"Mexican" Browning High-Power Turned in at LA "buyback" in May, 2014

This “Mexican” Browning High-Power was one of many fine firearms turned in at the Los Angeles gun “buy back” in May of 2014.  It stands out because of the custom grips, which appear to be mother of pearl, inlaid with Mexican emblems and framed in silver. 

The pistol has the slide at the full rear position, yet the barrel is only showing about 5/8ths of an inch in front.  It should show about 1 3/8ths.   Look at the other side.

The barrel is extending half way back above the magazine!  It should not be in that position. Someone disassembled the pistol, then did not put it back together properly.   Did they think is was broken?  Is that is why they turned it in for $100?  The grips alone are worth a $100 to a person who likes that sort of art.  Quite a bit of labor was expended in making those grips.  The serial number shows as 10109.  I wonder if anyone checked to see if it was reported stolen.

The slot for a shoulder stock and the long range adjustable rear sight show the pistol as most likely an Inglis variant made in Canada.   Here is a right side view of one:

And a left side view:

The Inglis variants are highly thought of.  While the pistol that was turned in has been abused, it would still be worth several hundred dollars.

It is a shame to see these valuable bits of history melted down for scrap.  Several states have passed laws to prevent tax dollars being used to support such waste.   California is not one of them.

©2015 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice is included.
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