The sample pistols were shipped between FN and its representatives worldwide. As a result, production of the FN Model 1903 was initially limited to a relatively small number of sample and test pieces. 32 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol).įabrique Nationale, aware that large-frame military pistols had few commercial prospects in Europe, was reluctant to invest in the production of a large inventory of pistols in the absence of a funded military contract. Both handguns evolved from separate prototypes in response to specific demands of the North American and European markets.Ĭolt immediately began production of its Model 1903 for the American commercial market, and its 7.65 mm cartridge became known in the United States as the. It should be noted that the FN Browning 1903 was never a copy of the Colt Model 1903, as is so often reported. Both manufacturers reviewed the prototypes and selected specific features from each prototype, which were later included in their respective production models. The result was two Browning prototypes, which were both shown to FN and Colt as per the inventor’s agreements with the companies.

Colt, which was experiencing comparatively modest success with its large-frame Colt Browning Model 1900 pistol, wanted to introduce a compact pistol to improve sales in the United States.ĭue to these parallel demands, John Browning found himself with requests for two pistols intended for two different markets. In 1901, despite tremendous sales of the Model 1900 pistol, FN asked John Browning to design a large-frame military pistol capable of firing a more potent cartridge.Īt the same time, Colt representatives were reporting large numbers of FN Model 1900 sales to their home office in Hartford. Although there were few objections to its functioning, most review boards cited the relatively anemic 7.65 mm cartridge. The Model 1900 was entered in various foreign military trials. This model is now referred to as the 1906 or the. OVERALL LENGTH – 4.53″ LENGTH OF MAGAZINE – 2.57″ This original vest pocket was introduced in 1906 as the Browning Baby pistol, however, the “Baby” designation refers to the post-World War II model. ORIGIN – BELGIUM CALIBER –.25 ACP WEIGHT – 13.3 OZ. As this was inefficient, FN stopped production the Model 1899 within 18 months of introducing the Model 1900. The Herstal company found itself producing two similar pistol models. Within a few months, the Model 1899 was entered in Belgian military trials, and, less than a year later, the Belgian military adopted a modified version commonly known as the FN Browning Model 1900. The compact 7.65x17 mm FN Browning Model 1899 was extremely reliable and became an instant success. By Anthony Vanderlinden - Thursday, July 21, 2011įabrique Nationale (FN) started producing its first handgun in January 1899.

Fn 1906 serial numbers