I screwed up big time.

[LastManOut]

Boy did I mess up. I brought my WWII carry-back FN Browning Hi-Power P-35 to the 1st PA East Shoot on Saturday and broke it.

I was cycling through a magazine of lead ball ammo when I had a mis-fire, no bang (?). I cocked the hammer to try a second strike on the primer with no result (?). Then a slap-and-rack to chamber a fresh round. In looking back, my big mistake was not putting two and two together when an empty casing was ejected and not looking for the squib round.

The next round chambered and I fired it and the slide locked up at a half-back position, with the spent casing partially exposed and the slide frozen, big time.

I disassembled my gun in my shop and mic'ed the barrel to show a .020" bubble in the bottom half of the bore just in front of the chamber. SH**!

I can get a new barrel for $125-189 but the stamped matching numbers are on the original barrel. I'm looking for ideas of how to restore the original barrel to keep the authenticity of the weapon without spending more than the value of the gun.

[axmdr40]

I'm no expert, but I doubt there is anything that can be done...I will pray for your soul.

[deth502]

my .02:

1: wallhanger

2: find an unmarked barrel or machine one from a blank and replicate markings.

[Captain Emo]

This is a great example of why I don't shoot most of my correct WWII weapons. You break the charging handle on your AR, no big deal. You break the numbered firing in on your BYF Luger, different story.

[Azzy]

Did you call Browning and see if they can do a new barrel with matching numbers?

[ChamberedRound]

Wow, I'm sorry to hear about your HP. That was a really fine weapon...

[dnar]

LastManOut,

Gee, I feel real bad! You didn't appear upset when you sold the holster to me, so it must've happened afterwards. At any rate, I hope it all works out.

Take care,

rand

[PA Rifleman]

The newer Hi Power barrels are manufactured differently than the older models (pre-55?). Post 55 barrels should fit, but have fine seam in the chamber area. It's a little unsettling, but is safe (details). I've been blasting my 1982 Belgian since I bought it new and it's still running strong. You can get a replacement barrel, but it won't match the original, and will be readily apparent to most HP enthusiasts. Sarco lists used barrels for $50 (ad). Here's Browning's parts & service page...link.

While saddening, it could have been worse. The original barrel's been stretched beyond it's elastic point, so it's a display item now. Your options are where to purchase a replacement. If I were in your shoes, I'd look for an OEM surplus barrel, ideally wartime manufacture. At least it's be period-correct. Another option is selling the surviving components and purchase a replacement Hi Power. Wartime models are still in circulation, and I understand Browning resumed production of the classic Hi Power, albeit in Portugal. (Browning's gun dating reference page)

Sidebar: if it's a wartime, and I assume this means W.W.II, you should have the early extractor. This item is a pain in the ass to find in serviceable condition. Buy them when you find them, not when they're needed.

The early extractors are long & narrow similar to the 1911 design. The later extractors are external claw-like similar to Glock designs. See image below. Top: early extractor retainer, Bottom: later design external extractor.

[Mity2]

Originally Posted by Captain Emo

This is a great example of why I don't shoot most of my correct WWII weapons. You break the charging handle on your AR, no big deal. You break the numbered firing in on your BYF Luger, different story.

Can't agree more.
Collecter item is just that - Collecter item. I know they were designed for shooting. But there are too many variables that can ruin your prized piece.

guy i used to know in NY - His grandpa left him his Luger when he passed that he got in Germany back in 1944. While perfect operating condition, 95% finish, with EVERY piece had matching # stamped(Nazi i guess stamp the heck out of their stuff?).

He used to shoot it like its a saturdaynight special. never really cleaned it good, or anything.

Gun now has slight sarface rust, scratch, crack on left grip, dent on matching magazin.

It hurts to see it...

[LastManOut]

Thanks all for the condolences. I'm on a string of bad luck lately, my computer, cable modem, DirtecTV and land line all took a hit from a close-by lightning strike about 10 days ago and I just got the computer back last night from being repaired.

With the FN Browning, my plan is/was to buy a aftermarket match barrel then shape the original back to where it will allow the slide to operate, but NOT to shoot with the old barrel (or I can leaver it alone and expand on the story my uncle told of how he acquired it in Belgium after it jammed when the German tried to shoot him, so he drilled him with his B.A.R.).

I plan to keep it, so as long as it runs, I'm happy.