World War II Era Browning Hi-Power

Published on January 1, 2017
Duration: 9:33

This guide details the field stripping and reassembly process for a World War II era Browning Hi-Power pistol. It emphasizes the simplicity of the design, highlighting specific steps for removing the slide stop and reassembling the firearm, including a tip for easier slide reattachment by holding the slide upside down. The video also touches on the historical context and design requirements of the Hi-Power.

Quick Summary

Field stripping a Browning Hi-Power involves ensuring it's unloaded, retracting the slide to engage the safety in its notch, and then pressing the button on the right side of the frame to release the slide stop. After removing the slide stop, disengage the safety and slide the barrel and recoil spring assembly off the frame for cleaning and maintenance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Browning Hi-Power
  2. 00:27Identifying a WWII Era or Nazi Hi-Power
  3. 01:01John Browning and the Hi-Power Design
  4. 01:26French Military Requirements for the Hi-Power
  5. 02:24Magazine Disconnect Explained
  6. 03:18Field Stripping the Browning Hi-Power
  7. 04:45Parts of the Hi-Power after Disassembly
  8. 04:56Reassembling the Browning Hi-Power
  9. 05:34Tips for Easier Reassembly
  10. 06:43Shooting the Hi-Power and Collector Gratitude
  11. 07:27Call to Action: Join the NRA
  12. 08:34Recommended Legal Defense: Second Call Defense

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you field strip a Browning Hi-Power?

To field strip a Browning Hi-Power, first ensure it's unloaded. Retract the slide and engage the safety in its notch. Press the slide back slightly to disengage the safety from the slide stop. Press the button on the right side of the frame to release the slide stop, then remove it. With the slide stop out, disengage the safety and slide the barrel and recoil spring assembly off the frame.

What were the original design requirements for the Browning Hi-Power?

The Browning Hi-Power was designed for the French military with requirements for compactness, a magazine capacity of at least ten rounds, a magazine disconnect, an external hammer, a manual safety, robustness, and ease of field stripping. It also needed to be effective at 50 yards, implying a 9mm caliber or larger.

What is a magazine disconnect on a firearm?

A magazine disconnect is a safety feature that prevents a firearm from being discharged when the magazine is removed. If you pull the trigger with no magazine inserted, the hammer will not fall, making the firearm inoperable until a magazine is properly seated.

What is a common issue when reassembling a Browning Hi-Power?

A common reassembly issue with the Browning Hi-Power is the guide rod being inserted upside down. This can cause the slide to misalign or not fit correctly onto the frame, making it difficult to complete the reassembly process. Ensure the hole on the guide rod faces downwards.

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