Combloc
Stop Negassing me!!!!!
For years now I've wanted an early P220 but I always thought the only way to get one was to find a Swiss P75 and they are almost unobtanium because they have never been surplused. I did see a later model M75 for sale once at the hefty price of $2200. I would have paid that but it wasn't an early slide model (I call them "humpbacks") so I passed. Well, being the moron that I am, I somehow completely missed the fact that Browning was importing humpbacks all the way back in 1977. A bonus is the fact that they are identical to the Swiss military models other than the markings and they sported a better finish. Well sign me up and take my money!! Today, I brought my first one home, sold in 1977 as the Browning BDA. Let's take a quick look! I'm also using this post to try out a new photo sharing site. I hope it works out.
It came with the box and manual but they were pretty beat up so I didn't bother taking any pictures of them. Anywho, check it out, a P220 humpback!
Notice that the right grip is marked Browning but it's reallt made by SIG Sauer.
Dig the polish on that slide and the finely cut serrations!
And the cool humps on top! The stamping is very finely done.
Also notice that the front sight is not adjustable.
Here's what the humps look like on the inside:
The front bushing is typical:
It has proof marks and a date code on the bottom of it:
The care put into the contouring on these early ones is just so neato:
Here's that area on the inside:
The frame serial number and nitro proof is on the front strap:
Being an early 220, the magazine release is on the bottom of the grip and there is a lanyard loop as well:
And the magazine is a zipper back:
The trigger is still cast but grooved:
Internally, it's just a plain ol' stamped slide 220:
There is nothing special about the barrel either:
The barrel pictures show something important that we can learn from. As far as I can tell, this pistol has never been fired after import or, if it was, it was very, very little. Despite this, you can clearly see mottling on the rear portion of the barrel that was left in the white. That's where old funky oil had coagulated and etched the metal. That's there forever and it's very unfortunate as the rest of the pistol looks like it was made yesterday. It doesn't bother me all that much given the age but it's a perfect example of exactly why I am very particular and careful about exactly which protectants/lubricants I use and why it is critically important to occasionally wipe your firearms down and refresh the protectant.
Anywho, I liked the pistol so much, I bought another one. The condition looks to be as good but it doesn't have the box. I plan on shooting that one and keeping this one just as it is. I'll post both of them and the box for this one when I have the other in hand.
This last picture is a family portrait showing the ol' humpback with a 210 made 24 years prior and a compact version made in 1982 and sporting the later simplified slide. I think they did make P225s as humpbacks. If that's true, maybe I'll find one someday.
So that's it. It's just an obsolete version P220 to most folks but it's the culmination of a long quest for me. I really like the craftsmanship and quirky features embodied in these early models. Yes, I'm odd but it works for me! I know there are plenty of these out there so please post one up if you have it. Also post some pictures of an M75 if you have one of those. I'd love to see it!
It came with the box and manual but they were pretty beat up so I didn't bother taking any pictures of them. Anywho, check it out, a P220 humpback!
Notice that the right grip is marked Browning but it's reallt made by SIG Sauer.
Dig the polish on that slide and the finely cut serrations!
And the cool humps on top! The stamping is very finely done.
Also notice that the front sight is not adjustable.
Here's what the humps look like on the inside:
The front bushing is typical:
It has proof marks and a date code on the bottom of it:
The care put into the contouring on these early ones is just so neato:
Here's that area on the inside:
The frame serial number and nitro proof is on the front strap:
Being an early 220, the magazine release is on the bottom of the grip and there is a lanyard loop as well:
And the magazine is a zipper back:
The trigger is still cast but grooved:
Internally, it's just a plain ol' stamped slide 220:
There is nothing special about the barrel either:
The barrel pictures show something important that we can learn from. As far as I can tell, this pistol has never been fired after import or, if it was, it was very, very little. Despite this, you can clearly see mottling on the rear portion of the barrel that was left in the white. That's where old funky oil had coagulated and etched the metal. That's there forever and it's very unfortunate as the rest of the pistol looks like it was made yesterday. It doesn't bother me all that much given the age but it's a perfect example of exactly why I am very particular and careful about exactly which protectants/lubricants I use and why it is critically important to occasionally wipe your firearms down and refresh the protectant.
Anywho, I liked the pistol so much, I bought another one. The condition looks to be as good but it doesn't have the box. I plan on shooting that one and keeping this one just as it is. I'll post both of them and the box for this one when I have the other in hand.
This last picture is a family portrait showing the ol' humpback with a 210 made 24 years prior and a compact version made in 1982 and sporting the later simplified slide. I think they did make P225s as humpbacks. If that's true, maybe I'll find one someday.
So that's it. It's just an obsolete version P220 to most folks but it's the culmination of a long quest for me. I really like the craftsmanship and quirky features embodied in these early models. Yes, I'm odd but it works for me! I know there are plenty of these out there so please post one up if you have it. Also post some pictures of an M75 if you have one of those. I'd love to see it!
