Budget Hi-Power Replicas: Must-Have at This Price??? — SHOT Show 2024

in Levi Sim

If you watched the video, you heard True say, “Wow” and “I love it” and those are four words he doesn’t bandy about it when it comes to pistols.

The new Inglis P-35 is a Hi-Power clone…or remake since Inglis was an original manufacturer after the Nazis invaded Belgium. The Browning Hi-Power’s history is remarkable and Inglis is excited to start a new chapter with an incredibly affordable variety of models.

The first release will be the L9A1, an approximation of the Mk III version of the Hi-Power. L9A1 was the British Special Air Service’s designation for the pistol. It was one of their standard-issue weapons for decades. Starting in April 2024, three other trim versions will launch.

The first release will be a black Mk III version of the P-35 Hi-Power, the L9A1.

The original L9A1 was finished with a phosphate coating (Parkerized) and then painted with high-temp paint. Similarly, Inglis’s new gun has a phosphate coating — which is highly corrosion-resistant and self-lubricating — and then a black Cerakote finish on top of that.

The John Inglis company manufactured this original WWII P-38 in Canada. The current production is in Turkey. (Black display magnets are visible behind it above the slide)

Like the original, but different

Inglis’s new production maintains the ring-style hammer (less hammer bite with this style), three-dot front and rear sights, and even the lanyard ring.

One significant deviation and update is that there are now safety levers on both sides of the gun for ambidextrous control. The magazine catch is left-side only. Another deviation is that this gun will fire without a magazine.

The new model has ambidextrous safety levers.

The Browning Hi-Power is the original double-stack 9mm and has boasted a 15-round capacity since 1935, and it’s still among the slimmest double-stack handguns. It is also the inspiration for almost every major handgun in production today.

Inglis’s L9A1, distributed in the US by SDS Imports, starts at just $480. Even at that low price, it is all machined metal and there are no MIM parts anywhere. The trigger weighs in at just 7 lbs and is remarkably crisp. It appears to be an excellent gun and a true value.

More finishes coming in April

Starting in April, there will also be a nickel-plated P-35 (’35’ references 1935, the year it was launched) and another black model. Both of these will have walnut grips and fiber optic front sights with blacked-out rear sights, both in the Browning dovetail pattern. In fact, this gun is compatible with all the Hi-Power after-market upgrades out there.

The nickel-plated version will sport walnut grips. P-35N
Black with walnut and fiber optic front site also launches in April. P-35B
This color case-hardened version, the GP-35 also comes out in April.

Lastly, a color case-hardened version will also launch in April. It will have Grade III Turkish walnut grips and a brass front sight.

The color case-hardened version is cool.

The base L9A1 is $480. The P-35N nickel-plated and the P-35B black will both be $549. The GP-35 with color case-hardened finish will be $649.

So go ahead and splurge on the GP-35. These are about half the cost of other Hi-Power models out there.

Specs

  • Caliber:9MM
  • Barrel Length: 4.7″
  • 1:10RH Twist
  • Button Rifled
  • Barrel Material/Finish: 4140 Forged & Machined, Hard Chrome Finish
  • Frame Material: Forged 4140 Carbon Steel
  • Slide Material: Forged 4140 Carbon Steel
  • Grips: Polymer, checkered Turkish walnut, Grade III Turkish Walnut
  • Trigger: Approx. 7lb
  • Finish: Cerakote, Nickel, Color Case Hardened
  • Front Sight: Painted Blade, Fiber Optic, Brass Bead Insert Front, Browning® Dovetail Pattern
  • Rear Sight: Black U Notch, Browning® Dovetail Pattern
  • Magazine: OEM Sabatti 15rd Capacity
  • MSRP: $480, $549, $649

Check out the L9A1 at Inglis Manufacturing.

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About the author: Levi Sim Levi is an avid hunter, and an increasingly avid shooter. He strives to make delicious and simple recipes from the game he kills. He makes a living as a professional photographer and writer. Check out his work and he’d love to connect on Instagram: @outdoorslevi

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  • Larry Bump January 28, 2024, 6:09 am

    Not a “re-issue”, this isn’t the Canadian Inglis company of WW2 vintage. They are just recycling the name, like Springfield Armory did.
    They look good, I’ll probably get one. I love Turkish Hi-Power clones.

  • leigh January 26, 2024, 7:28 pm

    I want the case-hardened version…and the price is right at what the Springfield sells for on a good day.

  • Don January 26, 2024, 5:29 pm

    Thank you Levi.

  • Wil Ferch January 26, 2024, 11:12 am

    Entered their website and only the priciest case-hardened version is shown as available. The article here suggests the “base” model will be offered first and the rest…later. Seems to be made avalable in reverse order. What’s the story?

    • Levi Sim January 26, 2024, 5:19 pm

      I noticed that too. Still, the guys at the booth were sure the dates are correct. I included the link to the site so it will be valid for future reference.

  • Bill January 26, 2024, 7:40 am

    Weight, force to cock via the slide, and overall length would be good to know!

    • Levi Sim January 26, 2024, 5:20 pm

      They didn’t have all the specs on their site yet. I’ve never measured the force to work the slide on a pistol, but I was surprised at how light it was compared with older Hi-Points I’ve handled.

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