Questions about antique Belgian pocket pistol

B

BTR

New member
My grandfather recently gave me a pistol he bought in Oran, Algeria in 1945. It was not new then.

It is about 4.5 inches long, and 3 inches high. It has a grip safety, and European style magazine release. The slide says FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES de GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIUM. Below that, I think I can read BROWNING PATENT and, DEPOSE. The caliber reads either 6.25, or 6.35 (I can't tell). My grandfather seems to remember being told it was 6.25 mm. The sight is a very shallow groove along the top.

My grandfather has never fired it. It has some pitting, which it had when he bought it. The grips deteriorated, so he replaced them with simple wood panals. The slide works, and it makes a "click" when the trigger is pulled. The only thing that appears wrong is that the magazine release doesn't seem to work- the magazine can be tugged out regardless of the release, though it does stay in place.

Anyone know anything about the gun?

Is the caliber- apparently 6.25 mm- the same as .25?

I'd like to try and shoot it, if I can find the correct caliber. Any tips on making sure the gun is safe first, or ammo warnings? Thanks!
 
I've found out that it is a Browning FN 1906, late model. If anyone can tell me how to disassemble it, or what I should do to prep it for firing, I would appreciate it.

[This message has been edited by BTR (edited June 18, 2000).]
 
Hi, BTR,

I think they actually called it the 1905 model. The caliber is 6.35mm, which is the same as .25 ACP. Ammunition is available at most gun shops. To disassemble, remove the magazine and make sure gun is unloaded. Pull the trigger to release the firing pin. Pull the slide back until the end of the barrel is exposed and the barrel can be turned counter-clockwise (as seen from the front). The slide can then be removed to the front. Watch out for the firing pin, spring and spring guide, which can jump out and get lost. Assemble by putting the firing pin, the spring and guide into the back of the slide in that order. Insert the barrel from the front and turn the lugs into the space in the slide for them. Put the recoil spring and guide in the hole in the frame and bring the slide back until the barrel can be turned to lock.

Jim
 
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