Browning Model 1903 / FN M1903

History of Browning Model 1903 / FN M1903

The Fabrique Nationale Model FN 1903 is a rugged pistol that excelled in both world wars. The weapon was manufactured in approximately 153,173 pieces and was used by Belgium, Estonia, Paraguay, Russia, Sweden, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, and in significant service with the military and police forces.

This pistol is another of many weapons designed by American gunmaker John Browning and manufactured under the Belgian trademark Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre.

Design of the Model 1903 (also known as the Browning 2) began in 1902 and was commissioned in 1903, hence the name. The Model 1903 was designed as a self-loading, recoil, semi-automatic pistol and fired the 9x20mm SR Browning Long cartridge from a pistol-grip loaded magazine.

The 9x20mm SR Browning Long is longer than the typical 9mm Parabellum, which has always been popular, just slightly weaker. Reload moves are known for their speed, and the weapons themselves are usually light. Externally, the Model 1903 is stylishly designed and typical of John Browning.

In practice, there is no doubt that the Model 1903 proved to be an accurate, reliable and robust gun worthy of the Browning name.

Model 1903 is a pistol m/1907 manufactured under license by Husqvarna Vapenfabrik. Interestingly, the Type 1903 (and other Browning designs) were copied all over Spain for almost 30 years without permission.

Many models of the Type 1903 are still in circulation today, a testament to their robust design and construction.

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