Armand Swenson built Browning Hi Power. (updated w/photos)

[Odd Gibbs Shooter]

Hello all...

GOT the Hi Power out of layaway today!!!

I have a question reguarding a Swenson built Hi Power, that I have a chance to purchase. I grew up shooting 1911's with my dad, and he had always spoke very highly of his Swenson built 1911. Finding out about a Swenson built Hi Power has really peaked my interest. I remember reading somewhere that he only did a few Hi Powers?

Sorry I do not have any photos at the moment, but will get some in the next day or two, and post is anyone is interested in seeing it.

The overall condition is very fine. Only a mark or two in the hard chrome. I would say 99%

It is hard chromed.
S&W rear sight
Ambi safties
Top of the slide is hand matted with a border, along with the rear of the slide.
The trigger gaurd is squared and checkered, and the front of the grip is checkered, maybe 30lpi or so....very nicely done.
I noticed and over-travel stop to the trigger.
The slide has had a barrel bushing installed. Not sure what kind, early S&W auto type..
It is marked by Swenson on the inside of the slide, and on the frame on the outside.
The persons name it was originaly made for is engrave in the barrel channel in the frame
It has all the little things Mr. Swenson did to his pistols.

To tell the truth, while holding it, it feels as if I am holding a piece of pistolsmithing history.


My question to you folks....What would one expect to pay for a pistol like this?


Thanks for you time, and any input you might have.
OGS

[Bill Caldwell]

There is no way to guess the price to own this pistol.....as You state "PISTOLSMITHING HISTORY" ....If You want a pistol like this for self defense, to compete with or what ever reason, there are pistolsmiths workin' now that can build a Hi Power as good or possibly better and might build it for less money than You can buy this one.....You might be goin' against a "HAND" with deep pockets and an extreme case of "HOTS" for this pistol.....Does the owner know how and where to sell this pistol to get the most money out of it....

I don't think this reply is a lot of help, I'm sure there will be others

Bill Caldwell

[Bill Caldwell]

Just noticed Your handle....Is this Odd Gibbs Shooter as in Rocky Gibbs?

Bill Caldwell

[Odd Gibbs Shooter]

Hi Bill,

Well the owner knows that the pistol is worth a little bit, maybe a bit more than it was offered to me. It has been offered to me for $3,000. Just doing a quick search, via Gunbroker, Gunsamerica, I can see a few prices...Did not see any that were sold for 4-5k....

Yes, you are correct.....I am a fan of Rocky Gibbs, I have been hunting with a 30 Gibbs for several years and love it. I also have several others in the Gibbs line..

Swenson
Gibbs
Ackley

I have to admire what our four fathers have done for our sport.

Thanks,
OGS

[Bill Caldwell]

OGS...One of My mentors was the best machinest I ever knew of....Robert Talton....Bob knew Rocky Gibbs, He grabbed on to Rocky's ideas and in the 60's We built several 30 Gibbs.....When the 280Rem. came out I started usein' the 280 case , neck shorted to .250" taper changed to.0075 per in. with a 35 degree shoulder, pretty much Gibbs all the way instead.... of the 30/06 that Mr. Gibbs based so many of His "WILDCATS" on......I've ran over 3200fps with a 165 gr bullet , it is a HOT load.

On page Four of Wild Bill Caldwell View From the Hills ....You might want to read Damacus and Rocky Gibbs

I can't help You on the Hi Power...At My age anything I buy will just be something for My Sons and Daughters, Wife, and EXs, and those I leave here owein' to fight over......On the other hand I look at everything I didn't spend or use up (includein' Myself) before I leave here as wasted so any thing I want , if there is any way to swing it , I'm gonna get it.....If after I'm gone it don't bring what I paid for it,....SO WHAT....I'm already gone, it's not My loss

Great to see a fan of Rocky Gibbs postin' on this forum....Let Us know if You get the Hi Power

Bill Caldwell

[RePete]

20+ years ago I read an article on Swensen's BHP's and he did use a barrel bushing from a S&W model 52.

The are a piece of artwork.

[Odd Gibbs Shooter]

btt

[kris_loehr]

Do you have any more photos of the High Power? I am having one done at Heirloom Precision and I like the way the hard chrome is done on it. It looks to be a soft matte frame with a satin slide flats and the controls appear to be satin and matte also. I am assuming it is hard chrome. I have seen a matte frame with a highly polished slide flats and it is too much contrast for me.

[filobeto]

How can you clearly identify a Swenson from a fake?
Thanks
Clay

[Mannlicher]

Some years back, I got to hold a Swenson made BHP. Amazing quality and detail.

The one you are showing is just beautiful.