Belgian GP35: The First Military Browning High Power

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ส.ค. 2024
  • / forgottenweapons
    Cool Forgotten Weapons merch! shop.bbtv.com/c...
    The Grande Puissance - High Power - was John Browning's last firearms design. In fact, he only began the design; it was taken to completion by his protege Dieudonné Saive at FN in Belgium. It was the best military handgun of the time, with a double-stack 13-round magazine capacity, and chambered for the 9x19mm cartridge. Belgium was the First Nation to adopt it for military service, purchasing 1,000 guns for field trials and approving them in 1935 for standard issue as the GP-35.
    The Belgian trials guns have a distinctive oval ejection port, which would be changed on production models. They were also fitted with flat board shoulder stocks and tangent sights adjustable up to 500 meters. These features would last until German occupation of the FN factory complex during World War Two, when the guns were simplified under German occupation production.
    Contact:
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ความคิดเห็น • 572

  • @repletereplete8002
    @repletereplete8002 5 ปีที่แล้ว +853

    Sights out to 500m, reduced from 1000m. I'm surprised the military heads of the time didn't insist on a optional AA sight attachment ;]

    • @Trancefreakeh
      @Trancefreakeh 5 ปีที่แล้ว +73

      You're forgetting the drum/snail magazine ^^

    • @repletereplete8002
      @repletereplete8002 5 ปีที่แล้ว +73

      @@Trancefreakeh Indeed. Also the ability to mount it on a tripod/tank/naval destroyer.

    • @ptrisonic
      @ptrisonic 5 ปีที่แล้ว +60

      There was a terrible accident at Bisley Ranges when a Policeman had a ND. The 9mm bullet left the butts at quite a shallow angle yet it's curve allowed it to clear a distant hill where on the far side it struck a walker in the head and killed him - nearly two miles if I remember and very well documented. IIRC it was in the '80's. The victim was incredibly unlucky but it just goes to show how far the lethality of a 9mm Para extends. I'm not suggesting that anyone tries this in a serious social situation! Best, Pete.

    • @rooseveltbrentwood9654
      @rooseveltbrentwood9654 5 ปีที่แล้ว +47

      ptrisonic poor guy. however the point isnt that 9mm isnt lethal at long ranges, it just that it’s extremely unlikely that you will hit something (on purpose) .

    • @ptrisonic
      @ptrisonic 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      @@rooseveltbrentwood9654 I agree but I bet the guys at Herstal tested it out at long distances. Mine started out with the Canadian army (fixed sights) and in comparison to my (beloved) Colt in .45ACP it was certainly a tad more accurate - yet I never got on with Browning's convoluted trigger action and after a couple of IPSC meets I sold it on. Best, Pete.

  • @nindger4270
    @nindger4270 5 ปีที่แล้ว +427

    No wonder the Germans decided to continue production, the number of markings on this gun is certainly on par with German standards of the time.

    • @51WCDodge
      @51WCDodge 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      I learnt to shoot full bore on a German version, that had been appropriated by the owner following the Liberation of the Island of Jersey on May 9th 1945.

    • @Grimmwoldds
      @Grimmwoldds 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      It's kinda like west coast kids with .5 liter econoboxes and 747 wings. Stickers make cars go faster, proof marks make pistols shoot out to 1km.

    • @2adamast
      @2adamast 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Markings comes from a traditional workshop industry as the parts came from a network of small workshops. For example forging barrels, rifling, finish etc. All that needs accounting and quality control in between.

    • @timoakes450
      @timoakes450 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Dad was in 2/1 Army Gp ETO 44-45 brought one of these home afterwards-was my first introduction to this weapon until enlisting in British Army 1975-Igoined the shooting club and traained on yhe Hi-Power-love at second sight!!!=TOMMY27

    • @apoloniosanchez5095
      @apoloniosanchez5095 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wronien español

  • @beardoggin8963
    @beardoggin8963 5 ปีที่แล้ว +246

    I love how optimistic the military brass of that era was “ We need the capability to provide 9mm volley fire out to 1000 meters. That will help us win the war!”

    • @Leo___________
      @Leo___________ 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Like what is the mechanical accuracy of a hi-power? 6 MOA?

    • @beardoggin8963
      @beardoggin8963 5 ปีที่แล้ว +35

      Leo yeah pretty much Minute of Walmart at 1000 meters.... maybe

    • @capeclint
      @capeclint 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Beardoggin89 that made me laugh

    • @tz8785
      @tz8785 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      It might not be that effective for one guy but a dozen soldiers with hi-powers shooting at another group in the distance should at least convince the other side to keep their heads down. Actually getting a hit would probably be down to sheer luck though.

