Resources for FN WW 2 era guns?

Hey guys, I got really lucky at my local gun show and scored a 1943 FN BHP with appropriate proof and acceptance marks. Gun was in good mechanical condition, but had not been maintained so I just finished detail cleaning it, being careful not to remove patina, but it had a fair amount of rust under the wood grips. Anyhow, Im trying to find some resources for information on this era of Hi Powers. Any ideas? I have Steve Camps Shooter Guide to the BHP, but it only mentions the WW2 era guns in passing. If anyone can help, it would be awesome.

I just now ordered Anthony Vanderlinden' s "FN Browning Pistols-Side Arms that Shaped World History", but Im sure there are other sources of reliable information out there.

Would there by any chance be a database somewhere of "bring back" documentation? The gun got to America somehow! lol

Thanks!

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...78857302-1.jpg

Welcome to the forum, wait a minute and the people that collect them will be along to help. I doubt you'll find any documentation on it, and cleaning it should be as easy as a normal cleaning. You don't want to remove patina, so don't use abrasives.

I know that somewhere there is a listing of the Hi-Powers made under the German occupation. These were broken down into three or four time periods. I have no other information other then that but what your looking for in general is out there, just not on a single gun. The Hi-power was the favorite of the SS and was also one of the targeted pistols to be sabotaged when ever possible by slave labor at the FN plant.

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

Welcome to the forum, wait a minute and the people that collect them will be along to help. I doubt you'll find any documentation on it, and cleaning it should be as easy as a normal cleaning. You don't want to remove patina, so don't use abrasives.

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I used bronze wool and Hoppes penetrating oil. The rust came right up. I used standard gun cleaning products. I was really worried about the patina...everything came out ok.

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Yeah, I saw the information you mentioned about the time periods. I would really like to find a database of "bring back" documentation if it exists...Im contacting the FN historical people who might be able to provide more info. It would be amazing if I could learn where the pistol went after being built. Looking over the frame, the evidence of quick manufacturing is obvious and evident. Some rough machining going on!

It was called the P640 in German use so you could google that. This site may be of use Hi-power 640(b)

I had one with Nazi proofs that must have been built before things got harsh. Mine had excellent fit and finish, even though the blue was down to nothing. The overall machining looked as good as post war guns.

There is no listing on bring back firearms from WW2. Heck half of them were picked up and just shoved into a duffle bag and brought home.

Steve, there's a new site that has many knowledgeable members. Some have truly extraordinary expertise. Worth a visit.

Good luck.

http://highpowercollectors.proboards.com