Operation and care of

STATE WARNING

According to state law, California requires that firearm manufacturers, distributors and retailers include conspicuous, specific warnings with firearms sold in that state. 

FAILURE TO HEED ANY OF THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

As a gun owner, you accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How seriously you take these responsibilities can be the difference between life and death. 

There is no excuse for careless or abusive handling of any firearm. At all times handle this firearm, and all other firearms, with intense respect for their power and potential danger. 

PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE CAUTIONS, PROPER HANDLING PROCEDURES AND INSTRUCTIONS OUTLINED IN THIS BOOKLET BEFORE USING YOUR NEW FIREARM.

1 - ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE OF YOUR FIREARM POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE CERTAIN IT IS UNLOADED. Never point any firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. Be extremely alert and aware of all persons and property within the range of your ammunition.

2 - NEVER RELY TOTALLY ON YOUR FIREARM'S MECHANICAL “SAFETY” DEVICE. LIKE ANY MECHANICAL DEVICE, A "SAFETY" CAN SOMETIMES FAIL; IT CAN BE JARRED OR INADVERTENTLY MANIPULATED INTO AN UNSAFE CONDITION. The word, “safety,” describes a firearm’s trigger block mechanism, sear block mechanism, hammer block mechanism, or firing pin block mechanism. Mechanical “safeties” are designed to place your firearm in a safer status, and no guarantee can be made that the firearm will not fire even if the “safety” is in the on safe position. Mechanical “safeties” merely aid safe gun handling and are no excuse for pointing your firearm’s muzzle in an unsafe direction.  See “Operation of the Safety” section below for instructions on the operation of this firearm’s “safety.”

Remember, safe gun handling does not stop with your firearm’s mechanical “safety” devices, it starts there. Always treat this firearm with the respect that you would a loaded, ready-to-fire firearm.

Some firearms do not have a mechanical safety. Many target firearms, lever-action firearms, and pistols do not have manual “safety” mechanisms. Therefore it is critical to read and understand the owner’s manual for every firearm which explains the safe operation of the firearm. 

While it is a good idea to “test” your firearm’s mechanical “safety” periodically for proper function, never test the “safety” while your firearm is loaded or pointed in an unsafe direction.

3 - WHENEVER YOU HANDLE ANY FIREARM, OR HAND IT TO SOMEONE, ALWAYS OPEN THE ACTION IMMEDIATELY AND VISUALLY CHECK THE FIREARM'S CHAMBER TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. Make certain the firearm does not inadvertently contain any ammunition. Remember, merely removing the magazine does  not mean the chamber is unloaded. Always keep the chamber empty and the “safety” in the on safe position unless shooting  is imminent. 

4 - ALWAYS WEAR EAR AND EYE PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING. Unprotected, repeated exposure to gunfire can cause hearing damage. Wear hearing protection (shooting ear plugs or muffs) to guard against such damage. 

Wear shooting glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles. Allow proper distance (eye relief) between a scope and your eye when firing a scoped pistol, rifle, or shotgun. Do not use unorthodox shooting methods that could cause the rearward travel of the slide or bolt of a firearm to contact your eyes, face or hands. Always keep a safe distance between the muzzle of your firearm and any persons nearby, as muzzle blast, debris and ejecting cartridges could inflict serious injury. 

Always wear eye protection when disassembling and cleaning any firearm to prevent the possibility of springs, spring-tensioned parts, solvents, or other agents from contacting your eyes visually check the chamber, receiver, and magazine to be certain they do not contain any ammunition. 

5 - KEEP ALL FIREARMS UNLOADED DURING TRANSPORT, EVEN WHEN STORED IN A HOLSTER, GUN CASE, SCABBARD, OR OTHER CONTAINER. 

6 - DROPPING OR JARRING A LOADED FIREARM CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE. This can occur even with the “safety” in the on safe position.  Be extremely careful while hunting or during any shooting activity to avoid dropping any firearm.

7 - HUNTING FROM ELEVATED SURFACES SUCH AS TREESTANDS IS DANGEROUS. Doing so may increase the risk of mishandling a firearm. The following rules should always be observed by you and those you hunt with: Always make certain that the stand being used is safe and stable. Always make certain that your firearm is unloaded when it is being taken up and down from the stand. Always make certain that your firearm is not dropped from the stand, or dropped while it is being taken up or down from the stand. Remember, a loaded firearm may discharge when dropped, even with the “safety” in the on safe position.