  • @GunTheory
    @GunTheory 5 ปีที่แล้ว +378

    While It’ll never happen, imagine how terrifying it’d be to suddenly come under a whole unit’s worth of 9mm volley fire at 500m 😂

    • @legochickenguy4938
      @legochickenguy4938 5 ปีที่แล้ว +41

      It would hit about 1.5-2 seconds after it was fired so they'd have to lead you pretty well

    • @GunTheory
      @GunTheory 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      One Doomed Spacemarine I’d have to do the free body diagram but I imagine it’d lost most of its velocity but then gravity would accelerate it a little on the way back down to earth. But that wouldn’t be a significant increase

    • @pauljones9746
      @pauljones9746 5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      It would keep your head down. Which in reality that's all they need to do at that distance

    • @pauljones9746
      @pauljones9746 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@0neDoomedSpaceMarine Oh you'll notice it.

    • @XtreeM_FaiL
      @XtreeM_FaiL 5 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      9mm Luger is leathal at that distance if you hit a target.

  • @taskforcekarma6945
    @taskforcekarma6945 5 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    Proudly served Belgium for over 65+ years. Now Belgium mainly uses the FN FiveSeven as the new military sidearm.

  • @sma97
    @sma97 5 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    My grandfather served in WW2 and was stationed in Germany and Belguim at the end. He disassembled and mailed one back. Always fascinated by it and loved watching him clean in. I’m now in possession of it but because there’s no serial numbers I just keep it in a case and do cleaning maintenance on it

    • @svtirefire
      @svtirefire 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I would shoot the heck out of that.

    • @Cwhandle
      @Cwhandle 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      *not ATF clickbait.

    • @therideneverends1697
      @therideneverends1697 5 ปีที่แล้ว +26

      If it was brought in the country before 1968 there is no requirement for a serial number

    • @fondelmaddick5085
      @fondelmaddick5085 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@svtirefire same.

    • @allangibson2408
      @allangibson2408 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The Canadian production High Powers shipped to China have no serial numbers or manufacturers markings either- basically “black” pistols.

  • @JanVanHunks
    @JanVanHunks 5 ปีที่แล้ว +958

    How optimistic do you have to be to mark a pistol sight to 500m

    • @user-br6bk9kt9z
      @user-br6bk9kt9z 5 ปีที่แล้ว +114

      I mean its hard enough to get a decent hit with a rifle at this distance...

    • @sparkling925
      @sparkling925 5 ปีที่แล้ว +73

      well its technically completly possible

    • @WALTERBROADDUS
      @WALTERBROADDUS 5 ปีที่แล้ว +67

      The gun was designed to be used with a attached stock. Making it into a carbine.

    • @JoMcD21
      @JoMcD21 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      Very.

    • @xj53pq7
      @xj53pq7 5 ปีที่แล้ว +52

      WALTERBROADDUS still incredibly hard with those sights and sight radius. Not to mention it would be so small that holding it steady would be awkward.

  • @maxk5038
    @maxk5038 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    This was so ahead of it's time compared to other handguns of that era

  • @JoMcD21
    @JoMcD21 5 ปีที่แล้ว +127

    *Mosin Nagant:* There's a target about 500m out that way, not sure if I can hit him.
    *Belgian GP-35:* Pssh, amateur. I've got this.

    • @endrlock
      @endrlock 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Replace mosin nagant with 1911

  • @mediumeffort3315
    @mediumeffort3315 5 ปีที่แล้ว +109

    16 people hate John Browning for making something that wasn't in .45 ACP

    • @RuthLessPirate901
      @RuthLessPirate901 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      Just wait until they find out about all his 7.65 browning (.32) guns

    • @jackdundon2261
      @jackdundon2261 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      The 1911 is like my best friend at work... The hi power,is like discovering he has a super hot single sister....

    • @SnoopReddogg
      @SnoopReddogg 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Probably Australian soldiers who still have to carry it because the Crusty Bob Brass don't know the difference between retro and obsolete

    • @jackdundon2261
      @jackdundon2261 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@SnoopReddogg my wife has shot a fair amount of hand guns, watching the 'natural' way and speed and accuracy she aims the hi power over ANY modern hand gun will make you realize it's NOT obsolete.

    • @jefekeefsosa4998
      @jefekeefsosa4998 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jackdundon2261lol it's still obsolete it. I can be better with a single action revolver than a Glock and the single action is still technologically outdated.

  • @dtdt1100
    @dtdt1100 5 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    I want to see how far a skilled marksman can actually hit with a stocked hi power and tangent sight. Maybe something for InRangeTV

    • @chriss377
      @chriss377 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'd bet the full 500 with match grade ammo.

  • @QuantumCat76
    @QuantumCat76 5 ปีที่แล้ว +166

    5:37 Magazine Déjà Vu?

    • @Koopax13
      @Koopax13 5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Was thinking the same. Must be so good it needs mentioning twice!

    • @arnautorne7394
      @arnautorne7394 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      A glitch in the matrix...

    • @capeclint
      @capeclint 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I thought the same

    • @Breakfast_and_Bullets
      @Breakfast_and_Bullets 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Must be a second take because he caught himself saying "parkerized" the first time.

