Chinese FN 1900s: From Wauser to Browningsbrowningsbrownings

Published on May 21, 2021
Duration: 9:33

This video delves into the fascinating world of Chinese-made copies of the FN Model 1900 pistol, often produced by artisanal makers rather than official arsenals. These firearms exhibit significant variations in grip design, safety levers, and slide cuts, deviating from the original Belgian pattern. A common characteristic is the use of spurious markings, including misspelled brand names like 'Wauser' and 'Browning', intended to inflate their perceived value.

Quick Summary

Chinese FN 1900 pistol copies from the Warlord Era exhibit significant artisanal variations in grip design, safety levers, and slide cuts. Many feature spurious markings like 'Wauser' and fake Belgian proofs, intended to enhance their perceived value. Shooting these artisanal copies is generally not recommended due to safety concerns regarding metallurgy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Chinese FN 1900 Copies
  2. 01:37Grip Design Variations
  3. 02:33Mechanical and Aesthetic Variations
  4. 04:14Spurious Markings Explained
  5. 05:00'Baby' FN 1900 & Unique Markings
  6. 06:07Rear Sight Blocks and Functionality
  7. 07:20Summary and Safety Concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main categories of Chinese FN 1900 pistol copies?

Chinese FN 1900 copies are primarily categorized by their grip designs: those with curved grips featuring a rear swell, straight grips mimicking the original Belgian FN 1900, and less common wrap-around grips similar to a Walther PPK.

What kind of spurious markings are found on Chinese FN 1900 copies?

These pistols often feature fake or 'spurious' markings to increase perceived value. Common examples include misspelled versions of 'Mauser' (like 'Wauser') and 'Browning', alongside fake Belgian proof marks and nonsensical brand combinations.

Are Chinese FN 1900 copies safe to shoot?

Ian McCollum strongly advises against shooting artisanal Chinese FN 1900 copies due to concerns about unknown metallurgy and potential safety risks. Factory-produced versions are generally considered higher quality and safer.

What distinguishes the 'Baby' FN 1900 Chinese copies?

The 'Baby' FN 1900 Chinese copies feature shorter barrels, typically reduced by about half an inch, and shorter grips which decrease ammunition capacity by one round compared to standard models.

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