8 - STORE YOUR FIREARM AND AMMUNITION SEPARATELY, WELL BEYOND THE REACH OF CHILDREN. Take prudent safeguards to ensure your firearm does not become available to untrained, inexperienced or unwelcome hands. Store all firearms in secure, locked cases or a gun safe. Keep your firearm unloaded when not in use.

9 - BEWARE BARREL OBSTRUCTIONS. Mud, snow and an infinite variety of other objects may inadvertently lodge in a barrel bore. It only takes a small obstruction to cause dangerously increased pressures that can damage your firearm and cause serious injury to yourself and others..

BEFORE CHECKING FOR A BARREL OBSTRUCTION, BE CERTAIN YOUR FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED, THERE IS NOT A  LIVE CARTRIDGE IN THE CHAMBER AND THE “SAFETY” IS IN THE ON SAFE POSITION.

After assuring yourself that the firearm is completely unloaded, open the breech or action and look through the barrel to be sure it is clear of obstructions. If an obstruction is seen, no matter how small it may be, clean the bore with a cleaning rod and patch as described in the Cleaning and Maintenance section of this owner’s manual.

10 - BE ALERT TO THE SIGNS OF AMMUNITION MALFUNCTION. IF YOU DETECT AN OFF SOUND OR LIGHT RECOIL WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS FIRED, DO NOT LOAD ANOTHER CARTRIDGE INTO THE CHAMBER.

If your firearm fails to fire, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction for a minimum of 30 seconds. Rotate the ejection area of the firearm away from you, carefully open the action and remove the cartridge from the chamber. If the primer is indented, the defective cartridge should be disposed of in a way that cannot cause harm. If the primer is not indented, your firearm should be examined by a qualified gunsmith and the cause of the malfunction corrected before further use. Glance down the barrel to make sure that no obstructions remain in the barrel. Completely clear the barrel before loading and firing again. Failure to follow these instructions can cause extensive damage to your firearm and possible serious injury to yourself and others. 

11 - NEVER INSERT A CARTRIDGE OF THE INCORRECT CALIBER INTO ANY FIREARM. The caliber of your firearm is marked on the barrel. Store all cartridges of different calibers in completely separate and well-marked containers. Never store cartridges of mixed calibers in a common container or in your pockets. See the ammunition section below for more information on the correct ammunition for your firearm. 

12 - EXAMINE EVERY CARTRIDGE YOU PUT IN YOUR FIREARM. 

We cannot assume any responsibility for the use of unsafe or improper firearm and ammunition combinations or damage or injury caused by damaged ammunition. It is your responsibility to read and heed all warnings in this owner’s manual and on ammunition boxes. See the ammunition section below for more information on the correct ammunition for your firearm.

13 - USE ONLY SAAMI APPROVED AMMUNITION.

The barrel and action of this firearm have been made with substantial safety margins beyond the pressures developed by established American commercial loads. Nevertheless, we can assume no liability for incidents that occur through the use of cartridges of nonstandard dimensions or which develop pressures in excess of commercially available ammunition which have been loaded in accordance with standards established by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI). 

14 - MAKE SURE OF ADEQUATE VENTILATION IN THE AREA THAT YOU DISCHARGE A FIREARM. LEAD EXPOSURE CAN OCCUR FROM DISCHARGING FIREARMS IN POORLY VENTILATED AREAS, CLEANING FIREARMS OR HANDLING AMMUNITION. 

Lead is a substance that has been known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, and other serious injury. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure to ammunition or after cleaning a firearm.

15 - DO NOT SNAP THE FIRING PIN ON AN EMPTY CHAMBER, THE CHAMBER MAY NOT BE EMPTY!

Treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded firearm,  even though you are certain the firearm is unloaded.

16 - KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER WHILE LOADING AND UNLOADING UNTIL SHOOTING IS IMMINENT.

17 - BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND BACKSTOP, PARTICULARLY DURING LOW LIGHT PERIODS. Know the range of your ammunition. Never shoot at water or hard objects.