  • @ComradeBenedict
    @ComradeBenedict 5 ปีที่แล้ว +349

    How to sell pistols in the 40s:
    Step 1: be near Germany
    Step 2: use 9mm para
    Step 3: ??????????
    Step 4: profit

    • @a_shuchu_601
      @a_shuchu_601 5 ปีที่แล้ว +45

      Ben A
      Step 1: get occupied by Nazis
      Step 2: ...
      Step 3: ???

    • @51WCDodge
      @51WCDodge 5 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      Whaen a nasty man with lots of friends and very big guns says 'Why not build that for me?' The answer 'Over my dead body' is not appropriate.

    • @travistucker7317
      @travistucker7317 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Most finally ran by POWs if I'm not mistaken

    • @letthepizzaplayaround3386
      @letthepizzaplayaround3386 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      the step 3 will be piss off germans

    • @XtreeM_FaiL
      @XtreeM_FaiL 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sinister Thoughts But slaves are every companies dream. It cut down the wage cost to zero.

  • @PtolemaicArmy_Guerrilla
    @PtolemaicArmy_Guerrilla 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Undoubtedly one of the best sidearm ever created back then: It has a 13 round magazine, something that literally no other service pistols had.

  • @petedraper5185
    @petedraper5185 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Known as the Browning HP35 or just plain 9 mil in the British Army. It was, along with an SMG, my personal weapon for some time. I really liked using it. I was originally provided with a dreadful Canadian Inglis version, which rattled like an old truck. Fortunately, it was replaced with a brand new FN Browning and I was a happy soldier.

  • @victorsmith776
    @victorsmith776 5 ปีที่แล้ว +92

    Only channel I immiedatally watch notifications from

    • @hiker2742
      @hiker2742 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      same here!

    • @gunner678
      @gunner678 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Here to!

    • @williamflowers9435
      @williamflowers9435 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes!!! Almost everything else gets swiped and maybe revisited later

  • @xXchrismackXx
    @xXchrismackXx 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Browning Hi Power is in my top 5 guns of all time

  • @jayro4113
    @jayro4113 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    As a Belgian, I can never say no to watching one of your vids involving my heritage and on something I have an interest in, great video Ian 👌 if you ever want to do one on the FN self reloading rifle, let me know, I have one in my possession

  • @Trancefreakeh
    @Trancefreakeh 5 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    I remember the Rijkswacht/Gendarmerie ( Federal law enforcement ) used these in the '90. Can't say they really were the GP-36 and not a modern kind of HighPower, but they were referred to as GP-36. I was around 10-14 back then. Could barely lift and aim the gun ^^. Now they Use Glock17 and S&W M&P.

    • @gunner678
      @gunner678 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I was using my issue Browning up to 2000 and it stayed in British Army service for several years after. Sadly it's gone now, but I am in the process of buying one for target shooting. Excellent reliable battle proven sidearm.

    • @Trancefreakeh
      @Trancefreakeh 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Gliese380 Hay, I never knew that! :D I though only the Navy used them FN uzi's!

    • @jenavevesnowolf13
      @jenavevesnowolf13 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      S&W actually has overseas military contracts for the M&P? Wow. I thought the MA State police with their shitty M&P 45s were the only mil/leo organization to issue them.

    • @Gliese380
      @Gliese380 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      About the S&W M&P, Belgian police had to recall 6000 of the pistols due to a manufacturing fault: www.thebulletin.be/belgian-police-recall-6000-guns-after-pin-block. I've heard of other complaints, too.

    • @Trancefreakeh
      @Trancefreakeh 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jenavevesnowolf13 Yeap, we're using M&P9. Afaik, they're quite happy with them. I guess Glock got too expensive? :)

  • @davewilson7092
    @davewilson7092 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    As a tremendous fan of the Browning Hi Power design, I really liked this episode!

  • @schneeweisser261
    @schneeweisser261 5 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    It is a super good gun. I got it in the army in 1991. It was replaced by the Glock in 1995. (Dutch army.)

    • @ibanez7412
      @ibanez7412 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I remember it, I was issued one in 93/94 at Soesterberg. Loved it!

    • @md_vandenberg
      @md_vandenberg 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @robert lamotta Who the hell are you talking to?

    • @rodroper211
      @rodroper211 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      i used it in the 70s in the Australian Army. good pistol

    • @Nicolas-kd5ni
      @Nicolas-kd5ni 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Glock is the Aldi version of firearms

  • @gunner678
    @gunner678 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Great service sidearm that served me well for years.

  • @johncashwell1024
    @johncashwell1024 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Back in the early 1990s, in eastern NC where my department was located, there were several police departments and officers of other departments that used the hi-power.

  • @MrHws5mp
    @MrHws5mp 5 ปีที่แล้ว +327

    So the magazines had a blued floor plate and a phosphated body AND a phosphated body and a blued floor plate eh? Cunning...

    • @tz8785
      @tz8785 5 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      Probably an editing error.

    • @51WCDodge
      @51WCDodge 5 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      @@tz8785 No just Browning DETERMINED! to make a good magazine! :-)

    • @legochickenguy4938
      @legochickenguy4938 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      @@51WCDodge funnily enough the one thing Browning didn't design on the gun at all was the magazine

    • @51WCDodge
      @51WCDodge 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@legochickenguy4938 Belgium overenginnering?

