G
Guest
·Recently picked-up a FN HP called the "FN-HP" and it only came with 10 round mags. I was told that the regular HP mags won't fit.
Anybody here familiar with the FN HP-DA??
Anybody here familiar with the FN HP-DA??
New Mags for FN HP-DA
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6 Posts
I have the DAO version of the FN HP DA, and have successfully used the Browning BDM mags, both 10 and 15 round versions (hard to find and not cheap).
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/brbdm9mm15le.html
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/bdm9mm10blun.html
Here's another thread that discusses the FN HP DA:
http://www.handgunsandammo.proboards36.com/index.cgi?board=fnhipower&action=display&thread=1176486515
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/brbdm9mm15le.html
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/bdm9mm10blun.html
Here's another thread that discusses the FN HP DA:
http://www.handgunsandammo.proboards36.com/index.cgi?board=fnhipower&action=display&thread=1176486515
G
Guest
·Fair enough. The HP-DA hi power is a fake, just like the LDA from Para is a fake 1911.
The more I look into the pistol the more I regret buying it. Damn thing's a bastard-child that nobody has parts for.
G
Guest
·Yea, not only are the mags different, but the grip as well.
The regular HPs seem to have two single-panel grips, while the HP-DA has a single wrap-around grip.
The gun shoots fine and I'll probably keep it for a while, but I'm gonna start looking for a "real" Hi Power.
The regular HPs seem to have two single-panel grips, while the HP-DA has a single wrap-around grip.
The gun shoots fine and I'll probably keep it for a while, but I'm gonna start looking for a "real" Hi Power.
new mags for FN- HP-DA
I think you're making a mistake. True, it's not a Hi-Power, but it's not a BDM either. I have all three and I judge the BDM to be a little lighter and shoddier in construction, though it's still a reliable gun. The HP-DA is heavier, not alloy like the BDM, and I think will hold up. It's a fact that they're not being made any more (FN, when will you ever learn? Guns you make need to be supported by parts or you're not a world class org any more!)
But they're so well made they probably won't break for quite a while if ever.
It's really a tragedy that FN doesn't know how to mount a marketing campaign in the States because this gun is quality. If you handle and shoot one you'll see what I mean. It has a good weight and a good grip (though plastic but then so was the BDM- and maybe the current Hi-Powers; the grips look the same in photos). They gave up too soon- with the BDM as well but the HP-DA is a better gun and could have made it. I don't want any of that polymer shit like they're making now, thanks! (and that includes all the manufacturers). The damn Glock feels like a boxcar and my buddy's 19 jams- the FN/Brownings never do.
Best,
Bill in Cleveland
I think you're making a mistake. True, it's not a Hi-Power, but it's not a BDM either. I have all three and I judge the BDM to be a little lighter and shoddier in construction, though it's still a reliable gun. The HP-DA is heavier, not alloy like the BDM, and I think will hold up. It's a fact that they're not being made any more (FN, when will you ever learn? Guns you make need to be supported by parts or you're not a world class org any more!)
But they're so well made they probably won't break for quite a while if ever.
It's really a tragedy that FN doesn't know how to mount a marketing campaign in the States because this gun is quality. If you handle and shoot one you'll see what I mean. It has a good weight and a good grip (though plastic but then so was the BDM- and maybe the current Hi-Powers; the grips look the same in photos). They gave up too soon- with the BDM as well but the HP-DA is a better gun and could have made it. I don't want any of that polymer shit like they're making now, thanks! (and that includes all the manufacturers). The damn Glock feels like a boxcar and my buddy's 19 jams- the FN/Brownings never do.
Best,
Bill in Cleveland
Joined
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87 Posts
Bill,
Whip out the old magnet--the frame and slide on the BDM are investment cast steel, an alloy to be sure, but not to be confused with aluminum. If they have a reputation for being fragile (and I for one don't think said rep is deserved), it is because the BDM was designed to be so very thin.