18 - ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR FIREARM'S CHAMBER BEFORE CROSSING A FENCE, CLIMBING A TREE, JUMPING A DITCH OR NEGOTIATING OTHER OBSTACLES. Never place your firearm on or against a fence, tree, car, or other similar object.

19 - BE DEFENSIVE AND ON GUARD AGAINST UNSAFE GUN HANDLING AROUND YOU AND OTHERS. Don’t be timid when it comes to firearm safety. If you observe other shooters violating any of these safety precautions, politely suggest safer handling practices.

20 - BE CERTAIN YOUR FIREARM IS UNLOADED BEFORE CLEANING. Because so many firearm accidents occur when a firearm is being cleaned, special and extreme care should be taken to be sure your firearm is unloaded before disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly. Keep ammunition away from the cleaning location. Never test the mechanical function of any firearm with live ammunition.

21 - TEACH AND SUPERVISE FIREARMS SAFETY TO ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY, ESPECIALLY TO CHILDREN AND NON-SHOOTERS. Closely supervise newcomers to the shooting sports. Encourage enrollment in hunting and shooting safety courses.

22 - NEVER DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR TAKE ANY TYPE OF DRUGS BEFORE OR DURING SHOOTING. Your vision, motor skills, and judgment could be dangerously impaired, making your gun handling unsafe to you and to others.

23 - READ AND HEED ALL WARNINGS IN THIS OWNER'S MANUAL, ON AMMUNITION BOXES, AND WITH ALL ACCESSORIES THAT YOU INSTALL ON YOUR FIREARM. It is your responsibility to secure the most up-to-date information on the safe handling procedures of your Browning firearm. We assume no liability for incidents that occur when unsafe or improper firearm accessories or ammunition combinations are used.

24 - PRACTICE PERIODIC MAINTENANCE, AVOID UNAUTHORIZED SERVICING. Your firearm is a mechanical device that will not last forever,  and as such, is subject to wear and requires periodic inspection, adjustment and service. Browning firearms should be serviced by a Browning Recommended Service Center or by our Service Facility in Arnold, Missouri. We cannot assume any responsibility for injuries suffered or caused by unauthorized servicing, alterations or modifications of Browning firearms.

25 - WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE ON FIREARMS THAT HAVE BEEN ALTERED, ADDED TO OR SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGED. Removal of metal from the barrel, or modifications of the firing mechanism and/or operating parts, may lead to a refusal of service on such firearms. We will charge you for parts and labor to return the firearm to its original specifications.

DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ALTER THE TRIGGER, SAFETY OR OTHER PARTS OF THE FIRING MECHANISM OF THIS OR ANY OTHER FIREARM. FAILURE TO OBEY THIS WARNING MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO YOURSELF OR OTHERS.. 

The Browning Hi Power is a recoil-operated, single-action autoloading pistol. With the chamber and magazine loaded, the “safety” in the off safe or fire position, and the hammer cocked, the pistol will fire a single cartridge with each successive pull of the trigger until the magazine and chamber are empty. The slide is designed to stay open after the last cartridge has been fired.

In conventional firearm terminology, the position and movement of parts are described as they occur with the firearm horizontal and in the normal firing position; i.e. the muzzle is forward or front; the pistol grip is rearward or rear; the trigger is downward or underneath; the sights are upward or on top. For general nomenclature refer to Figure 1, and Figure 2 above.

The serial number of your firearm is found stamped on the front of the grip frame, directly under the trigger guard.

WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP THE "SAFETY" IN THE ON SAFE POSITION UNLESS SHOOTING IS IMMINENT. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.  

The “safety” lever serves two functions on all models of this pistol: 

1. A manual “safety”

2. Locking the slide open for disassembly. All current Hi Power models have an ambidextrous “safety” for the convenience of both right- and left-handed shooters. On older Hi Power models, the “safety” is only on the left side. The instructions in this owner’s manual apply to current ambidextrous “safety” models.

ON SAFE POSITION

To place the “safety” in the on safe position, push the “safety” lever upward into the recess located in the rearward portion of the slide (Figure 3). The “safety” lever cannot be placed in the on safe position if the hammer is in the dropped position.