    • @legochickenguy4938
      @legochickenguy4938 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      51WCDodge no he died before the magazine was designed

  • @michaelhalsall6723
    @michaelhalsall6723 5 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I remember shooting one of those, never got a chance with a 1911 to compare it. For 9mm though I always loved the P38.

    • @k.a.davison9897
      @k.a.davison9897 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Okay, I'll step forward and chance starting a forest fire. I just don't know any better. In the mid-60's I fired my first 1911 In training and in Vietnam. In the late-70's I was introduced to the Browning during training at a clandestine site in Virginia. What?! Where have you been? For me, remember for me, I found it to be a superior pistol not only to the 1911, but to anything else I had ever fired. Within weeks I purchased my own and still consider it to be the finest pistol I own. For me the 1911 is a great tool but the Browning High Power is nearly a work of art that has never failed in any regard or by any standard. I will now await the wrath of the 1911 owners of the world.

  • @knutdergroe9757
    @knutdergroe9757 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    AWESOME !!!!
    MY ALL TIME FAVORITE PISTOL.
    The pistol that set the standard for almost all military pistol to this day.
    Issued(military and law enforcement) in more countries then the FAL(so 120+ countries).

  • @thespankdmonkey
    @thespankdmonkey 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Very nice collection of early models. Love the High Power! Very ergonomic and so comfortable to shoot. And they do have a tendency to be very accurate!

  • @greylocke01
    @greylocke01 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    My neighbor as I was growing up, he had fought in WWII and Korea, he had several GP-35 Hipowers. One with the Waffenamts and the holster similar to what you showed. He also had an Inglis with shoulder stock, which he said his brother who had served in China had brought home. He also had a commercial version he bought while he was in Korea and several much later commercial versions, one of which he carried as a police detective until he retired.
    His only real complaint about his Hi powers was finding affordable reliable magazines.

  • @nekogudo1469
    @nekogudo1469 5 ปีที่แล้ว +58

    Oh my God, I'm so early Ian hasn't developed his obsession with french arms yet.

  • @kodiakkeith
    @kodiakkeith 5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    I moved from the 1911 to the BHP, twenty years ago, and never looked back. You MUST remove the mag disconnect to get a decent trigger pull (and perhaps go further if you are fussy about triggers), and after that you have a truly great carry piece. The new 15 round Mec-Gar mags are absolutely reliable, so you're right there with any of the current nines. Right now I'm carrying a customized aluminum framed Hi-Power made in 1984. A bunch of these came in a few years ago and the origins are very mysterious. Ian, when will you dig into these mystery alloy framed Hi-Powers?

    • @gunner678
      @gunner678 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I used the HP in British Army service for years. I was sad to see it go and frankly with a larger mag, there was really no need? I am going to buy one actually, so I am interested in the 15 round mag. I am not sure if we can get the larger mags in France, but I will check. Still 13 isn't bad.

    • @skepticalbadger
      @skepticalbadger 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@gunner678 There was every need. The whole fleet was worn out and needed replacing. Glock is not only better but cheaper.

    • @kodiakkeith
      @kodiakkeith 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@skepticalbadger How is Glock better when internally it is purely a Hi-Power clone? Glock has an awful trigger and was a great step back. You may have a point on expense, but copies of the Hi-Power have been made all over the world for far less than the original FN.

    • @therideneverends1697
      @therideneverends1697 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@0neDoomedSpaceMarine They also make 19 round flush fit CZ75 mags, which is just great really

    • @kodiakkeith
      @kodiakkeith 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DocMitchell69 Molded plastic means more volume for the same strength and thus, poor ergonomics. Great for the manufacturer, but not so good for the shooter. We were just getting into aluminum frames when plastics came along. That movement to plastic was directed by cost, not quality.

  • @abdulqaderhaddad3815
    @abdulqaderhaddad3815 5 ปีที่แล้ว +166

    1000 meters sights on a 9mm? Isn't that a little too...ummm...optimistic?

    • @genericpersonx333
      @genericpersonx333 5 ปีที่แล้ว +40

      To a degree, but I think the Belgians were thinking along the same lines as the Germans did with the artillery-style Luger back before WW1. The idea is not so much that you, as one soldier, will be hitting man-sized targets at 500 meters, but rather that your team of soldiers, with stocks fit, will be able to create a veritable blizzard of bullets that will rain down on enemies, suppressing and occasionally harming them since 9mm has remarkable punch even at several hundred meters.

    • @alt5494
      @alt5494 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Depends if in your optimism you actually make contact. Probably not.

    • @mikekemp9877
      @mikekemp9877 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@genericpersonx333 think you are right! the russian army sighted the tokarev pistol to a thousand yards too! mind you they alsp put a speedo with 120 mph top speed in the lada riva!lol!

