Computer savy but gun ignorant

[Kaiser]

If there is one thing that many on this forum have in common other than their Valks, it is their affinity for firearms.

So - here is question for those of you with more knowledge than myself about guns.  Where do I go to find information/values?

I found this in the attic of my father-in-laws house after he passed away.  It's not in the best of shape.  Using my internet surfing skills, I found out that it is a 1960's Browning 9MM.  I don't know how reliable that source was, however.  So, if you know better - please tell me.

Anyway, here are some pics:





Any pointers on where to go for a reliable source of information and value would be appreciated.

ON EDIT:

Also - how do I clean that black junk off of where the bullets get ejected?  There is a little on the very end of the barrel as well.  And - I'm guessing there is nothing I can do for the pitting on the trigger, right?

[PAVALKER]

There are some books you might be able to look up at your local library or book store, or you could go to www.gunbroker.com and other internet sites to see what they are selling for (if they are even listed). Keep in mind that what a gun might be listed for is not necessarily what its actual selling value might be. Gun shops may low ball ya or offer to sell if on consignment and take their percentage. You might consider taking it to a pawn shop to get an idea of what he might give you for it.... and that would be a low figure as well obviously.   A gun is worth what someone is willing to pay for it..... what I might offer could be lower or higher than what someone else might.

If I were you.... I would clean it and keep it (maybe even use it now and again).   

[Kaiser]

Agreed.  I'm not interested in selling it right now.  I just wanted to have some more information.  My mind could quickly be changed if I found out that it's some super-rare, ultra-expensive piece that can net me millions and millions.     But I'm not holding my breath on that one.

Even if it isn't worth squat, I still think it's a nice looking gun and want to hang onto it for the sentimental value.  I've thought about cleaning it up (which I don't know how to do without damaging the finish - hence one of my questions) and maybe displaying it in a shadow box.  I dunno...I'm still thinking...

[Pete]

Whoa, stop do not do anything until you determine what you have.

You need a Browning specialist to evaluate the gun, as this gun may NOT be a run of the mill Browning. (I am not a Browning specialist)

The gun may or may not have collector value. Cleaning should be done very carefully until you determine how collectable the gun is.

[sugerbear]

don't clean it at all until the value is found!!  from watching antiques road show LOL

pearl handles and all that inlay, not "stock" for sure

cleaning it COULD devalue it a lot.

good luck

P.S. nice looking gun

[9Ball]

don't clean it at all until the value is found!!  from watching antiques road show LOL

pearl handles and all that inlay, not "stock" for sure

cleaning it COULD devalue it a lot.

good luck

P.S. nice looking gun

agreed, DO NOT do anything that could detract the collector value, especially any cleaning.  It looks like you have a very nice piece.

[Kaiser]

I never thought CLEANING it would devalue it.  I've taken that approach with my Valk, so I guess it makes sense here, too.  

I won't clean it until I find out more info.

[9Ball]

your Belgium made hi power was made in 1968....looks like a limited edition.  here's how to date it...

http://www.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/detail.asp?id=35

good luck....I'm jealous.

[Kaiser]

your Belgium made hi power was made in 1968....looks like a limited edition.  here's how to date it...

http://www.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/detail.asp?id=35

good luck....I'm jealous.

Thanks for the link.  What does "hi power" mean (other than the obvious)?  Is that how Browning referred to all their pistols?  Wouldn't the round you shoot and not the gun itself make it "hi power"? Is this specific model any more "hi power" than a typical 9mm?

Sorry for the elementary questions - but as stated earlier - I am pretty ignorant about guns.

[9Ball]

that was just the name of this model 9mm from Browning.

here's the info...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browning_Hi-Power

[Kaiser]

that was just the name of this model 9mm from Browning.  Wiki might give an origin of the model name....probably something from John Browning himself..

Thanks.

[rockrat]

If my "blue book of gun values" is correct, you have a "Renaissance Hi-Power".    Described as "9mm, Extensive scroll engraving on grey silver slide and frame, synthethic pearl grips, gold plated trigger, Disc. app 1978"  

100% new unfired $3,795  round hammer/fixed sights
98% $3,250
95% $2,950

Look for a blue leatherette European case--adds about $600 to the value

You might call Browning and ask them about doing a good cleaning and what they charge.

[9Ball]

that's good advice.  I have a hi dollar Browning shotgun at their service facility as we speak for mechanical restoration.