OFF SAFE POSITION

To place the “safety” in the off safe or ready-to-fire position, move the thumb “safety” downward from the recess in the slide (Figure 4, shown above). With a cartridge in the chamber and the magazine inserted, the pistol is now ready for firing with a pull on the trigger.  

WARNING: WHEN USING THE “SAFETY” LEVER TO LOCK THE SLIDE OPEN FOR DISASSEMBLY, ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER. UNLESS SHOOTING IS IMMINENT, ALWAYS REMOVE THE MAGAZINE FROM THE PISTOL BEFORE CLOSING THE SLIDE TO PREVENT INADVERTENTLY LOADING A CARTRIDGE FROM THE MAGAZINE INTO THE CHAMBER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

MAKE SURE YOUR FINGERS ARE SAFELY AWAY FROM THE EJECTION PORT WHEN THE SLIDE IS RELEASED TO AVOID PINCHING THEM WHEN THE SLIDE CLOSES. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

LOCKING THE SLIDE OPEN FOR DISASSEMBLY

When disassembling the Hi Power for cleaning, the “safety” lever is used to lock the slide to the rear by pulling the slide fully rearward and moving the “safety” lever into the disassembly recess in the slide (Figure 5). See figures 19 - 25 for Disassembly instructions.

HALF-COCK POSITION

The half-cock hammer position is between the dropped position and full-cock position (Figure 7). The half-cock position is designed to prevent the hammer from striking the firing pin should your thumb slip off of the hammer while cocking the hammer or lowering the hammer to the dropped position. 

WARNING: DO NOT CARRY OR STORE THE PISTOL WITH THE HAMMER IN THE  HALF-COCK POSITION. THE HALF-COCK POSITION IS PROVIDED ONLY AS A MEANS OF CATCHING THE HAMMER SHOULD IT SLIP FROM YOUR THUMB WHILE LOWERING THE HAMMER FROM FULL-COCK TO DROPPED POSITION OR WHEN COCKING THE PISTOL. IF THE HAMMER SHOULD SLIP WHILE THE TRIGGER IS DEPRESSED, THE HALF-COCK NOTCH WILL NOT PREVENT THE HAMMER FROM STRIKING THE FIRING PIN. KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER WHEN YOU ARE COCKING THE HAMMER, AND WHEN YOU ARE LOWERING THE HAMMER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: NEVER RELY ON THE LOADED CHAMBER WINDOW TO DETERMINE IF THE CHAMBER IS LOADED OR NOT. THE LOADED CHAMBER WINDOW IS ONLY FOR CONFIRMING THAT A CARTRIDGE IS IN THE CHAMBER WHEN SHOOTING IS IMMINENT. IT IS NEVER A REPLACEMENT FOR CHECKING THE LOADED STATUS OF YOUR PISTOL BY OPENING THE ACTION AND REMOVING ALL CARTRIDGES FROM THE CHAMBER AND MAGAZINE. 

WHENEVER USING THE LOADED CHAMBER WINDOW TO CONFIRM THAT YOUR PISTOL’S CHAMBER IS LOADED, ALWAYS FIRST MAKE SURE THE MUZZLE IS POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND THAT THE “SAFETY” IS IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. DO NOT USE THE WINDOW WITH LIVE AMMUNITION UNLESS AT AN APPROPRIATE SHOOTING LOCATION AND WHEN ALL SAFETY RULES ARE ADHERED TO.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Various exposed metal parts of your new firearm have been  The loaded chamber window. coated at the factory with a rust preventative compound. Before firing your pistol, clean the anti-rust compound from the inside of the barrel, receiver and the action-chamber areas. A fine, light gun oil is ideal for removing this compound and for giving your new firearm its first lubrication. However, any quality firearm oil may be used. Clean the barrel using a cleaning rod and patch as explained under “Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions” area below. If your pistol is to be stored, it is acceptable to leave the rust preventative compound on the pistol and keep it in its original packaging. 

