Browning Hi-Power

From GunCounter

Browning Hi-Power AKA P-35 AKA GP

The Browning Hi-Power is a semi-automatic single action pistol. It was one of the last pistol designs by John Moses Browning, which was completed by Dieudonne Saive after Browning 's death. It was the first high capacity autoloading pistol to see wide spread production and service. The large capacity gave it another of it's names, Grande Puissance or GP

It has been produced by FN in 9mm Parabellum, .40 S&W and .30 Luger calibers.

It has been manufactured by FN (Fabrique Nationale) of Belgium since the 1930's. Originally developed for a French military contract, it was never adopted by them but was adopted by the Belgian military in 1935, hence the name P-35.

It was adopted by the British military and used by them in World War II. When the Germans overran Belgium and captured the FN plant, some FN workers escaped to Canada where production was set up in the John Inglis and Company factory. It supplied Commonwealth and Allied forces, including the Nationalist Chinese, during the war. The Germans used the FN equipment and produced Hi-Powers for use with their forces as well.

After the war, it was one of the most widely adopted military service sidearm in the world. It gained fame as the sidearm of the British SAS and was used in both sides of the Falklands/Malvinas war in 1982. The FBI Hostage Rescue Team used Hi-Powers at one time as well.

FN has licensed the design to Argentina (hence the Falklands connection) and is manufactured there by Fabrica Militare or FM.

FN has, until recently, imported FN and Browning marked variants of the pistol into the United States. The Browning marked pistols have a higher level of finish and options and are intended for the "Civilian/Sporting" market. FN marked pistols have a simpler, more utilitarian finish and are intended for the Police/Military market. FN has apparently stopped importing FN marked pistols into the US but are still shipping the Browning marked pistols. The only difference between a Browning and an FN Hi-Power is the markings.

Since the early 1980's all FN pistols have been produced in Belgium and assembled in Portugal.

Standard Factory and military magazines in 9mm are 13 rounds. 15 rounds magazines are available in the aftermarket, .40S&W magazines hold 10 rounds.

Additional reading on the Browning Hi-Power can be found in the Wikipedia

Also check out Browning Hi Power Informational Sites for links to other sites with lots of information that should be bookmarked by any BHP owner.