Estonian Defense League Browning High Power

Published on November 16, 2019
Duration: 5:11

This review details the Estonian Defense League's Browning High Power pistols, procured from FN in the late 1930s. Key features include early commercial traits like a squared ejection port and a 500-meter tangent sight. Distinctive backstrap markings 'EV' or 'KL' denote Republic of Estonia or Home Guard issue, respectively. While equipped for holster stocks, Estonia produced these locally.

Quick Summary

Estonian Defense League Browning High Power pistols feature unique backstrap markings: 'EV' for the Republic of Estonia or 'KL' for the Home Guard (Kaitseliit). These early models, procured from FN in the late 1930s, also have a 500-meter tangent rear sight and a squared ejection port.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Estonian History
  2. 00:58FN Procurement Details
  3. 01:56Technical Features & Markings
  4. 03:17Holster Stocks & Local Production

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the distinctive markings on Estonian Defense League Browning High Power pistols?

Estonian Browning High Power pistols procured for military use are marked 'EV' for Eesti Vabariik (Republic of Estonia) on the backstrap. Those intended for the Home Guard (Kaitseliit) are marked 'KL'.

Did Estonia produce its own Browning High Power pistols?

While Estonia planned for licensed production of the Browning High Power, this was halted by WWII and Soviet occupation. However, they did locally produce approximately 3,150 holster stocks for the pistols.

What are some early technical features of the Estonian Browning High Power?

These early pistols exhibit features common to the era's commercial FN production, such as a squared-off ejection port and a 500-meter tangent rear sight. They also have slots for attaching holster stocks.

When did Estonia procure Browning High Power pistols?

Estonia began ordering Browning High Power pistols from FN in Belgium in 1936 for the police. Larger orders for the military and the Home Guard (Kaitseliit) followed in 1937.

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