FM Argentine M90 Hi-Power Detective 9mm SA Semi-Auto Pistol 1969-1989
SOLD FOR: $1311
LSB#: 210611DM78
Make: Fabricaciones Militares (FM) Argentina, licensed by Browning
Model: M90 Hi-Power Detective
Serial Number: 345087
Year of Manufacture: 1969-1989
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine, Thumb Safety, & Magazine Disconnect Safety
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “FM HI-POWER / INDUSTRIA ARGENTINA” and “ALBATROSS INTL. / BELLFLOWER, CALIFORNIA / U.S.A.”. The right side of the slide, frame, and chamber are marked with the serial number. The right side of the slide is marked with a proof at the rear, “DETECTIVE”, and the “FM” logo. The right side of the frame is marked “P” behind the grip. The right side of the slide is marked “SPORTARMS / MIAMI FL”. The left side of the chember is marked “CAL. 9m/m”. The right side of the trigger guard bow is marked with a proof mark. The left side of the lug and bottom flat of the firing pin housing are marked “X”.
Barrel Length: 3.9”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a recessed white dot that is fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch with two recessed white dots and is dovetailed to the rear of the slide. The top of the slide is serrated to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The one-piece checkered rubber grip has ambidextrous thumb rests and finger grooves that envelop the front strap. There are light rubs and handling marks and the checkering is sharp. There are no rips or tears. The grip rates in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Black Manganese Phosphate
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some stubborn fouling in the grooves that should easily be removed with a thorough cleaning.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 93% of its metal finish. There are a few minor scattered nicks and scratches throughout. The action shows operational wear in the way of finish loss on the hammer. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The magazine disconnect functions properly. 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 with a black canvas belt holster and two 13-round magazines. The holster shows some light discoloration on the back side with no rips or tears. It rates in about Fine condition. The magazines show standard operational wear in about Very Good condition. Please note, no magazines will be included where prohibited by law.
Our Assessment: This pistol is made by FM in Argentina and is a licensed copy of the famous Browning Hi Power. This shortened Detective model has a 3.9” barrel and is a single-action, semi-automatic handgun in 9mm Luger. It is based on a design by American firearms inventor John Browning, and completed by Dieudonne Siave at Fabrique Nationale (FN) of Herstal in Belgium. Browning died in 1926, several years before the design was finalized. The Hi Power is one of the most widely used military pistols in history, having been used by the armed forces of over 50 countries. One feature unique to the Detective is the recoil spring design, which is optimized to work with the shorter barrel and less massive slide. Standard High Powers use a single recoil spring with a short guide that fits into a closed tunnel in the slide. The Detective uses a full length guide rod that travels in an open tunnel in the slide (it is exposed when the slide is fully recoiled), and is surrounded by a spring within a spring arrangement. This is an excellent semi-auto pistol for all around purpose, defensive as well as for plinking since the 9 mm ammunition is still affordable and practical (usually). This semi-auto pistol is in about Fine condition with some light wear and a great bore and mechanics. Please see our photos and good luck!