    • @2adamast
      @2adamast 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sinisterthoughts2896 Even if the recipient is a candidate for the Darwin award, it's not a waste th-cam.com/video/jJ3XwizTqDw/w-d-xo.html

    • @genericpersonx333
      @genericpersonx333 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Poly Ten points for cheesy pun! :)

  • @Arthurzeiro
    @Arthurzeiro 5 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    I wonder If "germans simplified production" also mean they "got rid" of some factory personel.

    • @travistucker7317
      @travistucker7317 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      If vi remember correctly the last German number was 580 and were built primarily by POWs and were known to be sabotaged. I have one of the later ones and it is terribly inaccurate

    • @loub4879
      @loub4879 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      They did at the Radom factory

    • @zedsdeadbaby
      @zedsdeadbaby 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Almost certainly. Anyone seen as remotely undesirable in terms of ethnicity or background were sent to camps. They did this a lot, and replaced murdered personnel with POWs/slave labor.

  • @tauneutrino1able
    @tauneutrino1able 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    A Hi-power is on the top of my want list, sad that they went out of production a few years back.

    • @AmericanMinuteman95
      @AmericanMinuteman95 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Tau Neutrino tisas makes a clone that is pretty accurate copy. I think it’s the Tisas regent BR9

    • @therideneverends1697
      @therideneverends1697 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Its not like theres not millions already on the market.
      Thats the problem with long running commerical guns that sold well on the millitary market, eventually the guns that get surplused off stomp the commercial ones by selling at a price the MFG cannot compete with.
      Thats why CZ doesent import the CZ82 to the US anymore, the millitary surplus ones are just way cheeper than they can compete with

  • @wh0car3s943
    @wh0car3s943 5 ปีที่แล้ว +169

    Nobody:
    The Germans: Your pistols will make a fine addition to my collection

    • @advisorv
      @advisorv 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      With Grievous' voice

    • @prankmonkeyxs650
      @prankmonkeyxs650 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Also germans: we like these guns so much we wont destroy the factory before we leave.

    • @coltm45a16
      @coltm45a16 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@PerturaBased sir keobi...

    • @envrnmntlsm
      @envrnmntlsm 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sparks thats my line

  • @tjmusa
    @tjmusa 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Father brought back our browning hi power when he was in the philipipnes in 1945. he landed at latye with the U.S. rail batailion. he wore it on his hip during the war.
    " side note they all heard the first atomic bombs go off in the philipines and 3 days after the 2nd bomb, the company was mustered togather and told what it was they had heard"
    father never told us how he got it or what happened in the war. he was the company cpl and
    i figured he picked the best looking side arm in the pile. father died in 1996.
    it was in 2000 when i was told what the gun was. we have only shot maybe 20 rounds thru it in 1980. its number is under 4000, and came with a black holster "looks like p 38 stamped in side of flap. there is one black clip and a green with black bottom clip like was showed.
    never realised there was a slot for a stock. a gun nut showed me the british armory stamp and the stamp of the first fusiulars... i figure it came out of the fall of singapore from posablity one of general Persable's staff officer. i was told it was for an artillery officers side arm. love your show. never saw another gun like it before i watched your show.
    and the stock, wow, now i know what i am looking for to complete it.
    good work. great show. thanks

  • @industrialvectors
    @industrialvectors 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Just want to say. Your patreon plug is the best, at the end of the contents and explaining why it is important. I sadly cannot be a patreon, wish I could.
    I did all what else you ask, subscribe and tell friends about the channel.
    I want to thank all patreon supporters from the bottom of my heart for supporting you financially and allowing us other viewers to have free access to Ian's wonderful contents.
    Thank you Patreons!

  • @vaclav_fejt
    @vaclav_fejt 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    2:05 "Nice addition to my collection, general Kenobi."

  • @keeperofthecheese
    @keeperofthecheese 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Things I know about the Browning HiPower:
    1. It had a reputation for very high reliability and toughness.
    2. It was used by police officers present at the Iranian embassy siege in London in 1980.
    3. It was used in the film "Silence of the Lambs" to shoot Hannibals decoy on top of the elevator.

    • @victorwaddell6530
      @victorwaddell6530 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think those 'police officers ' were actually SAS soldiers .

    • @ZGryphon
      @ZGryphon 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      4. Axel Foley has one.

  • @jerryjohnsonii4181
    @jerryjohnsonii4181 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yes !!!!!!!! Ian is showing a Browning Hi-Power. I absolutely love my Dads Browning Hi-Power Practical. Thanks for the knowledge about this awesome firearm Gun Jesus.

  • @jimklenz2544
    @jimklenz2544 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks Ian. Another great video on a cool gun.

  • @KristianHerdi
    @KristianHerdi 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The timeless beauty of Papa Browning's disigns!

    • @WALTERBROADDUS
      @WALTERBROADDUS 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Dieudonné Saive's pistol....😏

    • @Gliese380
      @Gliese380 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Browning did the initial design, Saive finished and fine-tuned it.

    • @WALTERBROADDUS
      @WALTERBROADDUS 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Gliese38010 years and a different system makes Fine tune is a stretch. If any Browning should have credit, it is his son Val A. Browning. Val and Saive worked on the gun till production.

