FN Browning Belgian Hi-Power Mk. III 4.7” 9mm Luger Semi-Auto Pistol, 1990
SOLD FOR: $1,026.00
LSB#: LSB260621MP004
Make: FN Herstal, Assembled In Portugal. Imported By Browning
Model: Mk. III Hi-Power
Serial Number: 245NM23004
Year of Manufacture: 1990 / Modern
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Tilting Lock Recoil Operated with Removable Magazine.
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q.”. The right side of the slide is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM ASSEMBLED IN PORTUGAL”. The barrel is marked “CAL. 9mm LUGER”. The front strap is marked with the serial number “245NM23004” and the right side of the trigger guard bow is marked with a Belgian proof.
Barrel Length: 4.7”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade with a white stripe dovetailed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch with two white stripes dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered plastic panels set to either side of the frame. There is little to no handling wear throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Black Enamel
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 light to moderate stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. The action has minor operational wear. There are a few minimal handling marks throughout. The screw heads are sharp, and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Original cardboard box, paperwork, & 2x magazines
Our Assessment: The Browning Hi-Power is one of the most influential service pistols of the 20th century, combining John Browning’s original design work with later development by Dieudonne Saive at Fabrique Nationale. By the Mk. III era, the Hi-Power had evolved into a more modern service pistol while retaining its classic single-action, recoil-operated mechanism and double-stack 9mm magazine system. Late-production examples such as this were manufactured in Belgium and assembled in Portugal, reflecting Browning’s longstanding production arrangement between FN and the Viana facility. This 1990 example features the Mk. III black enamel finish, dovetailed three-dot sights, checkered polymer grips, and classic 4.7″ barrel configuration associated with the mature Hi-Power design. This pistol remains in Excellent condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original black enamel finish. The exterior shows only minimal handling marks and minor operational wear, while the screw heads remain sharp, the pins are unmarred, and the markings are clear and legible. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, though light to moderate stubborn fouling remains present, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. The two-piece checkered polymer grips show little to no handling wear, remain free of chips or cracks, and rate in Excellent condition. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, and the pistol is accompanied by its original cardboard box, paperwork, and two magazines.
For collectors of Browning and FN service pistols, the Mk. III Hi-Power represents the final major refinement of the traditional Hi-Power before the original pattern was eventually discontinued. The improved sights, durable enamel finish, Belgian manufacture, Portuguese assembly, and classic single-action operating system give these later guns strong appeal as both shooters and collectible service pistols. With its excellent original finish, strong bore, clean grips, complete accessories, and 1990 production date, this is a particularly attractive example of a late Belgian Browning Hi-Power. -R.E.