Early Commercial Browning Hi-Power Semi Auto Pistol In 9mm, 1962 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,505.00
LSB#: WY240801JH001
Make: Fabrique Nationale Herstal, Belgium
Model: Hi-Power
Serial Number: 112541
Year of Manufacture: 1962
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Semi-Auto Single Action Detachable Mag Fed Pistol
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked, “112541”. The barrel is marked, “CAL.9m/mP.”. The barrel has a temporary acceptance mark, a full acceptance mark, and a rampant lion over “P.V.”. The left side of the slide is marked, “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS MO. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. There are proofs on the right side trigger guard. There are station marks on the bottom of the grip frame.
Barrel Length: 4.75”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a black half-moon blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a dovetailed U-notch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two piece Checkered wood with red on the inside. There are some very light handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering has sharp peaks. Overall the grips rate in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. The feed ramp is smooth and shiny. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10 and appears to be with only factory test fired or very lightly used.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is a small spot of wear on the bottom of the trigger guard. The screws are sharp, and the markings are mostly clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.This pistol sports a ring hammer and a internal “Thumb Print” style internal extractor.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes one 13-round magazine in Excellent condition and a Browning soft case.
Our Assessment: The FN Browning Hi-Power is one of the most iconic and influential semi-automatic pistols in history, designed by the legendary firearms inventor John Browning and completed by Dieudonné Saive after Browning’s death. Introduced in 1935, the Hi-Power was one of the first pistols to feature a staggered, double-stack magazine, allowing for greater ammunition capacity without significantly increasing the size of the firearm. Chambered in 9mm, it became a standard sidearm for military and police forces around the world for much of the 20th century. One of the key features of the FN Browning Hi-Power is its high magazine capacity, holding 13 rounds of 9mm in the standard magazine. This was a revolutionary design at the time, as most pistols of the era held significantly fewer rounds. The Hi-Power’s double-stack magazine set the standard for modern semi-automatic pistols, making it a favorite among soldiers and law enforcement who valued the increased firepower in a reliable platform. In addition to its military pedigree, the Hi-Power gained popularity among civilian shooters and collectors. Its accuracy, reliability, and classic aesthetics made it a popular choice for recreational shooting, self-defense, and collecting. With its steel frame, the Hi-Power has a substantial yet manageable weight, which helps reduce felt recoil and aids in rapid, accurate shooting. The pistol’s aesthetics, including its curved lines and iconic profile, also make it a favorite among collectors who appreciate its historical significance. This particular Hi-Power is an Early commercial model with a 3rd iteration roll mark made in 1962. This pistol is in gorgeous condition and still retains about 99% of its bluing. The grips are original and in Excellent condition, retaining the red painted interior. The barrel on this pistol is pristine, and the breech face has minimal markings or indications of being fired.
Overall, the FN Browning Hi-Power is a legendary pistol that left an indelible mark on firearm design. Its combination of high capacity, reliability, and elegant design earned it a place as one of the most widely used and respected pistols in history. Whether as a military sidearm, a personal defense weapon, or a collector’s piece, the Browning Hi-Power remains a symbol of enduring firearm innovation and quality. Please see our photos, and good luck on your bid! -R.E.