  • @andrewmorke
    @andrewmorke 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I carried it as my sidearm for years until switching to the Glock 19. The GP 35 is superb.

  • @charles_wipman
    @charles_wipman 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    IMO those are the best pistols of the WWII.

    • @badpossum440
      @badpossum440 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      The best pistol ever imho.

    • @thegoldencaulk2742
      @thegoldencaulk2742 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@badpossum440 Until the CZ-75 of course

    • @badpossum440
      @badpossum440 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@thegoldencaulk2742 ok i will give you that i do like my CZ-75.

  • @Blastmaster1972
    @Blastmaster1972 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Beautiful pistols! Makes me proud to be Belgian!

  • @jochaldo8076
    @jochaldo8076 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just got gifted a model of this weapon by my grandfather, with golden engravings of his initials gifted to him from the factory, so ik u had a video of this weapon, thank u

    • @jochaldo8076
      @jochaldo8076 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Gifted in Venezuela, one of the countries this weapon branched out to,

  • @shubbagin49
    @shubbagin49 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Brings back memories, every time I see a Hi-Power I was a dab hand with my little lady.

  • @legocity2643
    @legocity2643 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great timing, my airsoft Hi-Power just arrived in the mail today. Man I love Browning guns.

  • @oldesertguy9616
    @oldesertguy9616 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Beautiful guns. I kick myself for not getting a Hi-Power when they were still reasonably priced. I may get one, yet.

    • @33Luger
      @33Luger 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Keep looking. Armies surplus these from time to time. I bought an Israeli issued one a few years ago. Outside had a lot of holster wear but the internals were immaculate.

  • @casbot71
    @casbot71 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Ian, you should add a playlist of all of John Browning's stuff. He was a pivotal designer.
    As well as a list (and maybe even a few videos on) of the best designed guns of their day. Not the most elaborate, or the simplest, or the most powerful - the best designed weapons of their era.
    eg IMHO The Lee Enfield/Mauser rifle (very similar). The Colt .45.
    Maybe the Uzi?
    And a couple of Browning's achievements.
    Amongst others.
    A final idea, weapons that could have been built sooner, if the knowledge was there (basically time traveler shenanigans) like the AK-47, which could've been built for WW1. And the STEN could've probably been built even earlier.

  • @shorttimer874
    @shorttimer874 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Re your bling: I was in Vancouver BC this past weekend for a tech expo, and while eating with my son in the food court a gentleman much older than I (I'm 65) was there by his self asked my how long I'd had the tee shirt it was wearing. It was the French 75 tee, and I answered that I'd had it for several months. He told me it reminded him of him and his wife drinking those 50 years ago, told me what went in to making them, and we just chatted for a moment.
    So I think you brought him a forgotten memory, and it was a really, really neat experience.

  • @gibsondrummer
    @gibsondrummer 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Ian never screws up , cut him some slack on the editing blooper

  • @baobo67
    @baobo67 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love to see Ian give a demo of a few of the pistols with shoulder stocks. Like to see how well they perform. Cheers.

  • @TIKIKOO48
    @TIKIKOO48 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    One thing is for sure, that is one mean-looking pistol. Definetly does not just go pew pew either.

  • @nickfanthorpe8500
    @nickfanthorpe8500 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Ian I live in the UK, firearms are an absolute no no unless you're military, police (very small amount ) or a criminal - I absolutely love your channel, just thought I'd let you know, keep up the good work!
    Nick - south London.

    • @HJDore
      @HJDore 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Or you have a legitimate reason, like myself who holds both shotgun and firearms certificates. If you live in south London and want to get into shooting find a clay shooting club and apply for a section 2 shotgun certificate (sgc) the forms can be found and printed off from you local forces website and providing you don’t have a criminal record you should get it granted. You will however need the security eg gun clamps, ammunition storage, gun cabinet. Before the police sign you off. Clay shooting is the easier option as you don’t need a reason to posses the shotguns nor is there any of the variations (22lr, 223, 243 etc) like on section 1 nor do you need land to shoot on, plus clay clubs are easier to join unlike vermin shooting.

    • @nickfanthorpe8500
      @nickfanthorpe8500 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks I think I'll look into it, something I've always fancied having a go at.

  • @loupiscanis9449
    @loupiscanis9449 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you , Ian .

  • @TrojanManSCP
    @TrojanManSCP 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    "The magazines for the Belgian Army pistols have a few distinctive features as well."
    You can say that again...

  • @mmclaurin8035
    @mmclaurin8035 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    One of the most beautiful pistols ever made.

  • @Dja05
    @Dja05 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Finally ! A gun I own on this channel !

  • @desantos1234
    @desantos1234 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fun fact, the Hi Power was adopted by the British Military designated the L9A1 and was recognised as the standard sidearm up until its replacement by the Glock 17 in 2007.
    Even though the L9A1 was still the standard pistol in the British military in the early and mid 2000's, it saw barely any use in Iraq and Afghanistan as the British Government obtained Sig Sauer P226's as an 'Urgent Operational Requirement' which was temporary until the L9A1's replacement was found, subsequently being the Glock 17

  • @AxisPeter
    @AxisPeter 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Belgium military used the GP till very recently.
    They're being phased-out and replaced by FN's Five-SeveN at the moment.