WARNING: DO NOT USE AMMUNITION OTHER THAN WHAT IS INSCRIBED ON THE EXPOSED PORTION OF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BARREL. EXAMINE EVERY CARTRIDGE YOU PUT IN YOUR FIREARM. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND FIRING OVERPRESSURE LOADS (+P OR +P+)  IN ANY HI POWER PISTOL. THESE LOADS CAN INCREASE CHAMBER PRESSURES AND MAY ALSO ACCELERATE WEAR ON COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE SLIDE, FRAME, AND RECOIL SPRING DUE TO INCREASED RECOIL LEVELS. OVERPRESSURE LOADS CAN ALSO AFFECT THE RELIABILITY OF YOUR PISTOL. 

The barrel and action of this firearm have been made with substantial safety margins over the pressures developed by established American loads. However, we assume no responsibility for incidents which  occur through the use of cartridges of nonstandard dimension or those developing pressures in excess of SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) established standards.

• 9mm Hi Power pistols must be used only with 9mm Luger (Parabellum) cartridges. 
• 40 S&W Hi Power pistols must be used only with 40 S&W cartridges.

9mm Hi Power pistols have a magazine capacity of 13 cartridges plus one in the chamber, for a total capacity of 14 cartridges. However, some states limit the magazine capacity to 10 cartridges plus one in the chamber, for a total capacity of 11 cartridges. All Hi Power pistols sold in these states will be shipped with reduced total magazine capacity in compliance with state law.

IMPORTANT: Current 13-round magazines will have a “13” stamped under the lowest index hole on the back of the magazine (Figure 11). 10-round magazines can be identified by the number “10” stamped below the lowest hole (Figure 12). Make sure you verify the capacity of the magazine before loading it in your pistol. 

40 S&W Hi Power pistols have a magazine capacity of 10 cartridges plus one in the chamber, for a total capacity of 11 cartridges.

WARNING: WHEN LOADING YOUR PISTOL ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION, THE HAMMER IN THE DROPPED POSITION, AND  YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

REMOVING AND LOADING THE MAGAZINE

1. Press the magazine release on the left side of the frame at the rear of the trigger guard and remove the magazine (Figure 13). 

2. As a precaution, pull the slide rearward and visually inspect the chamber to eliminate any possibility of a cartridge being in the chamber. Close the slide.

WARNING: WHEN LOADING YOUR PISTOL ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION, THE HAMMER IN THE DROPPED POSITION, AND  YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

3. Insert the cartridges into the magazine by pushing downward on the front of the follower with the base of the cartridge and then pushing the cartridge rearward under the feed lips on the magazine with your thumb (Figure 14, Shown above).

WARNING: LOADING YOUR PISTOL WITH THE SLIDE CLOSED IS THE PREFERRED METHOD OF LOADING THE PISTOL. IF THE SLIDE IS OPEN AND A LOADED MAGAZINE IS INSERTED INTO THE PISTOL, A CARTRIDGE COULD INADVERTENTLY BE LOADED INTO THE CHAMBER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

LOADING THE CHAMBER WITH THE SLIDE CLOSED

WARNING: UNDER MOST CONDITIONS AFTER SHOOTING, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REMOVE THE EMPTY MAGAZINE, CLOSE THE SLIDE AND PLACE THE “SAFETY” LEVER IN THE “ON SAFE” POSITION PRIOR TO INSERTING A LOADED MAGAZINE INTO THE PISTOL. UNDER SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COMPETITIVE SHOOTING CONDITIONS, YOU MAY LEAVE THE SLIDE OPEN AFTER THE EMPTY MAGAZINE IS REMOVED. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

LOADING THE CHAMBER WITH THE SLIDE LOCKED REARWARD

The slide stops rearward after the last cartridge from the magazine is fired. If you are shooting in competitive matches or for law enforcement purposes, and shooting after firing an entire magazine is imminent, it is possible to reload the pistol with the slide locked rearward and chamber a cartridge when the slide is closed. 

1. With the slide locked rearward, eject the empty magazine from the pistol.

2. Insert a loaded magazine into the pistol.

3. With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, release the slide forward by pushing downward on the slide stop with your thumb. The slide will close under spring pressure and feed a cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. 

WARNING: THE PISTOL IS NOW READY TO FIRE. UNLESS SHOOTING IS IMMINENT, IMMEDIATELY RETURN THE “SAFETY” TO THE ON SAFE POSITION.  FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

4. If shooting is no longer imminent, point the muzzle in a safe direction and immediately lower the hammer to the dropped position as explained previously.   

