FN Browning Argentine Buenos Aires Hi High Power 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, 1961
Sold For: $1,500
LSB#: 200827DW06
Make: Fabrique Nationale
Model: High Power, Argentine contract, Buenos Aires Provincial Police
Serial Number: 00035
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE / HERSTAL – BELGIQUE / BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE” and with Belgian proofs. The left of the frame is marked “DIV. INTERNA SEC.” and with Belgian proofs. The right of the frame is marked “POLICIA PROV. BS. AIRES – 61”. The right of the barrel, slide and frame are each marked “00035”. The right of the barrel also has Belgian proof marks. The top of the slide has a Buenos Aires Provincial Police crest. Each magazine floorplate is marked “00035”, one also has “01” the other “02”.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-round blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a flat-topped “V” notch that is dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black rubber Uncle Mike’s grips. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no rips or tears. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished. Based on previously observed examples, we believe it was Factory Refurbished.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling. There is minor erosion scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The action shows light operational wear. There are some nicks, erosion and tool marks visible under the finish. The screw heads are sharp and the markings range from clear to worn, but legible. This pistol is in about Fine condition as factory refurbished and would rate Excellent but for the minor erosion in the bore.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has a frame mounted safety and the round hammer has a half cock safety position. This pistol still has a functioning magazine disconnect and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide is tight on the frame. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a leather-lined green canvas holster with a total of two 13-round magazines. The box has minor storage wear, in about Fine condition. The magazines have minor operational wear, some very light surface oxidation, intact feed lips and strong springs, in about Very Good condition. Please note, no magazine will be included for purchasers who reside where they cannot be legally transferred.
Our Assessment: This is a Browning Hi-Power that was made by FN in Belgium in 1961 as part of a contract for Argentina, specifically for the police of the Province of Buenos Aires, the nation’s most populous province. Originally procured in 1961, the pistols were eventually replaced and returned to FN for refurbishment and re-sale. This example is in Fine condition as refurbished with about 98% of its new metal finish, a decent bore and strong mechanics. It comes with a holster and with two serial-matching magazines. This will make a great addition to any collection and could still serve as a great shooter, today. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This C&R eligible Pistol CAN be sold as a dealer sale in California and CAN be transferred as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) as our Simi Valley location. All C&R firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to a C&R holder in California. No magazine will be included for CA residents. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
