[Jediwarrior]

Greetings from Virginia,

I want to know what is the difference between the Browning Hi-Power MKIII and the earlier pistols. I saw in Gunbroker that the MKIII uses a different trigger spring and/or sear lever. Is this supposed to make the trigger pull heavier or lighter?

Just wondering coz I might buy a used one for collection, and I customize it later on.

Thanks in advance.

[Joe4d]

The Browning's changed in stages so all the changes didnt occur at once. A MKIII is the common term for Hipowers made after about 1988 or so, Features that set it apart were lack of ribbed slide, dovetail front sight, and actual usable factory sights, The trigger spring is lighter but , the sear lever is different and now has a spring so it sorta evens it back out. The lever now serves as a firing pin block which is a decent design and actually makes field stripping easier. The slide has a cut out for the new lever so you cant remove it. The MK III has an improved ramp on the barrel which enables them to run hollowpoints without a hitch. The older barrel had some issues as it was designed for FMJ's .
The only real operational differences I noticed was a MKII trigger job can have a shorter reset, and the MKIII will run hollowpoints out of the box.

[jar]

Also, the MKIII guns have factory ambi-safeties.

[Jediwarrior]

Hey Joe, thanks for the info. That was very informative. Now, I know what to buy.

[Boats]

Big difference is most III's have cast frames and II's are forged. I say most because early III's were forged for a while. Way you can tell is look at the bottom behind the Magwell. Forged frames are smooth cast have "ripples".

Collectors like forged most shooters prefer the cast frame. Rumor is they could not go to 40 cals until the switch over to cast. If you are going to buy one goggle Steven A Camp and get his "Shooters Guide to the Browning Hi Power." Some collecting info but focused more on shooting.


Boats

[Joe4d]

On a MKIII, when you remove the magazine lock you'll need to go to the stronger MKII trigger spring.

[Pat Harrison]

Boats, on Sep 14 2009, 08:19 AM, said:

Big difference is most III's have cast frames and II's are forged. I say most because early III's were forged for a while. Way you can tell is look at the bottom behind the Magwell. Forged frames are smooth cast have "ripples".

Collectors like forged most shooters prefer the cast frame. Rumor is they could not go to 40 cals until the switch over to cast. If you are going to buy one goggle Steven A Camp and get his "Shooters Guide to the Browning Hi Power." Some collecting info but focused more on shooting.


Boats

Small correction, google "Stephen A Camp"

[Boats]

Thanks I never could spell. There is a good High power man up in Lexington Va. He tweaked the MK II I own now. Google "Fletcher custom pistols" Nice guy and a regular competitor.

Boats