Читать книгу Gun Digest 2011 онлайн

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The BPS saga did not die at the ending of our involvement. In fact, it was only the beginning, and the BPS is still being made today with numerous options to meet public demand. It is now available in 10, 12, 28, 20, and .410 gauges with high-post full-vent sighting ribs, Invector choke tubes, various barrel lengths, select model walnut stocks, and engraved receivers. These additions were all added by Browning. My prototype gun consisted of only the basic functional action.

The current BPS suggested retail price ranges from $519 to $780, depending on model. Market sales have steadily improved, and expert critics have given the BPS a top rating for its exceptionally smooth function and reliability, with Browning’s typically fine workmanship and finish.

CREATION OF THE HIGH STANDARD MANUFACTURING CORPORATION

The complex history of High Standard generated from the elementary designs for .22 caliber single-shot and semiautomatic pistols by a Hartford, Connecticut, inventor, Lucius N. Diehm, who patented a series of firearms from 1916 to 1925. The Hartford Arms & Equipment Company was established primarily to produce several of the Diehm-designed pistols. This small company was only mildly successful and produced about 5,000 pistols between 1925 and 1930 before suffering bankruptcy and going out of business. Needless to say, these early Hartford Arms Diehm-designed pistols have become a very scarce rarity for pistol collectors.