FN Grand Browning: The European 1911 that Never Happened

Published on February 17, 2020
Duration: 10:15

The FN Grand Browning was a European interpretation of John Browning's 1911 design, developed by FN for the Western European market. It featured unique design elements like screwless grip panels and a proprietary 9.65x23mm caliber. Production was halted by WWI, leading FN to pivot towards the Hi-Power, making the Grand Browning a historical footnote.

Quick Summary

The FN Grand Browning was a European pistol based on John Browning's 1909 patents, developed by FN as an alternative to the Colt 1911. It featured a proprietary 9.65x23mm caliber, a 9-round magazine, and unique design elements like screwless grips. Production ceased due to WWI, and FN later developed the Hi-Power.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the FN Grand Browning
  2. 01:30Licensing and Market Competition
  3. 03:01Markings and Proofs
  4. 04:05Unique Design Features
  5. 04:43Caliber and Magazine Specifications
  6. 06:02Comparison with the Colt 1911
  7. 06:54Historical Fate and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the FN Grand Browning?

The FN Grand Browning was a semi-automatic pistol developed by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Belgium, based on John Browning's 1909 patents. It was intended as a European counterpart to the Colt 1911, featuring distinct design elements and a proprietary caliber.

What caliber was the FN Grand Browning chambered in?

The FN Grand Browning was chambered in a proprietary FN cartridge, the 9.65x23mm. Its magazine held 9 rounds, one more than early Colt 1911 models.

What made the FN Grand Browning's design unique compared to the Colt 1911?

Unique features included a 'shark-fin' front sight, screwless grip panels attached via lugs and a retaining pin, and a slightly slimmer profile optimized for its smaller caliber.

Why was the FN Grand Browning never mass-produced?

Production was halted by the German invasion of Belgium in 1914. After World War I, the market was saturated with existing 1911s, leading FN to focus on developing the Browning Hi-Power instead.

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