One more Browning hi-power question

[Terry1]

Whats the difference in the models? The only ones I can see are cosmetic(finish,grips, and sights). Are they the same inside? Or are the cheaper ones made with infereior parts. I like the matte finish and grips of the markIII, but if they don't function the same or are made cheaper, than I will get the standard. I tried unsuccesfully to get a hold of Browning to ask them these same questions. Thanks for all your time.

[PeterF.]

I believe it's mostly a difference in finishes and minor parts (grips, sights, hammer, etc.); the innards should all be the same.  It seems the .40 cal's are a little bigger/more robust (or at least heavier).  A highly-polished gun (the "Standard" model) can reasonably be expected to be more expensive because of the additional hand-labor required. The walnut grips are traditional and pretty, but the plastic ones are much more ergonomic; and there are aftermarket wood grips that are even better.  In any case, the Hi-Power is very slim for a double-stack gun ... and, being single-action, the reach to the trigger is minimal.

[ButlerFord45]

They've changed the position of the trigger?  I haven't played with any of the newer ones in quite a while.  The old ones made everyone think they were double action just because of the trigger position.

[PeterF.]

I agree it LOOKS like many double actions (especially if you think a single-action trigger should look like a 1911), but the Browning design has been around since 1935.  In any case (and, no, it hasn't moved), it's still a short reach.