P.S. I know that sometimes tone is hard to discern in Internet posts, but believe me, mine was offered up in a light-hearted manner (read "grin") and is offered with all due respect.
Whip out the old magnet--the frame and slide on the BDM are investment cast steel, an alloy to be sure, but not to be confused with aluminum. If they have a reputation for being fragile (and I for one don't think said rep is deserved), it is because the BDM was designed to be so very thin.
P.S. I know that sometimes tone is hard to discern in Internet posts, but believe me, mine was offered up in a light-hearted manner (read "grin") and is offered with all due respect.
FN HP-DA (same as Browning BDA-9)
Prices vary depending on what the seller thinks of it. I paid $649 for my first (I think including about $25 for shipping) but got a deal on my second- which was why I bought another. It was only $390 and included three BDM 15 round BDM factory mags which fit the HP-DA. Those things go for about $60 apiece when you get a fair price, sometimes much more. You really have to beat the Internet to death to get BDM 15 round mags- I was just lucky in starting out with a BDM and one mag, buying another from a California gun dealer off the internet for $60 (he only had one), then getting three with the HP-DA, and then spying an online ad from a guy who had two more to sell. I've told others- be sure it's a FACTORY mag- I got one from ProMag and it jammed the gun on almost every shot. You can still get factory 10 rounders from Midwest Gun Works I think; I bought one (and every one of the guns I'm talking about) this year. However, for some dumb reason the 10 rounders aren't interchangeable between the BDM and FN HP-DA unlike the 15 rounders.
Then there's the FN HP-DA fullsize (same as the Browning BDA or BDAO 9) and DA/DAO Compact- a really neat little gun. It's the full size one with an inch off the barrel and also an inch off the height of the grip. Just right for concealed carry. The HP-DA is like the full size one with the decocker but the DAO doesn't have it- in full size or Compact. I paid $550 for my first one but a friend who is new to guns may want it after testing several of mine including a few S&W and one Colt .38 next weekend. So I ordered another which is a bit more expensive- $775 ($25 shipping) but I get a total of ten 10-round factory mags- half still in the wrappers- and a new clip-on belt holster with it. I really had to search for it online- nobody's selling any of them right now. You have to watch GunsAmerica and GunsInternational, and Auction Arms and Gunbroker if you don't mind auctions, and Google the differnent guns too. I understand there were only about 2000 of the Compact model made. Factory mags for them are still around though at about $30.
I'll try pasting a URL to a gun test of the DAO Compact below- it's good reading.
http://www.gunblast.com/RKCampbell_FN-HP-DAO.htm
Hope this info helps those of you who want to try one- they're great solid guns. Let us know how you make out. They'll pop up here and there.
Best,
Bill in Cleveland
Prices vary depending on what the seller thinks of it. I paid $649 for my first (I think including about $25 for shipping) but got a deal on my second- which was why I bought another. It was only $390 and included three BDM 15 round BDM factory mags which fit the HP-DA. Those things go for about $60 apiece when you get a fair price, sometimes much more. You really have to beat the Internet to death to get BDM 15 round mags- I was just lucky in starting out with a BDM and one mag, buying another from a California gun dealer off the internet for $60 (he only had one), then getting three with the HP-DA, and then spying an online ad from a guy who had two more to sell. I've told others- be sure it's a FACTORY mag- I got one from ProMag and it jammed the gun on almost every shot. You can still get factory 10 rounders from Midwest Gun Works I think; I bought one (and every one of the guns I'm talking about) this year. However, for some dumb reason the 10 rounders aren't interchangeable between the BDM and FN HP-DA unlike the 15 rounders.
Then there's the FN HP-DA fullsize (same as the Browning BDA or BDAO 9) and DA/DAO Compact- a really neat little gun. It's the full size one with an inch off the barrel and also an inch off the height of the grip. Just right for concealed carry. The HP-DA is like the full size one with the decocker but the DAO doesn't have it- in full size or Compact. I paid $550 for my first one but a friend who is new to guns may want it after testing several of mine including a few S&W and one Colt .38 next weekend. So I ordered another which is a bit more expensive- $775 ($25 shipping) but I get a total of ten 10-round factory mags- half still in the wrappers- and a new clip-on belt holster with it. I really had to search for it online- nobody's selling any of them right now. You have to watch GunsAmerica and GunsInternational, and Auction Arms and Gunbroker if you don't mind auctions, and Google the differnent guns too. I understand there were only about 2000 of the Compact model made. Factory mags for them are still around though at about $30.
