Fabrique Nationale FN Browning 1900 35 Rem Like Remington Model 8 Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,580.00

WOA#: WY240526BJ112

Make: Fabrique Nationale, FN

Model: Browning Patent Modele 1900

Serial Number: 3064

Year of Manufacture: 1910-1929

Caliber: FN 9mm, interchangeable with the .35 Remington (9.1mm x 49mm)

Action Type: Long-Recoil, Fixed Magazine Fed, Semi-Automatic Rifle

Markings: The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The bolt is marked with Belgian proofs. The left side of the receiver is marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE. / BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE.”. The right side of the receiver has Belgian proof. The base of the barrel jacket, under the forend, is matched and marked with the serial number. The forend is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 22”, Ribbed

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into the rib. The rear sight is a “U” notched two-position folding sight dovetailed into the barrel rib.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece 1st style pattern, checkered, high quality, walnut with a rounded pistol grip, straight comb, and FN Browning late production-style buttplate. There are some scattered light compressions and draglines. The LOP measures approximately 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The later style production buttplate is a tad bit shy at the heel and somewhat proud at the toe. There are some scattered light to moderate marks. Overall, the stocks are in about fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is strong and well-defined. There is no visible erosion or pitting scattered in the bore. In my opinion, this bore is a 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. Just one look at the finish and you know that FN did the job. No blue I know ages quite like Belgium Brownings. The finish appears to have been done long ago, there are a few spots of oxidation atop the finish. (easily removed) The markings and serrations are very well preserved. There are some dings in the metal on the rear of the receiver. There are some scattered nicks, dings, and scratches. There are areas of finish wear on the edges. The fixed magazine has slightly mottled thinning and discoloration from average handling and oxidation. There are some other areas of mottled patina and thinning. There are some scattered spots of discoloration from oxidation. There are no dents in the barrel jacket, which can be common with these models. There are some scattered handling marks. There are operational marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool-marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Brown Leather sling.

Our Assessment: In Belgium it was known as “La Carabine Automatique Browning”, in Germany it was the “Selbstladebüchse Browning Kaliber 9mm”, but in the United States we know it simply as the F.N. 1900.  If the Remington Model 8 is the grandfather of American semi-automatic sporting rifles, the F.N. 1900 is its European twin.  Produced by the legendary Fabrique Nationale de Armes de Guerre (FN) in Belgium, this rifle officially labeled as the “Browning Patent Modele 1900” was a near identical copy of the American made Autoloading Rifle.

The Remington Model 8 and FN 1900 rifles were the brainchild of John Moses Browning. Originally patented in 1900, the design was the first successful high-powered semi-auto rifle made, and it is no surprise the great John Moses Browning was the designer. While Remington built the U.S. market version, Browning contracted with FN to build the European market model “1900s” as he already had a good relationship with the firm who already produced many of his designs. The rifle is long-recoil operated and feeds from a fixed magazine. The Remington Model 8 was chambered in four different Remington rimless cartridges, they were the .25, .30, .32, and .35 Remington while the FN produced variant was only made in 9mm FN which for all intents and purposes is .35 Remington.

The 1900 models were offered starting in 1911 by FN retailers and were available as late as 1931-1932. Only 4,913 Modele 1900’s were ever manufactured.  Compared to the Model 8’s production run of nearly 70,000, that’s more than 14 Model 8’s for every 1 FN 1900.  According to FN catalogs, the Modele 1900 was introduced in 1910 and officially dropped from the product line in 1929. Other sources reveal 32 rifles were sold between 1930-1936, probably clean up rifles from leftover parts.

Considering the price of the 1900 was also $17 dollars more than a Grade III Model 8, it was a wise business decision to not spend the time or money importing them when Americans could get, effectively, the same gun with a different roll mark.

Compared to its sibling made by Remington, the FN model has a few differences, namely the markings, the more elegant looking bolt knob, the lower tang locking screw, and most have a rib. This is a later model with proofs on the right and it has the rib with a two position rear sight. It looks nice and has strong mechanics. These rarely come around, so why not make number 3064 of 4913 a member of your growing collection? I would sure love to! This is a historic rifle produced by an iconic firm and designed by a true legend, Mr. John Moses Browning himself. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.

Fabrique Nationale FN Browning 1900 35 Rem Like Remington Model 8 Rifle C&R
Fabrique Nationale FN Browning 1900 35 Rem Like Remington Model 8 Rifle C&R