Now let's set the record straight, I am a 1911 fanatic. I have six 1911 type pistols, long slides, short slides, 22 cal. conversions, Kimber, Springfield, AMT and Colts. I have owned carried and shot 1911 models for 35 years and have reloaded my own 45 ammo for 30 years. I have shot at bull's eye targets, defensive targets, metal targets, cans, bottles, moving things and dirt with 1911s. Yet I very seldom carry a 1911!

Why?

I am a short person and a full size 1911 is uncomfortable and difficult to carry concealed. The short 1911 are much better but the full size frame is still large. I find the mini 1911 style pistols hard to control and the site radius too short for my old eyes. I went to Crimson Trace grips on my short slide models and it was a great improvement but the grip is still the same size.

So what do I carry? I carry the 1911s younger brother, a Browning Model 1935 High Power with a short slide. This “improved” version of the 1911 model was also designed by John Browning between 1914 and his death in 1926 and was to be the future of semi auto pistols. The controls and functions are basically the same. It is 2/3rds the size of the 1911, thinner and is much easier to carry concealed. With a short slide and barrel, Crimson Trace Grips, extended slide release and extended safety lever it is a refined and dependable firearm. The 13 rd capacity is also a plus and it feeds all types of defensive ammunition without a hitch.

The Hi Power is said to be the most popular semi auto pistols in the world. In 1935 it was being praised as the best auto pistol ever made and 65 years later the first CIA teams to enter Afghanistan in 2001 had there choice of any pistol, they chose High Powers. (See the book First In by CIA Team Leader Gary Schroen) This popularity allows for easy access to parts and magazines no matter where you are. The 9mm cartridge is also the most prolific pistol ammunition in the world. I travel to many locations in the world and I know that High Power Pistols are readily available and highly prized.

The Browning High Power or model 1935 has an extraordinary history. Manufacturing started in March of 1935 and is still going strong today. It is the only pistol ever to be manufactured for issue by both sides in a major war. In 1940 the Germans occupied Belgium and continued the High Power (German Pistole 640b) production for 4 years at the original FN Factory. The Allies manufactured the identical pistol in Canada throughout the war. The High Power became the favorite of elite forces, commandos and paratroopers on both sides. Post WW2 High Powers were issued to many US and allied special operations units in the 1960's and 70's and to special operation communist forces.

Present day High Powers come in a variety of calibers and variations.

Next to the Soviet Tokarev Model TT 30/33 pistol it is the most copied pistol in the world. Both licensed and unlicensed it is manufactured in many different countries. Licensed countries include Argentina, Canada, Nigeria, Portugal and Venezuela. It is made in many countries without permission such as Hungary, Israel, and Indonesia. You will also find it produced in backyard shops throughout Pakistan, Afghanistan, Vietnam and many other places in the third world.

As with any handgun it has its strengths and its limitations.

The strengths include a proven design made to high quality control standards. It was the first high capacity pistol of a manageable size. It is extremely accurate, points well and the 9mm is easy to master. After WW2 it was adopted by many countries in both the military and law enforcement communities due to its durability. It has fewer moving parts and is much easier to field strip than the 1911. Unlike the 1911 parts, magazines and ammunition can be found anywhere in the world.

The limitations include the standard 9mm caliber, metal frame which can be damaged when dropped and is heavy to carry. As with the 1911 it is a training intensive firearm. It takes a highly motivated individual who is willing to stay current to safely handle any single action pistol.

The High Power does not have one important safety feature of the 1911, it lacks the grip safety. It does have a magazine disconnect which renders the pistol out of service when the magazine is removed. Without the magazine inserted the pistol can not be fired. This is a safety design that is liked or disliked depending on what the pistol is used for.

Specifications: Barrel length - 4.7 inches std., 4 inches for the short slide

Height - 5.6 inches

Width - 1.3 inches

Weight - 39 OZ loaded

Magazine capacity - 13rds

The High Power is a similar design to the 1911 (bottom) yet has fewer parts. The barrel bushing, spring plug, barrel link, barrel link pin and the grip safety have been eliminated.

Size comparison, the 1911, High Power and Taurus Model 85

I am a very fortunate person, I have access and the opportunity to carry and shoot many of the most popular pistols in the world. When some see my High Power they just smile and nod, others ask why I stick to 70 year old technology. Would I drive a 70 year old car day to day? Probably not, so why do I stick to a 70 year old gun design?

All I can say is that I enjoy carrying and shooting single action pistols. I feel that with the appropriate training the 1911 and the High Power are superior firearms, quick to present, a trigger pull that is light and predictable for each shot and the High Power is just a pleasant and efficient pistol to shoot. Although I am not a 9mm parabellum fan it fits my need at the present time. For me the Browning High Power is the right tool for the current job. One could do a lot worse.

Carryconcealed.net Contributor-Dan