The enduring appeal of the classic handgun design, the Browning Hi-Power, continues to captivate firearm enthusiasts. Developed by John Browning and completed by Dieudonné Saive at Fabrique Nationale (FN) of Belgium, the Hi-Power is a pistol steeped in history, serving in countless militaries and police forces around the world. Its distinctive silhouette, comfortable ergonomics, and reliable operation solidified its place as a legendary sidearm. The success of the Hi-Power led to the creation of several admirable variants, or clones, which we’ll delve into. This article will help you discover the best Hi-Power clone available in today’s market, exploring a range of choices and offering insights to make an informed decision.
The Hi-Power’s popularity lies in its design. The pistol is celebrated for its comfortable grip angle, excellent balance, and relatively high capacity magazine, offering more rounds than many contemporary designs. Its single-action trigger, combined with a manual safety, allows for a crisp and consistent trigger pull. However, the original design had some limitations. The sights could be basic, the original magazine disconnect safety reduced trigger pull quality, and parts availability, particularly for certain models, can sometimes be a challenge. These limitations created an opportunity. Firearms manufacturers saw the potential and began producing their own variations of the Hi-Power, known as clones. Today, the market offers a diverse selection of these clones, offering a range of improvements, features, and price points.
Choosing the right Hi-Power clone requires careful consideration. The goal is to find a firearm that combines the best attributes of the original design with modern enhancements and reliable performance.
Assessing the Worth: Critical Evaluation Criteria
Before making a recommendation, we must establish key criteria. These will guide our analysis, ensuring we accurately evaluate the various clones.
Reliability is paramount. Does the pistol function flawlessly under various conditions? We will consider instances of malfunctions, failure to feed issues, and other operational hiccups. The best Hi-Power clone should consistently cycle ammunition without problems, demonstrating dependable performance that you can trust.
Accuracy is another crucial element. The ability to consistently hit your intended target is vital. We will assess the pistol’s grouping capability at different distances. This also includes a review of the sights, considering their effectiveness, sight picture, and adjustability.
Build quality is about how the gun is made. The material used, finish, and overall fit and finish will affect durability and longevity. A well-constructed clone will withstand wear and tear, ensuring it provides years of service.
Ergonomics directly impacts comfort and control. The grip, the location of controls, and the overall feel in the hand are key. The best clones offer a comfortable and intuitive experience, allowing for quick target acquisition and consistent shot placement.
Features are essential. The sights, safety mechanisms, and magazine capacity, all influence usability and performance. Does the clone offer upgraded sights, better safety features, and magazines that function flawlessly? The best clones often include enhancements over the original design.
Value for money weighs performance and features against the price tag. Is the clone fairly priced for the build quality, features, and shooting experience it provides? The best Hi-Power clones offer an excellent balance of these factors.
Availability is essential, meaning both the availability of the firearm and the availability of replacement parts and aftermarket support. You want to avoid a pistol that is hard to find parts for.
Reviewing the Field: Examining Notable Hi-Power Clones
Now, let’s delve into some of the best Hi-Power clone options currently available, taking a closer look at their individual characteristics.
Springfield Armory SA-35
Springfield Armory, a well-respected name in the firearms industry, brought the SA-35 to market. It is their version of the Hi-Power, quickly gaining a reputation for quality and reliability.
The SA-35 boasts a forged steel frame and slide, finished with a durable black Cerakote coating. This provides excellent resistance to wear and corrosion, ensuring longevity. The sights are a noticeable improvement over the original, with a drift-adjustable rear sight and a well-defined front sight, enhancing target acquisition. The controls remain true to the original design, with a manual thumb safety and a slide release lever. The SA-35 incorporates a modern, hammer-forged barrel for optimal performance.
The SA-35 is known for its comfortable grip. The grip is well-contoured, which facilitates a secure hold for most hand sizes. Springfield eliminated the magazine disconnect safety, further enhancing the trigger pull.
In terms of performance, the SA-35 consistently delivers reliable operation, feeding a variety of ammunition types without issue. Accuracy is excellent, with tight groupings at typical handgun distances.
The SA-35 represents a great value, offering a blend of quality, features, and performance at a competitive price. Springfield’s reputation for customer service and parts availability adds to its appeal. The SA-35 is quickly gaining status as one of the best Hi-Power clone options.
Girsan Regard MC
Girsan, a Turkish manufacturer, offers the Regard MC, a Hi-Power clone known for its affordability and robust construction. The Regard MC provides an accessible entry point to the world of Hi-Power clones.
The Regard MC features a steel frame and slide. The overall build quality, while not as refined as some of the higher-end clones, still offers a solid and durable platform. The sights are typically similar to the original Hi-Power design, although some models have offered improved options. The controls function similarly to the original Hi-Power.
The Regard MC’s grip is comfortable, providing a familiar feel. It usually comes with wooden grips, enhancing the aesthetic appeal.
In tests, the Regard MC has demonstrated acceptable reliability. The accuracy is generally good, although it may not match the precision of some higher-end options.
The Girsan Regard MC is an excellent value, offering a functional and dependable Hi-Power clone at a very accessible price point. It’s an outstanding choice for shooters on a budget or those wanting to experience the Hi-Power platform.
EAA Girsan MC P35
EAA imports the Girsan MC P35, and this model often comes with an upgraded package. This model is another excellent option for those seeking a quality Hi-Power clone.
The MC P35 has a steel frame and slide, and often comes with a variety of finishes, including a two-tone look. Often, it includes upgraded sights, such as a three-dot system or adjustable sights. The controls are the typical Hi-Power configuration.
The grip is similar to the original, with excellent ergonomics for most hands. The feel is comfortable and allows for good control.
Reliability of the MC P35 is consistently good, and the accuracy is more than adequate for defensive or recreational shooting.
The EAA Girsan MC P35 offers an excellent balance of features, performance, and affordability. It’s a solid option for those looking for a Hi-Power clone.
Distinctive Traits: Noteworthy Design Variations
Clones often differ in several ways from the original design. These differences are not inherently bad, but they can influence your decision.
Sights are a common area for improvement. Many clones feature upgraded sights, such as three-dot systems or adjustable sights, improving target acquisition.
The safety mechanism is an area of improvement for some manufacturers. Many clones have removed the magazine disconnect safety, improving the trigger pull and feel.
The materials used also vary. While many use steel frames and slides, some use aluminum alloy frames to reduce weight.
The Horizon: Future Trends in Hi-Power Clones
The market for Hi-Power clones remains strong, and we expect that to continue.
Demand for high-quality, reliable, and feature-rich clones continues to rise. We might see more manufacturers focusing on improving trigger pulls, sights, and finish quality.
The enduring appeal of the Hi-Power design, with its ergonomic grip, high capacity magazine, and classic styling, continues to draw new shooters and collectors. The demand for these clones will continue to be met.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Choice
Selecting the best Hi-Power clone is a matter of assessing your individual needs and preferences. Each of the clones we’ve discussed offers something unique. From the Springfield SA-35’s reputation for quality, to the budget-friendly options like the Girsan Regard MC and EAA Girsan MC P35, there is a Hi-Power clone for everyone.
Consider your budget, desired features, and intended use. Thoroughly researching each option and reading reviews will help you determine which clone is the right choice. Whether for self-defense, target shooting, or simply appreciating a classic design, you are sure to find a clone that meets your needs. With a wide range of great options, you’re certain to find the best Hi-Power clone for you.