    • @capeclint
      @capeclint 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Peter Schollaerts I would have thought they had switched over years ago. The Five Seven has been out for a bit (American).

    • @AxisPeter
      @AxisPeter 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@capeclint Yes, though Belgium military is quite slow in that regard. I know some guys who just received theirs last year.

    • @democracydignityhumanrights
      @democracydignityhumanrights 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Peter Schollaerts can you blame them for being so slow though? It’s not likely Belgium will be invaded anytime soon lol.
      Does Belgium participate in any of the US conflicts currently?

    • @thomasvanstraelen5848
      @thomasvanstraelen5848 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      According to the Belgian Defence website, they currently have personnel in Irak and Afghanistan.

    • @democracydignityhumanrights
      @democracydignityhumanrights 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thomas Vanstraelen I kind of figured that, but wasn’t sure thanks for the info

  • @AdvancedUSA
    @AdvancedUSA 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I bought a Hi-Power in 1972. Had some custom work - S&W adjustable rear sights, new ramp style front sight, hand checkered front grip, trigger job, magazine disconnect them satin plated in Rhodesian chrome.

  • @patkeefe5834
    @patkeefe5834 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The fireplace of cool weapons!

  • @MILITARY-TUBE
    @MILITARY-TUBE 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    One of my favourite world war 2 pistol, of course except VIS :)

  • @denniskappetijn1192
    @denniskappetijn1192 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I really enjoyed this video; especially since I am an avid collector and shooter of Hi-Powers. Keep doing the good work!

  • @salokin3087
    @salokin3087 5 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Yeah a real beaut, there's a reason Australia still keeps it as the Army's sidearm

    • @gunner678
      @gunner678 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Could do far worse. It's a superb military sidearm. I carried one for years in the British Army, even used it in anger a few times. Sadly it's gone from British service.

    • @RedXlV
      @RedXlV 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@gunner678 Being Britain, I assume they melted down their Hi-Powers instead of selling them on the surplus market? Or did they provide them to 3rd-world allies?

    • @demonprinces17
      @demonprinces17 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      It's called cheap

    • @mulgerbill
      @mulgerbill 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      My old man was fond his during his service in the early 50s.
      But he LOVED his Bren

    • @SnoopReddogg
      @SnoopReddogg 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Theres a perfectly good reason we're still using them. They're only carried as a fashion accessory, so no one has put any thought into how obsolete they are., and the SF units that have thought about it have issued something else. Oh, and I think theres only 800 in the ADF logistics system, which shows you how little the pistol is considered as a weapon system.

  • @blackirish781
    @blackirish781 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I used to have one of these, my great Grandfather was a customs officer in Belgium

  • @boiledelephant
    @boiledelephant 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Slightly leftfield question for anyone who knows: what happens to the economy of an occupied territory during wartime? Like, would the German occupiers still be paying the manufacturers to make the pistols? Would the manufacturers still be paying their employees? Did everyone take a "uh-oh, Germans" paycut, or did wages stay the same? (Just an aspect of warfare I've never thought about before.)

  • @sjl00c1
    @sjl00c1 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is the second or third hi power video you have up on you tube. I love this pistol thought even mark 3s are outdated. You are showing the impact of this pistol in military history quite well. It seemed to have more impact than the 1911 on a European world scale.

  • @kentonhammond8938
    @kentonhammond8938 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have this version with the rifle tangent sights on top. Mine is called the "El Capitan" model adopted by the Argentine army & a few other Latin American country's. Love it, it has such a retro look & is beautifully Blued ! Mine has the 1,000 meter sight. Not a broom handle type though.

  • @olivierheuskin1285
    @olivierheuskin1285 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My father had one (I am Belgian). The first gun I shot with when I was 12. Nice old gun but I remember shooting with the stock was impressive due to the proximity of the slide.

  • @robertd2217
    @robertd2217 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Deja Vu during the magazine explanation. I am now well informed, thank you Gun Jesus.

  • @fredboat
    @fredboat 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Enjoyed, Just rewatched this about the Classic HP. Been shooting/owning them since the 80s At one tome I had a 22lr conversion kit made by Pachmayr. Still a good pistol in 2021.

  • @joffemannen
    @joffemannen 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Helped a friend translate a book about 2 guys who were sentenced to death for a murder in the Congo, just the phrase Grande Puissance, as if it was a particularly dangerous weapon, as a phrase used by the judge. But this was it!

  • @Hillbilly_Papist
    @Hillbilly_Papist 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Found one of these with the oval ejection port for sale. Starting bid: $8,500.

  • @lauradarkez
    @lauradarkez 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    That sight looks like an ak47 rearsight

  • @GunsNGames1
    @GunsNGames1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Those Hi-Powers are beautiful babes.