I'll try pasting a URL to a gun test of the DAO Compact below- it's good reading.
http://www.gunblast.com/RKCampbell_FN-HP-DAO.htm
Hope this info helps those of you who want to try one- they're great solid guns. Let us know how you make out. They'll pop up here and there.
Best,
Bill in Cleveland
FN "Browning" BDAC9/HP-DA Compact
Hello there everyone,
I've got an FN HP-DA compact (SA/DA) and an FN HP-DAO compact. I haven't fired the DAO yet but, I already prefer the trigger of the HP-DA compact. Dry firing the DAO, it seems like you need the strength of a gorilla to pull its trigger compared to the SA/DA version. The way the trigger is shaped however, I've found that you can take advantage of the priciple of the lever (simple machine) that we learned about in grade school science class. Pulling the trigger back and down (instead of pressing it straight back) makes it easier but, may call for some getting used to accuracy and quick-firewise.
Finding mags is a problem...I've fished a couple extra out of the "ethernet" to go with the ones that came with my pistols. Also, you allegedly can use Browning BDM mags with FN HP-DAs (aka "Browning" BDA 9mms). I'm not sure about the full size models but, this may not always work with the compacts. The mag lips are a bit higher on the BDM mags than the FN HP-DA mags and there is a bit of a flair on the latter mags too. I have some promag made BDM mags that jam in my FN HP-DA compact but, I heard the promags are jam prone already. They work well in my BDM though. Apparently you can file down the BDM mags a bit and they will work flawlessly in the FN HP-DAs, so that may be an option. Even the after market BDM mags are getting up there in price though.
I'm not impressed with FN's customer support at all. Not only do they not support their discontinued products (and the FN HP-DAs/BDA 9mms haven't been discontinued for that long) but, their representatives seem very unmotivated and unknowledgable about their products as well. They suck.
The pistols themselves are VERY good though. I LOVE my FN HP-DA compact. It seems the the perfect balance of caliber, concealability, weight, capacity, quality, reliability and price for CCW or under the pillow preparedness. I've only put about 50 to 100 rounds through my BDA9 compact but, it functioned flawlessly with the factory mags. I had to get used to shot placement as it started out firing low but, after a short adjustment period it was easy to shoot accurately. I got mine for under $500.00 (like $490.00 or something).
No hammer bite...excellent pointability...feels great in my hand...sight dots very visible...trigger feels great when shooting both SA and DA...great finish/bluing/parkerizing...and I really like the safety window in the barrel that allows me to see if it's loaded. I've carried it for long time periods (hours)-including driving, sitting and walking-without returning home with it seemingly weighing 50 f'n lbs and/or jabbing me in some uncomfortable part of my anatomy. The only thing I really wish was a lot better is the take down. The takedown is very similar to the Hi-Power but, it's hard to get the takedown pin out and tricky to get back in sometimes...but, I'm catching on so each takedown is easier than the last...and there are not many reassembly steps a la the Hi-Power as already mentioned.
I've fired +Ps out of it too and the recoil was not as bad as I thought. In fact it was no big deal at all. Due to lack of FNH support I plan to lay off of the +P stuff for the most part though. With about a 3.75" bbl though, +Ps may end up being loaded into my self-defense mags when all is said and done.
It's a great weapon and I'd recommend them without second thought in general. Like many arms companies, FN has taken the cheap way out and is turning to polymer weapons that are a lot easier and cheaper to develop and manufacture, thus expanding their profit margins. I believe that to be the main reason they turned their backs on it.
