Browning HP w/stock Questions

[bodes]

Forum Members, I have an opportunity to purchase a German Browning Hi-Power with shoulder stock......I have not seen it, but is owned by somebody I've known and dealt with in the past.....He says the finish is 90-95% but does not know if the stock has any serial number......

As these are out of my realm of expertise, were the shoulder stocks numbered or proofed?......

He's asking $3K, which I'm sure is in the ballpark for value.....I'm gonna see IF he can forward me some photos......Any opinions or information appreciated as usual......Bodes

[cossack1648]

If it has a shoulder stock, it must be a slotted version. Those are the rarest and most expensive if German made. I think they eliminated the slot in mid 50k range. I had one in the past with 52228 serial if I remember correctly and WaA603 proof. That was one of the last made, I believe. Check previous threads. There were a number of High Power posted. Considering rarity and that it has a stock, I think the price is good, assuming the condition is nice and that numbers match. Post photos when you can.

Jack

[Wilhelm]

You may want to check your laws. There are some issues with these. Owning the pieces is one thing, but putting them together can get you in some trouble. Be careful.
Wilhelm

[Norman Hamilton]

I believe the Inglis are OK with the stock. Be careful, you don't need a visit from the BATFE..Fine pistols and even better shooting with the stock....

[bodes]

Wilhelm & Norman, Thanks for the heads up.....The gun is owned by some body who used to live in the Midwest, so I don't believe he had any problems with ownership......I will ask him about the legalities involved and check my local gun laws.....Bodes

[Alan Smith]

The issues re: C&R pistols w/ shoulders stocks was resoved by BATFE's predecessor back in the 1970's when it (per statutory authority) took administrative action to remove such pistol/holster stock combinations from the scope of items regulated under the National Firearms Act of 1934. Because of this administrative action, so long as you are dealing with an original C&R pistol and an original shoulder stock for same, you are good to go under federal law without any special registration, transfer, tax, etc. issues.

[mg42rip]

i thought there was a serial number limitation for the high power and stock configuration and like Alan said a flatboard stock I think it was 30,000 or something like that before the germans took the plant over. I don't think the WaA guns are in this range.
Ed M.

[bodes]

i thought there was a serial number limitation for the high power and stock configuration and like Alan said a flatboard stock I think it was 30,000 or something like that before the germans took the plant over. I don't think the WaA guns are in this range.
Ed M.

Thanks Alan and Ed for the clarification.....Ed, the serial number range I have for the German Hi Power w/stock is 44,500 to 65,200......Bodes

[mg42rip]

I found this in my c&r book: Hi Power pistols, in cal. 9mm having tangent sights graduated to 500 meters, slotted for shoulder stock, having S/Ns of less than 47,000 without letter prefixes or suffixes and accompanied by original Belgian mfd. detachable wooden flat board type shoulder stocks.

[Wilhelm]

Serial #s with a CH prefix are exempt. They are part of a batch for China during the war. You should really be sure about this. I speak from experience.
Wilhelm

[tracman]

CH prefixed Hi-Powers refers to Inglis models made in Canada for issue to Chinese forces.

The question here is about FN-manufactured Hi-Powers, which were initially made slotted and with tangent sights until these two features were deleted during German control of the factory...

Serial #s with a CH prefix are exempt. They are part of a batch for China during the war. You should really be sure about this. I speak from experience.
Wilhelm

[Wilhelm]

Yes, that's my point. Local law enforcement are not up to date on any of this. They will bust you and then you need prove you can have the piece. That takes an expensive lawyer. That is why I urge caution, be sure.
Wilhelm

[juoneen]

Do these high power stocks fit any other german handguns?

[bodes]

I'm not trying to interrupt the legality discussion, but noticed a pre-war Browning HP with flat stock/holster sold at Rock Island for $4600.....Bodes

[Douglas Jr.]

Do these high power stocks fit any other german handguns?

As far as I know, the answer is no.