[lelandray]

I've tested the Hi Power now with several different loads, and the following have fed and functioned 100% of the time. I'm glad that what are arguably the best performers are the most reliable.

127-grain Ranger +P+
125-grain Cor Bon +P
124-grain WCC NATO FMJ (+P)
124-grain Federal Hydra Shok

I got a case (10 boxes) of the Ranger today, and after shooting the first magazine full, all I could say was WOW! I have no chronograph, so I have only my very unscientific subjective observations, but based on Mr. Camp's testing, I'd guess that this one is probably about equal to the Remington .357 Magnum 125-grain soft HP fired from my 2 1/2" Model 66.

I don't have any 115-grain +P ammo on hand to test, but it seems that the modifications I've made to this gun are going to require either heavy bullets, heavy loads, or both in order to function well. Since installing the 18.5 lb recoil spring, I don't think I've gotten through a full magazine of 115-grain standard pressure ammo without some kind of malfunction. For instance, standard velocity (1,150 fps) 115 S&B FMJ ammo functions 100% in an unmodified MKIII, in the MKII, and in my FEG.

Anyway, here's the full list of modifications for those who weren't paying attention the first time

*Removed the magazine disconnect

*Removed the Millet target sights and replaced with Trijicon night sights

*Added an 18.5 lb recoil spring

*Added a C&S extended thumb safety

Added a C&S ring style hammer

*Added a Shock-Tec recoil buffer

The final step will be to replace the sear, but to be honest, my budget isn't in any shape to do this right now. I've read that the harder C&S hammer will ruin the original sear, but I simply can't afford to do anything else right now, so it'll have to wait.

I probably would have spent less money getting someone else to do the work for me, but look at all the fun I had getting to this point!

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions and information. Ya'll probably saved me a lot of heartache in the long run. Here's something of the progression in pictures:

While I'm at it, does anyone have any information on my magazine carrier? I don't really remember where I got it, but it's a handy little devil. There isn't any information on it anywhere, but it's made of what seems to be spring steel and is finished with some sort of black lacquer.

Oh yeah, and it fits Hi Power magazines.

 

[Guest]

LelandRay and all,

Sounds like your pistol is very nice. As for your rounds fired in, 9mm, don't worry about velocity. I'll be at the range tomorrow chrono- graphing a host of 9mm.

I'll be using my Hi-Power 9mm and a Glock 19 for testing.

As to the metal mag holder...I have similar ones, but made in kydex. The 9mm version holds double stack 9mm's and .40's just fine. I believe that tactical tools is the maker, up in Spokane, WA.

Will check and get back to you.

All the best,

Wes

 

[lelandray]

Hey, Wes, sounds like you have a fun day ahead of you.

Somewhere here on site is a breakdown of chrono information compiled by Mr. Camp, though I don't think he used the Glock 19. I'll be interested in seeing what you come up with.

I'll run a search when I get off work tomorrow to see if I can identify my mag carrier. What truly annoys me no end is not that I don't know who made it, but that I absolutely can not remember how it came into my possession.

 

[Guest]

Sir,

The mag carrier is Safariland but that's as about as far as I can go. Mine are for single stack mags and have a sticker that has the Safariland logo and "Ontario California". I THINK they call it a mag clip and they run about $10.00.

http://www.safariland.com/dgcat/cd-auto.htm

Found the link just in time.

MB

 

[lelandray]

Thanks for that link, MB. That's definitely the carrier, so now I'll be able to tell people how to find one.

You'd be surprised how many people have asked.

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Looks and sounds like you're good to go as they say.
I suspect you'll find the Winchester RA9TA to be a potent little thing and one that is quite consistent shot-to-shot in various 9mm pistols.

I think my Glock 17 is loaded with it right now, either that or Corbon DPX.

I have not had good luck in the factory sear lasting long term with the C&S hammer, but in my two experiences, it took about 2K rounds before I needed to replace either sear.

I sincerely hope that you never have to use this handgun for the purpose you have it, but if push comes to very hard shove, I think you have a very good set up.

Best.

 

[Guest]

Very nice, Leland. You changed the grips also it appears. Out of curiosity, which ones will it wear most of the time?

Max

 

[lelandray]

Thanks for the info on the C&S sear, but it probably won't be long before I need to get it. I dry fire at least 100 times a day, so it won't be long before the equivalent of 2k rounds.

What I wanted to do with this gun was to build something that would address various issues I've either seen, experienced, or heard about. I now have a tool built specifically for a particular set of circumstances and that will fit me perfectly, both ergonomically and functionally.

The idea is to be completely comfortable with the weapon, to make it an extension of myself, and the BHP platform is the best starting point I could find. The rest--the sights, trigger, grips, ammunition--these are only there to add to my edge.

 

[lelandray]

Very nice, Leland. You changed the grips also it appears. Out of curiosity, which ones will it wear most of the time?

Max

Hey, Max, it'll definitely have the Hogues on it for carry purposes. They offer me a very firm, very secure grip.

 

[Guest]

Ah, the riddle of "Steel" (mag carrier that is) is finally solved! THanks for the link!!!!

 

[Chris Stephens]

Hi there Leland,

Great job on the BHP!

Just a question. Where did you find the Shock Tech Recoil buffer? I am trying to find some information on it as one just may make into my FEG one day.

Your BHP looks great and sounds like it shoots very well.

Chris

 

[lelandray]

Hey, CarolinaDude.

I got the Shock Tec in a horse trade with Sockman. Ask him where he got it.

Strictly from my subjective point of view, it does seem to soften the blow a bit when the slide comes back. I've seen no influence on functioning whatsoever; I tried it for a couple of hundred rounds in an older (late 70s) BHP with the same results. (No change is a good thing in this case; if there's a positive effect, and I think there is, that's a good thing, and there is no noticeable ill effect, so I'll leave it in.)

 

[Chris Stephens]

Hello Leland,

Thank you for the information.

Goodbye,

Chris

 

[lelandray]

I really should stay away from the computer when I've just gotten home from work. I was way too sleepy this morning to be playing on this thing.

 

[Bob Reed]

Hello,

I got the Shock Tec from C&S a few years ago when they still stocked them. I don't know where to get them from now, they are made in Germany.

I have never heard any bad reports about the Shock Tec, and I'm VERY GLAD to hear that it has worked well for Leland.

Take Care,
The Sockman

 

[lelandray]

I love trying to describe subjective experiences, but I think it would be useful to try doing so here.

Without the Shock Tec and with either the standard or heavy recoil springs installed, I can rack the slide back hard enough and fast enough to hear a distinct "stop" sound of metal striking metal.

With the Shock Tec installed, it's more like a strong force (recoil spring) ends, and then there's a very small but very distinct second bit of resistance against the rearward force of the slide.

Like I said before, the buffer has had absolutely zero effect on functioning, but my unscientific subjective testing tells me that the buffer is saving wear and tear to metal surfaces.

Laser-Aim, which made laser sights at one time, also made a recoil reducing guide / buffer / spring set for the 1911 and other guns. I have one of their devices in a tricked out Colt, and it functions much the same as the Shock Tec, though it's more complicated and larger. I'm pretty sure they made the buffers for other guns; I got mine six or seven years ago; I'm pretty sure I ordered it from Dillon, but I could most certainly be wrong.