Hello there everyone,
I've got an FN HP-DA compact (SA/DA) and an FN HP-DAO compact. I haven't fired the DAO yet but, I already prefer the trigger of the HP-DA compact. Dry firing the DAO, it seems like you need the strength of a gorilla to pull its trigger compared to the SA/DA version. The way the trigger is shaped however, I've found that you can take advantage of the priciple of the lever (simple machine) that we learned about in grade school science class. Pulling the trigger back and down (instead of pressing it straight back) makes it easier but, may call for some getting used to accuracy and quick-firewise.
Finding mags is a problem...I've fished a couple extra out of the "ethernet" to go with the ones that came with my pistols. Also, you allegedly can use Browning BDM mags with FN HP-DAs (aka "Browning" BDA 9mms). I'm not sure about the full size models but, this may not always work with the compacts. The mag lips are a bit higher on the BDM mags than the FN HP-DA mags and there is a bit of a flair on the latter mags too. I have some promag made BDM mags that jam in my FN HP-DA compact but, I heard the promags are jam prone already. They work well in my BDM though. Apparently you can file down the BDM mags a bit and they will work flawlessly in the FN HP-DAs, so that may be an option. Even the after market BDM mags are getting up there in price though.
I'm not impressed with FN's customer support at all. Not only do they not support their discontinued products (and the FN HP-DAs/BDA 9mms haven't been discontinued for that long) but, their representatives seem very unmotivated and unknowledgable about their products as well. They suck.
The pistols themselves are VERY good though. I LOVE my FN HP-DA compact. It seems the the perfect balance of caliber, concealability, weight, capacity, quality, reliability and price for CCW or under the pillow preparedness. I've only put about 50 to 100 rounds through my BDA9 compact but, it functioned flawlessly with the factory mags. I had to get used to shot placement as it started out firing low but, after a short adjustment period it was easy to shoot accurately. I got mine for under $500.00 (like $490.00 or something).
No hammer bite...excellent pointability...feels great in my hand...sight dots very visible...trigger feels great when shooting both SA and DA...great finish/bluing/parkerizing...and I really like the safety window in the barrel that allows me to see if it's loaded. I've carried it for long time periods (hours)-including driving, sitting and walking-without returning home with it seemingly weighing 50 f'n lbs and/or jabbing me in some uncomfortable part of my anatomy. The only thing I really wish was a lot better is the take down. The takedown is very similar to the Hi-Power but, it's hard to get the takedown pin out and tricky to get back in sometimes...but, I'm catching on so each takedown is easier than the last...and there are not many reassembly steps a la the Hi-Power as already mentioned.
I've fired +Ps out of it too and the recoil was not as bad as I thought. In fact it was no big deal at all. Due to lack of FNH support I plan to lay off of the +P stuff for the most part though. With about a 3.75" bbl though, +Ps may end up being loaded into my self-defense mags when all is said and done.
It's a great weapon and I'd recommend them without second thought in general. Like many arms companies, FN has taken the cheap way out and is turning to polymer weapons that are a lot easier and cheaper to develop and manufacture, thus expanding their profit margins. I believe that to be the main reason they turned their backs on it.
Kingy, I appreciate your report as I have two of the Compacts, one DA and one DAO (and also two full size HP-DA model). Just fired the DA Compact for the first time this morning. I love the size and weight- it's really a solid gun and perfect for carry. A newbie shooter friend was along test firing various guns to figure out what he wants to buy for home protection and I think he's going to go for the full size gun because of the lesser kick- he doesn't plan to carry.
I did find out that using a HKS Mag loader doesn't work as well with the Compact's 10 round mags; they don''t seem to make one for it. Anyone know if another will work?
As a matter of interest, I'm sure HP-DA Compact owners would want to know what holster you use for carry, as it's so hard to find one to fit this rare gun.
Best regards,
Bill in Cleveland
I did find out that using a HKS Mag loader doesn't work as well with the Compact's 10 round mags; they don''t seem to make one for it. Anyone know if another will work?