If you are finished shooting, the loaded cartridge should be removed from the chamber as explained under the “Unloading” section below

WARNING: NEVER CHAMBER A CARTRIDGE OR MOVE THE “SAFETY” FROM THE  ON SAFE POSITION UNLESS SHOOTING IS IMMINENT. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: DO NOT USE UNORTHODOX SIGHTING METHODS. YOU WILL HAVE OBSERVED WHEN COCKING THE PISTOL THAT THE SLIDE MOVES REARWARD ABOUT 1½" PAST THE REAR OF THE FRAME (FIGURE 16). TO PREVENT THE SLIDE FROM CAUSING INJURY IN ITS REARWARD MOVEMENT WHEN YOU ARE SHOOTING, KEEP THE PISTOL AWAY FROM THE EYES OR FACE, AND NEITHER HAND SHOULD BE IN A POSITION WHERE IT COULD BE HIT BY THE SLIDE. 

2. With a cartridge in the chamber, and the hammer in the full-cock position you need only move the “safety” lever to the off safe position to make the pistol ready for firing. 

3. When ready to fire, move the “safety” lever down into the off safe position, take aim, and squeeze the trigger.

4. After a cartridge has been fired, the slide moves rearward, ejects the empty case, then returns forward, loading a cartridge from the magazine. You may continue to fire the pistol until the magazine is empty by pulling the trigger to fire each cartridge. 

After the last cartridge in the magazine is fired, the slide stop automatically holds the slide in its open or rearward position. If firing is no longer imminent, close the slide by pushing down on the slide stop, lower the hammer to the dropped position and remove the magazine.

WARNING: AFTER THE LAST CARTRIDGE HAS BEEN FIRED, OR WHEN SHOOTING IS NO LONGER IMMINENT, IMMEDIATELY PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

5. If the magazine is empty and you wish to continue shooting, follow the instructions in the “Loading” section. If you are finished shooting, follow the instructions in the “Unloading” section.

When reloading the pistol, it is recommended that you inspect the chamber to be sure it is empty prior to inserting a loaded magazine into the pistol. 

To reduce the chance of inadvertently feeding a cartridge into the chamber from the magazine, always close the slide using the slide stop before inserting a loaded magazine.

If your pistol is to be put away and stored, do not insert a  loaded magazine in the pistol. The chamber and magazine should remain empty.

WARNING: WHILE UNLOADING YOUR PISTOL ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION, AND YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

UNLOADING THE PISTOL

1. Press the magazine release and remove the magazine. Remember, merely removing the magazine does not mean the chamber is unloaded.

2. Pull back on the slide and eject the cartridge in the chamber. Lock the slide to the rear by sliding the slide stop up. 

3. Inspect the chamber to ensure no cartridge is present.

4. When you are certain your pistol is fully unloaded, push down on the slide stop and allow the slide to return forward.

5. Insert a completely unloaded magazine into the pistol.

6. Close the slide.

7. Lower the hammer to the dropped position.

UNLOADING THE MAGAZINE

1. Depress the magazine release and remove the magazine. Remember, merely removing the magazine does not mean the chamber is unloaded.

2. Unload the pistol as explained previously, make sure the chamber is completely unloaded.

3. Strip the cartridges from the magazine by pushing forward on the rim of the top cartridge and sliding each cartridge out, one at a time, as each moves up in the magazine. 

4. Unload any extra magazines.

WARNING: BEFORE PERFORMING SIGHT ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES, REMOVE THE MAGAZINE FROM THE FIREARM AND ENSURE THE CHAMBER IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. PLACE THE HAMMER IN THE DROPPED POSITION. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: BEFORE PERFORMING DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURES, REMOVE THE MAGAZINE FROM THE FIREARM AND ENSURE THE CHAMBER IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN DISASSEMBLING AND CLEANING YOUR PISTOL TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF SPRINGS, SPRING-TENSIONED PARTS, SOLVENTS OR OTHER AGENTS FROM CONTACTING YOUR EYES, RESULTING IN INJURY. 

