The semi-automatic, HP series of pistols from Phoenix Arms, is one of the better received firearms from the so-called “ring of fire” manufacturers.  Despite the reputation of the Californian companies, the double safetied, single-action HP22 pistols seen in today’s TFB Field Strip, have high marks and reviews from online retailers that offer the Phoenix Arms .22LR pistol. The pistol you see here belongs to a friend that also had high praise for his Phoenix Arms HP22A and carries it on his farm routinely.

The Phoenix Arms HP series have two manual safeties, one of which is mounted on the frame on the top of the grip for easy manipulation, while the other is a firing pin block safety.  The pistol also incorporates a magazine disconnect to prevent it from being fired without a magazine inserted.  Interestingly, the magazine must also be inserted for the disassembly process as well, even though it’s not necessary to pull the trigger during the field strip.

BEFORE YOU FIELD STRIP ANY WEAPON, REMEMBER the four rules of gun safety:

1. All guns are always loaded.
2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

TFB FIELD STRIP: PHOENIX ARMS HP SERIES

Step 1.

As always, check to make sure the chamber is unloaded, then, insert an unloaded magazine into the magazine well and place the firing pin block safety in the downward position. Then make sure the (frame mounted) safety is in the “fire” position. With all that done, find the two takedown tabs that rest between the gun’s slide and frame, and pull them toward the muzzle, while lifting up on the barrel.

Step 2.

The slide rides on two short rails fixed to the rear of the frame.  Pull the slide forward to expose the rail nubs, then lift the rear of the slide up.  The slide can then be removed from the front.  The recoil spring and guide/takedown can then be removed as well.

This ends the basic field strip process for the Phoenix Arms HP series of pistols.  There are a couple tips below for the reassembly process.  Because the recoil spring guide does not run the full length, the spring likes to kink and bind up inside the slide as it’s put back in position.  Phoenix Arms recommends using a spare magazine or the barrel as a guide to assist as shown below.  To avoid damage to the muzzle’s crown, I recommend using the magazine instead.

You can see Phoenix Arms’ HP .22LR and .25ACP offerings at their website HERE or the instruction manual HERE.