It's a 3+ month lag time right now for anything going through their service department.

http://www.browning.com/customerservice/index.asp

[Hoser]

That piece is 95% or better,  I would keep it, it will go nowhere but up.  Also, insure it, probably can add it to your homeowners policy. .  Was it boxed up in the original box?  That ads to the value.   You are a lucky man.   hoser

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

That's a gorgeous Hi-Power.

What's been said about not cleaning it yourself till you know more is correct. You should get it professionally looked-over/cleaned as soon as possible to prevent it from getting any further corrosion damage. Perhaps the shop that does it could instruct you on how to preserve it if you decide to keep it.

Of all the handguns I've owned the Hi-Power is one of my favorites. Designed by probably the most prolific firearms designer of all time, John Moses Browning. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Browning

I gave mine to my youngest son when he got his carry permit. They are fun to shoot but personally I would refrain from shooting that one. You could keep it (under any foreseeable circumstances it will only gain in value) or sell it and and buy several good firearms for everyday shooting with the money.

Firearms and land are two of the few things I know of that can be passed down and used from generation to generation seemingly forever. And every time a latter generation gets out an old favorite to show or shoot they will think about and tell about their ancestor who originally owned it or who passed it on to them.

[gregc]

You could also do a search on    gunbroker.com     or    auctionarms.com   or    ebang.com    type in the Browning hipower 9mm, engraved.  You may or may not find anything equal, but it may give you an idea what they are asking for them around the country.  I think that model also came in 38 super.
Very nice gun, good luck.

[Brad]

Firearms and land are two of the few things I know of that can be passed down and used from generation to generation seemingly forever. And every time a latter generation gets out an old favorite to show or shoot they will think about and tell about their ancestor who originally owned it or who passed it on to them.

Firearms are even better than land.  As of right now (could change later) they don't tax you every year on the value of your firearms.

[rockrat]

Don't give them any ideas

[RoadKill]

ALL good advise above! These VRCC guys are TOPPS ! !

[CajunRider]

Ahhh... it's worthless... send it to me and I'll dispose of it for you...   

Seriously though... that is a BEAUTIFUL piece!!!  I'd LOVE to get my hands on something like that!! 

Let us know how the evaluation goes... I'm sure it's worth a pretty penny (not millions, but definitely not $50 either!!). 

It's beautiful.  Congrats on a great find. 

[Kaiser]

ALL good advise above! These VRCC guys are TOPPS ! !

I couldn't agree more. Thanks to all of you knowledgeable gun folks for your time and input.

Original case?  Um - not exactly.  Unless you count the 15 year-old deteriorating athletic sock it was wrapped in as "original case".

Before he died, my father-in-law said "If anything ever happens to me, make sure you check up in the attic."  This gun was up there with about a dozen more.

I've asked a few family friends about a few of them, and the only other one that seems to excite people is an old double-barreled "rabbit-ear" shotgun.  I *think* it was made by T. Barker (maybe?).  Sorry, but no pics of that one.

Anyways, thanks again to all for the compliments and advice.  Looks like I've got a call to Browning in my near future.

[9Ball]

...probably a Parker, another potentially pricey gun....

[Kaiser]

...probably a Parker, another potentially pricey gun....

I dunno about that.  This one is sad shape.  The wooden piece beneath the two barrels will fall off in your hand (that's called the "stock", right?).  His (my father-in-law's) house was broken into twice, so the first thing I had to do after he passed was go through the house and look behind all the doors, under the bed, and behind the couch and unload all of his "security systems".  The Barker/Parker was loaded and propped up behind the laundry room door.

I'll see if I can't drum up a picture or two of that one and get your input.  Thanks again to all - seriously appreciate the advice!

[torch1972]

Browning just came out with a limited edition Hi-power,only 350 are coming to the states and they want 5k for it and the scrolling looks like yours. I wouldn't get rid of that for any reason. You have got a beautiful classic.

[Kaz]

The wood piece under the barrels is called the fore stock and it does come off.  Usually there is a pin or latch that holds it in place.  If it's a "Parker" you'll want to get it appraised by a competent appraisal service.

[¿spoom]

As others have mentioned, don't clean, disassemble, or even look at it real hard until you've had it checked out by a competent gunsmith. Personally I wouldn't let anyone but the Browning Service Center go through it initially. They can tell you it's history and true condition, find anything unusual (good or bad) that someone like you or I would miss, and let you know to to proceed (or not) with any repairs. That is a really nice piece, and worth restoring/preserving. You'll never lose that money if you resell it later.