WARNING: KEEP ALL AMMUNITION AWAY FROM THE CLEANING AREA. NEVER TEST THE MECHANICAL FUNCTION OF YOUR PISTOL WITH LIVE AMMUNITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

3. Remove the slide stop from the pistol frame by pushing the protrusion on the right side of the pistol (Figure 20). Lift up slightly on the serrated portion of the slide stop to disengage it from the frame and pull it out of the frame (Figure 21).

4. Grasp the slide firmly, pull it rearward slightly and move the “safety” lever down. The slide will move forward under spring tension and off the frame (Figure 22). 

5. While holding the slide, press the head of the recoil spring guide forward to release the head of the recoil spring guide from the barrel. Remove the recoil spring and its guide (Figure 23).

PROCEDURES. INCORRECT REASSEMBLY COULD RENDER THE FIREARM INOPERATIVE OR UNSAFE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS INSTRUCTION CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO YOUR FIREARM AND POSSIBLE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS.

1. Replace the barrel into the slide.

2. Replace the recoil spring and guide into the slide. The head of the recoil spring guide is positioned rearward. Compress the recoil spring by pushing on the head of the guide until the head of the guide can be inserted in the concave recess of the barrel lug. The retainer tab on the recoil spring guide is offset, ensure it is aligned in the barrel lug correctly.

3. Replace the slide on the frame and hold it fully rearward. Lock the slide rearward by moving the “safety” lever upward into the recess in the slide.

4. Replace the slide stop in the frame.

5. Pull the slide slightly rearward, move the “safety” lever down, and allow the slide to move forward.

6. Insert a completely unloaded magazine and lower the hammer to the dropped position.

WARNING: BEFORE PERFORMING CLEANING PROCEDURES, PLACE THE HAMMER IN THE DROPPED POSITION. REMOVE THE MAGAZINE FROM THE FIREARM AND ENSURE THE CHAMBER IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN DISASSEMBLING AND CLEANING YOUR PISTOL TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF SPRINGS, SPRING-TENSIONED PARTS, SOLVENTS OR OTHER AGENTS FROM CONTACTING YOUR EYES, RESULTING IN INJURY. 

WARNING: KEEP ALL AMMUNITION AWAY FROM THE CLEANING AREA. NEVER TEST  THE MECHANICAL FUNCTION OF YOUR PISTOL WITH LIVE AMMUNITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS  INJURY OR DEATH.

CLEANING PROCEDURES

Your Hi Power will function better and more reliably over a longer period of time if it is properly maintained and kept clean. Clean your Hi Power after every day of shooting, and more often if it becomes excessively dirty. A minimum cleaning includes wiping down the action and oiling key parts. Most regular maintenance will also include cleaning the barrel. If you encounter a function problem be sure to clean your firearm thoroughly to see if it solves the problem before seeking the services of a Browning Recommended Service Center or our Service Facility in Arnold, Missouri, or a qualified gunsmith. 

1. Disassemble the pistol as described in the disassembly section above.

2. Inspect the chamber and bore for powder fouling. A normal amount of powder residue can be expected and is not serious. It can usually be removed with a patch saturated with nitro solvent. Clean the bore using an appropriate pistol cleaning rod with a tip and patch of the correct caliber to provide a snug fit in the bore. Insert the rod and patch into the barrel at the breech end and run it back and forth several times. Care should be exercised to ensure that the cleaning rod does not strike the crown of the muzzle, as damage to this area can affect the accuracy of your pistol. If, or when, fouling should become heavy, it can be removed with a bronze bore brush. Dip or spray the brush with nitro solvent and scrub the chamber and bore until the fouling is removed. To prevent bronze bristles from breaking off, the brush should be pushed completely through the barrel before being withdrawn.

To maintain the utmost accuracy of your pistol it is recommended you clean the bore with a copper solvent after shooting jacketed bullets. Modern bullet jackets are made mainly of copper. Residue from copper bullet jackets stick to the barrel and require more frequent cleaning. Swab the bore with a quality copper solvent using the manufacturer’s recommended procedure. 

Browning offers a complete line of products to make cleaning the bore of your firearm fast and easy. Be sure to follow all instructions when using any product to clean your firearm.

