FN Browning Hi-Power Semi Auto Pistol In 9mm Luger, MFD 1960 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,026.00
WOA#: WY240801JH004
Make: Fabrique Nationale Herstal, Belgium
Model: Hi-Power
Serial Number: 91280
Year of Manufacture: 1960
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Semi-Auto Single Action Detachable Mag Fed Pistol
Markings: The right side of the frame and slide are marked, “91280”. The barrel is marked, “CAL, 9m/mP.”. The left side of the slide is marked, “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS MO. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. There are various Belgian proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 4.75”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a black blade with a white dot integral to the slide. The rear sight is a dovetailed square notch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two piece Checkered wood with red on the inside. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering has worn peaks. Overall the grips rate in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
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 stubborn fouling. The feed ramp is smooth and shiny. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 94% of its metal finish. There is light thinning and wear on the leading edges along with light spots of forming surface rust throughout. The barrel hood has moderate wear. There are light scratches throughout. 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 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.
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. -R.E.