  • @salt_97
    @salt_97 5 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    Always preferred the High Power over the M1911 honestly.

    • @jackarrows1436
      @jackarrows1436 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      45acp

    • @salt_97
      @salt_97 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@jackarrows1436 nah, 9mm is a better round overall.

    • @jackarrows1436
      @jackarrows1436 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@salt_97 you have told about m1911 isn't 9 Cal.

    • @chriscary4074
      @chriscary4074 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@salt_97 whatever you need to tell yourself to make it through the day, I would rather have a round that only takes one shot to the chest then one that's pretty much the definition of spam, but there's no accounting for taste

    • @leiaorgana5098
      @leiaorgana5098 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      13 round mag capacity very impressive for the time

  • @luisantolafrancis519
    @luisantolafrancis519 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Argentine FM hipower the first 9mm pistol y ever shoot..parkerized finish with black plastic grips will never be forgotten by me.

  • @sactodan
    @sactodan 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I bought one of these Belgian military models for $85 at a gun shop in Fresno, CA, 55 years ago and it was stolen from my car about five years later, unfortunately.

  • @xfirehurican
    @xfirehurican 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Carried a near mint T series in Bosnia & Kosovo in '95. "Excessed" by USG in '99 for the 92SBF. Thank you, Uncle S.

  • @muckiderhase157
    @muckiderhase157 28 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Die beste Seite dieser Art. Und die beste Pistole dieser Art (nicht verbesserungsbedürftig). I once owned one from wartime production (John Inglis, Canada), and I was astonished how well it fitted my small hand, in spite of the staggered row magazine.

  • @johngoodfellow168
    @johngoodfellow168 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just like those we had in Malaya & Borneo. The Royal Marines used to play with them at 900m, I don't know what success they had, but they certainly had some fun.

  • @wormyboot
    @wormyboot 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    That holster at the end looks like it would be super inconvenient to use.

  • @CeltKnight
    @CeltKnight 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    My first police duty pistol was a BHP Mk2. I still have it and even through all the other guns I carried, I usually kept qualified with it as an alternative .. at least until my old dept went all SIG. I still shoot mine and still carry it sometimes, although it has some pretty sharp edges on it. Still, mine has an amazing trigger and while I dunno about 500 yard shooting, at 25 yards it can stack hits into a very small group. It's also, for me, a very comfortable pistol to hold.

  • @thedoctor755
    @thedoctor755 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can't believe I hadn't seen this video yet!
    Love the Hi-Powers. I have a Mk.3 from the 80's, and a 1944-made with Waffenampts (really late-made, simplified rear sight, no mag safety, less than beautiful finish). They're just the best to me, the most accurate pistol in my hands.

  • @jnsjnssjns
    @jnsjnssjns 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Been waiting for this video for a while

  • @corvetteguy1980
    @corvetteguy1980 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    My dad carried one in Vietnam in 1971 when he flew A6s off the Kitty Hawk. He also carried a Thompson. Back then pilots could carry what they wanted. One guy in his squadron even carried a 5in Colt SAA.

  • @strattuner
    @strattuner 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    this is the most accurate 9mm pistol i ever shot,the pistol doesn't move around alot when being discharged and it hits what you're aiming at,finest slide gun i ever owned,wife took it,never looked back

  • @xt2reme52
    @xt2reme52 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Did my base training in the Belgian army with a 1951 GP35, never jammed

  • @johnniekane6315
    @johnniekane6315 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    got my hp in 1989.it was new in the box and i take it everywhere.

  • @crazyfvck
    @crazyfvck 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Those look so cool with tangent rear sights :)

  • @aamerkhazemalabady
    @aamerkhazemalabady 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very very good

  • @tons241
    @tons241 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The hi power is still the standard service pistol here in Australia

  • @connorgormly3236
    @connorgormly3236 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Always so excited to learn about fire arms and I’ve been holding how for some high power episodes ever sense the experimental lightened Canadian high point or I believe that is was Canadian regardless happy to see the video

  • @evan-douglasmason3755
    @evan-douglasmason3755 21 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I had the mag-safety removed. This shoots much better now.

  • @petesheppard1709
    @petesheppard1709 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    'Forgotten Weapons' + 'GP-35' = FAST click!!

  • @Fruhmple
    @Fruhmple 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Are there any distinctive features on the magazines to the Belgian army pistols?

  • @janwacawik7432
    @janwacawik7432 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The fireplace collection strikes again!

  • @yoochoob1858
    @yoochoob1858 5 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Must be an old video, French skills not up-to-date ;-p Always great to see another video from in front of Santa's fireplace, though.

    • @SNOUPS4
      @SNOUPS4 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      They were up-to-date, actually! Only the final S of "armes" should have been mute, so nothing to be ashamed of AT ALL, french is especially tough for Americans, so mega-kudos to Ian!

  • @jessesands4099
    @jessesands4099 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    To Quote Easy Andy from the movie Taxi Driver 1976 "That's A Beautiful Little Gun"! The Belgians did a terrific job with this!🤔🔫🇧🇪