Fabrique Nationale 9mm

[drule001]

I came across this 9mm handgun in my father’s gun collection. He passed away some months ago. I believe that it was given to him by my grandfather who served in the European Theater during WWII. I have tried to find out some history behind it but have had limited results. The FN factory historian said that he believed it was produced sometime in the 1930's although he sounded slightly unsure. As can be seen by the pictures, there are numerous markings along the barrel and breech. Any help that could be offered, or a point of reference I could use to track down the history would be greatly appreciated.

Confused!

 

[Rangegod]

It's a Browning High Power (BHP) (also often referred to as a P-35) with tangent rear sight. Someone has added (very ugly) target style grips.

Look here for info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browning_Hi-Power

JAC

 

[Winchester_73]

A great hi power

Well to be fair, the OPs gun is not just any BHP.

Its actually a pre war Belgian army issued hi power. Thats why it has all of those little stampings and proofmarks, the tangent rear sight, and I bet you it has a slot in the back of the handle / grip frame for a shoulder stock. The grips are replacement but originals can be found.

These are pretty sought after and are said to be of a higher quality than later hi powers. I don't have any personal experience with them, as I only ever had/have a nazi produced 1943/44 hi power.

There are some good books such as FN Browning pistols by Vanderlinden and Ars Mechanica by Francotte

Also there is this forum which is excellent:

http://luger.gunboards.com/forumdisplay.php?42-German-Foreign-Mfg.-Pistols-and-Holsters.&

You specifically want the Foreign Mfg pistols subforum which I linked above. I have always wanted one of these pre war hi powers. If you have any desire to sell, please PM me. Thanks.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Posted in the wrong forum.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/announcement.php?f=1&a=97

Closed.