3. After all fouling has been removed, the chamber and bore should be wiped dry. When the bore is dry, pass a slightly oiled patch through it for preservation. A fine, light gun oil is recommended.

4. Inspect the barrel and chamber to be certain no patches have inadvertently been left in them. Remove any that remain.

5. Use a small brush or rag to remove dirt or other foreign matter from the slide and other parts of the action. Lightly lubricate all moving parts with a high-quality, light gun oil. 

IMPORTANT: Lightweight oils may evaporate. If your Hi Power has been stored for any length of time, completely lubricate before shooting.

NOTICE! DO NOT PLACE LARGE QUANTITIES OF OIL INTO THE ACTION. EXCESS OIL WILL RUN BACK INTO THE GRIPS AND SOFTEN THE WOOD, WITH CONSEQUENTIAL LOOSENING OF THE GRIPS.

6. Wipe all exposed metal surfaces with a lightly oiled cloth making certain that all finger marks are removed. Finger marks provide a place where moisture can accumulate. The metal should receive a light film of oil any time the pistol has been exposed to weather or handling.

7. The wood grips can also be wiped with a quality, lightweight gun oil or polished with any quality furniture wax (but not both).

NOTICE! DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE LUBRICANT. USING TOO MUCH LUBRICANT CAN INTERFERE WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF YOUR PISTOL.

CLEANING THE MAGAZINE

Frequently inspect magazines to determine the need for cleaning as lubricant and dirt will gradually collect in the mechanism. Normally, the magazine should be cleaned after firing 500 to 1000 cartridges.

1. Clean the magazine by spraying it both inside and out with an aerosol solvent that will not adversely affect the polymer magazine follower or corrode the metal components. 

2. Use a nylon brush to clean any deposits of built-up material from the magazine follower.

3. Spray the magazine again with polymer-safe solvent both inside and out, to loosen debris.

4. Shake all excess solvent from the magazine and dry with a cloth or blow dry with compressed air, if available. 

NOTICE! NEVER ATTEMPT TO TAKE YOUR FIREARM APART FURTHER THAN EXPLAINED IN THIS OWNER’S MANUAL. YOUR FIREARM IS A SPECIALIZED, FINELY FITTED MECHANISM. YOU MAY PERMANENTLY DAMAGE IT BY ATTEMPTING TO DISASSEMBLE THE INNER MECHANISM ASSEMBLIES. IF FURTHER DISASSEMBLY FOR SERVICE OR CLEANING IS REQUIRED, TAKE YOUR FIREARM TO A QUALIFIED GUNSMITH, OR CONTACT OUR ARNOLD, MISSOURI SERVICE FACILITY AS EXPLAINED TOWARDS THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE UNDER “SERVICE AND REPAIR.”

As with any firearm, the only way to preserve its pristine condition and collector appeal is to never handle or fire it, which in turn would deprive you of much of the enjoyment that comes with owning a fine Browning firearm. 

While special finishes such as engraving and gold plating greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your firearm, please be aware that they are no more durable, and in some cases may even be slightly  less durable than more common gun finishes. 

As you use your Browning firearm, you can expect special finishes  to wear in much the same manner as any other firearm finish. These marks are the honest product of the hours spent enjoying your  firearm and each scuff and scratch will probably have a good story  to go along with it.

If your firearm should require service or repairs, we suggest you first contact a local recommended Browning Firearms Service Center.  

To locate a service center visit browning.com, contact our Customer Service Department or your Browning firearms dealer for the address of the Service Center nearest you. Otherwise, you may send your firearm directly to our Service Department in Arnold, Missouri. 

Parts listings, Firearm Service Center lists, service procedures, service/repair form and general product information are also found on the internet at: browning.com. For technical questions about your firearm or service, contact:

When returning your firearm for servicing, you must do the following:

1. Be sure it is completely unloaded. 

2. Remove the scope or other optics. 

3. Package it securely in a cardboard container.

4. Enclose the service/repair form available at browning.com or a letter that clearly describes the trouble experienced, the ammunition used and the repairs desired. Also include your name, email address (if possible) and a daytime phone number where you can be reached.

5. If convenient, send a copy of the service/repair form or letter to us separately.

6. Never return ammunition with your firearm. It is against postal and most commerce regulations.