I got introduced to the browning Hi-Power in the service.
After the service I was introduced to the S&W 59.
While the Browning got my attention the S&W earned my life long enmity.
To simply say that I despise the S&W would be an understatement. I haven't touched one in 43 years.
The Browning however became my overseas go to replacement for 1911 when 45 ammunition was/would be scarce.
Fast forward to 2005 and my local gun store turned away a trade in.
I politely asked the store if they minded me doing business on their doorstep.
With the owner's blessing I examined the pistol in detail and for some curious reason it followed me home.
This is a FEG P9R not to be confused with their near direct Hi-power clone.
In appearance it's nearly a BDA (BDM?). In construction it's lock work is S&W 59 while the rest of the pistol is Browning.
The double action is nearly as good as some of my revolvers and the single action break is at least as good as a stock 1911. The fit in the hand is so close to Browning Hi-Power that any adjustment is purely due to the double action pull.
I'd love to hate this pistol for it's S&W plagiarism but instead I hate to love it for its flawless function.
Faithful to its Browning heritage the sights are minimal and mostly suck but I seem to hit everything I point at. Unlike the trials and tribulations of most Hi-Powers this one eats all but fired cases. I have yet to experience a failure that wasn't due to a magazine, ammunition, or me.
In the end it's not that well known. It's not that pretty. It just is one of my not so guilty partnerships with obscure firearms.
After the service I was introduced to the S&W 59.
While the Browning got my attention the S&W earned my life long enmity.
To simply say that I despise the S&W would be an understatement. I haven't touched one in 43 years.
The Browning however became my overseas go to replacement for 1911 when 45 ammunition was/would be scarce.
Fast forward to 2005 and my local gun store turned away a trade in.
I politely asked the store if they minded me doing business on their doorstep.
With the owner's blessing I examined the pistol in detail and for some curious reason it followed me home.
This is a FEG P9R not to be confused with their near direct Hi-power clone.
In appearance it's nearly a BDA (BDM?). In construction it's lock work is S&W 59 while the rest of the pistol is Browning.
The double action is nearly as good as some of my revolvers and the single action break is at least as good as a stock 1911. The fit in the hand is so close to Browning Hi-Power that any adjustment is purely due to the double action pull.
I'd love to hate this pistol for it's S&W plagiarism but instead I hate to love it for its flawless function.
Faithful to its Browning heritage the sights are minimal and mostly suck but I seem to hit everything I point at. Unlike the trials and tribulations of most Hi-Powers this one eats all but fired cases. I have yet to experience a failure that wasn't due to a magazine, ammunition, or me.
In the end it's not that well known. It's not that pretty. It just is one of my not so guilty partnerships with obscure firearms.
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