browning hp gunsmiths

Buddha · 03-19-2006, 05:49 PM

I have a FN Hipower Mark III and would like to have some modifications done to it, but I don't know how or where to find a reputable gunsmith in my area or what vendors would be good for some of the parts (like the sights).

I want to try to make it more carry friendly by lightening the trigger pull some, adding hi-vis sights, removing the magazine disconnect, and possibly shorten magazine release button. There have been a few times when the button gets pressed in my IWB holster and will drop the magazine enough that I can't fire it.

Also, I'm located in SW Ohio. Thanks alot.

Boothman · 03-20-2006, 04:10 AM

That's easy - go see Wayne Novak. He is located in Parkersburg, WV, very close to you. One of the best pistolsmiths for BHP.

silver · 03-24-2006, 01:56 PM

Hmm, there is guy who used to work for Novak's in Ohio. I had my Hi-Power done by Novak's shop, and there is a long story. I'll just say that Irv the third at Bar-Sto got the problem taken care of for me. Novak's is not my first choice. YMMV

I'd do Heine Sights. I've had some guns with Novaks and they are OK, but I'd just as soon be able to work the slide by having the sights work against my belt. The MkIII has good sights, but you should have the front sight contoured to the frame.

If it were me... I'd also call Jim Graithwright (sp) in Eastern Pa. He still maybe a one guy shop. There are a couple of guys here who do Hi-powers and do them well, like Ted Yost and family.

Rosco Benson · 03-26-2006, 01:03 PM

Don Williams www.theactionworks.com turns out a tidy P-35 too.

Rosco

BigBoar · 03-27-2006, 07:32 AM

deleted

J.R. Munsey · 04-03-2006, 08:38 PM

I agree with these other guys. I have handled and fired HPs from Don Williams, Novak, Teddy Jacobson, etc.
I think my first choices (Tie) would be Don Williams (The Action Works) or Ted Yost (Yost-Bonitz).
Second would be Mr. Garthwaite.
Also might want to check out Dave Sams in Virginia (samscustomgunworksusa.com)--Dave is an incredible smitty and has a hell of a background, he's just not as well known. I have handled his custom Beretta 92's, HPs and 1911s....incredible!

And finally, you might want to check out louderthanwords.us to get looks at some of these guys work. Lots of good info and pics. Check the archives and I think you'll find something to suit you. Most of the smiths named here belong to this site and post replies daily and are great to just chat with. Good luck, and great choice by the way!!

jackd1 · 04-08-2006, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosco Benson

Don Williams www.theactionworks.com turns out a tidy P-35 too.

Rosco

I love my HP Don Williams did for me. Great work from a very nice guy. JD

03-19-2006, 05:49 PM	#1
Buddha Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 5	HP Gunsmith I have a FN Hipower Mark III and would like to have some modifications done to it, but I don't know how or where to find a reputable gunsmith in my area or what vendors would be good for some of the parts (like the sights). I want to try to make it more carry friendly by lightening the trigger pull some, adding hi-vis sights, removing the magazine disconnect, and possibly shorten magazine release button. There have been a few times when the button gets pressed in my IWB holster and will drop the magazine enough that I can't fire it. Also, I'm located in SW Ohio. Thanks alot.

03-20-2006, 04:10 AM	#2
Boothman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 157	HP 'Smith That's easy - go see Wayne Novak. He is located in Parkersburg, WV, very close to you. One of the best pistolsmiths for BHP.

03-27-2006, 07:32 AM	#5
BigBoar Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 39	Garthwaite deleted

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03-24-2006, 01:56 PM	#3
silver Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Redneckistan Posts: 93	Hmm, there is guy who used to work for Novak's in Ohio. I had my Hi-Power done by Novak's shop, and there is a long story. I'll just say that Irv the third at Bar-Sto got the problem taken care of for me. Novak's is not my first choice. YMMV I'd do Heine Sights. I've had some guns with Novaks and they are OK, but I'd just as soon be able to work the slide by having the sights work against my belt. The MkIII has good sights, but you should have the front sight contoured to the frame. If it were me... I'd also call Jim Graithwright (sp) in Eastern Pa. He still maybe a one guy shop. There are a couple of guys here who do Hi-powers and do them well, like Ted Yost and family.

03-26-2006, 01:03 PM	#4
Rosco Benson Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 515	Don Williams www.theactionworks.com turns out a tidy P-35 too. Rosco

04-03-2006, 08:38 PM	#6
J.R. Munsey Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia Posts: 3	I agree with these other guys. I have handled and fired HPs from Don Williams, Novak, Teddy Jacobson, etc. I think my first choices (Tie) would be Don Williams (The Action Works) or Ted Yost (Yost-Bonitz). Second would be Mr. Garthwaite. Also might want to check out Dave Sams in Virginia (samscustomgunworksusa.com)--Dave is an incredible smitty and has a hell of a background, he's just not as well known. I have handled his custom Beretta 92's, HPs and 1911s....incredible! And finally, you might want to check out louderthanwords.us to get looks at some of these guys work. Lots of good info and pics. Check the archives and I think you'll find something to suit you. Most of the smiths named here belong to this site and post replies daily and are great to just chat with. Good luck, and great choice by the way!!