As a matter of interest, I'm sure HP-DA Compact owners would want to know what holster you use for carry, as it's so hard to find one to fit this rare gun.
Best regards,
Bill in Cleveland
Hello everyone! I hope all is well.
I don't use magazine loaders...just me hands so I don't have one to recommend. See if you can find what people use for the BDM and try that since the mags are so similar.
As for holsters I use my Galco leather inside the belt Hi-Power holster. It's slightly too long but, I don't notice it when I wear it. It works well. A Sig P-239 holster might be worth checking into as well.
I don't use magazine loaders...just me hands so I don't have one to recommend. See if you can find what people use for the BDM and try that since the mags are so similar.
As for holsters I use my Galco leather inside the belt Hi-Power holster. It's slightly too long but, I don't notice it when I wear it. It works well. A Sig P-239 holster might be worth checking into as well.
There are two holsters you might want to try for the HP-DA Compact: Passport makes a nylon one called the Kangaroo, size A-3, which features an attached mag holder. I got mine from Cowboy & Shooters Supply. Also, with one of the Compacts I bought the seller included a Safariland black custom fit belt slide holster #567-54-411. I'm not sure it's leather- probably hard plastic, definitely not soft nylon. Well made and will hold up, but it doesn't have a thumb snap if that's something you want; The nylon Passport does.
Now for a full size FN HP-DA I have a black nylon belt loop Bullseye holster, and it also fits my regular Hi-Powers though I prefer good leather for them (Cowboy & Shooters Supply also has several fine leather holsters for the regular Hi-Power). Where to get this holster is hard to say though as I can't raise them on Google, at least anyone who carries the nylon ones. I found the people who sold me mine in a Gunbroker website auction; they are new holsters and it's just their way of attracting customers. They have an ongoing "auction" for them. I paid $21 for it plus shipping; I can give you their phone number, 866-425-0803. Remember they're on Pacific time.
As for factory mags for the Compact, they're still readily available. Matter of fact, I have about five extra I could sell from one of my gun buys, still in their wrappers, for $30 each plus shipping.
These are fine guns. They kick a bit more than the full size HP-DA but you have to expect that. Still, the barrel is 3.8 inches long which gives it a lot more velocity than a .38 snub nose revolver. I don't live in a dangerous neighborhood and don't often go in one, especially on foot, but if I have to, since I am licensed carrying one of these babys will make me feel I have a chance if something unexpected goes down.
Best,
Bill in Cleveland (the 'burbs, man)
Now for a full size FN HP-DA I have a black nylon belt loop Bullseye holster, and it also fits my regular Hi-Powers though I prefer good leather for them (Cowboy & Shooters Supply also has several fine leather holsters for the regular Hi-Power). Where to get this holster is hard to say though as I can't raise them on Google, at least anyone who carries the nylon ones. I found the people who sold me mine in a Gunbroker website auction; they are new holsters and it's just their way of attracting customers. They have an ongoing "auction" for them. I paid $21 for it plus shipping; I can give you their phone number, 866-425-0803. Remember they're on Pacific time.
As for factory mags for the Compact, they're still readily available. Matter of fact, I have about five extra I could sell from one of my gun buys, still in their wrappers, for $30 each plus shipping.
These are fine guns. They kick a bit more than the full size HP-DA but you have to expect that. Still, the barrel is 3.8 inches long which gives it a lot more velocity than a .38 snub nose revolver. I don't live in a dangerous neighborhood and don't often go in one, especially on foot, but if I have to, since I am licensed carrying one of these babys will make me feel I have a chance if something unexpected goes down.
Best,
Bill in Cleveland (the 'burbs, man)
Okay, on examining the Safariland holster more closely I would say it's black leather reinforced with hard plastic and lined on the inside with a felt like material. It's definitely quality and I didn't want the product to be underrated. The HP-DA Compact fits in it snugly but the trigger guard isn't in the holster so much as on top of a cutout part. Only thing you might want that it doesn't have is the thumb snap.
Best,
Bill in Cleveland
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