Prices are good, seem to be under $300. Been thinking about getting a surplus 9mm just for fun and I've had a P38 before (decades ago.) I know I can get a P1 (post-WWII P38) pretty cheap but I've always liked the Hi Power, AKA P35, JM Browning's last design.

Seems like Belgian HPs start at $400 and up, and I'm guessing the $400 ones are in pretty bad shape. I know there are also Argy copies, and it wouldn't surprise me if the Spanish made some copies as well, they seem to copy almost everything.

So any experience with the FEG Hi Power or any other FEG guns?

[TFOGGER]

I have one with about 25k rounds through it, bought it new in 1991. Accurate, and boringly reliable.

[wctriumph]

I had one a few years ago, no issues with it, High Power just has a higher "quality" feel to it. As a reliable tool I can't say anything bad about it.

[Martinjmpr]

I have one with about 25k rounds through it, bought it new in 1991. Accurate, and boringly reliable.

I had one a few years ago, no issues with it, High Power just has a higher "quality" feel to it. As a reliable tool I can't say anything bad about it.

For both of you, do parts/magazines interchange between the FEG and the "real" Hi Po?

[TFOGGER]

Grips, sights, and mags all interchange on mine. I've not attempted to interchange any internal parts, but as far as I know, these are 100% clones.

[BPTactical]

Probably the best HiPower clone out there.
I keep trying to persuade my BIL out of his!

[Great-Kazoo]

Probably the best HiPower clone out there.
I keep trying to persuade my BIL out of his!

This. FEG is not a fly by night mfg of firearms.

[meatman]

Seems like Belgian HPs start at $400 and up, and I'm guessing the $400 ones are in pretty bad shape. I know there are also Argy copies, and it wouldn't surprise me if the Spanish made some copies as well, they seem to copy almost everything.

FYI, I picked up an FN Hi Power P-35 back in Jan 2015 that Numrich had on Gunbroker for $289.99. It's in good condition and came with 1 mag. I'm not sure they'll do the deal again, but it may come around. I'm glad I jumped on it when I saw it.

[Martinjmpr]

Well, I won the GB auction so now I'll just have to wait until it comes in.

[Martinjmpr]

OK, picked it up last night. Have to say I'm very impressed. It feels very solid, fits my hand nicely. I like the shape of the grip.

It's well worn but I kind of like the patina. Should make a great shooter and a nice piece of history, too. I know the Hi Power was JM Browning's last design and that in many ways it is a "product improvement" over the M1911 (like the removable bushing and the swinging toggle link.) No grip safety, either (I'm pretty sure the only reason the grip safety was on the M1911 was that the Army required it.) If I had to gripe I'd say the safety is a little bit small and not that easy to disengage but other than that I really like it.

A few pics:





You can tell it's a military pistol from the lanyard ring. For those not familiar here's a comparison with a full sized G17:



Now I just need to come up with some range time!