WW2 Browning Hi Power Pistol | Walk-in Wednesday

Published on February 8, 2020
Duration: 12:44

This video details the late-war Nazi-marked Browning Hi Power pistol, a rare WWII collectible. It explores the pistol's revolutionary 13-round magazine capacity and its production history under German occupation. The review breaks down three main variations based on sights and frame slots, highlighting specific Waffenamt proof marks (WaA613, WaA103, WaA140) and late-war production 'glitches'.

Quick Summary

The Browning Hi Power pistol was revolutionary for its time, featuring a 13-round double-stack magazine, offering 14 rounds total. During WWII, Germany seized the FN factory in Belgium and produced these pistols, which became favored by Waffen SS troops.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Rare Nazi Hi Power
  2. 00:40Reference Book: FN Browning Pistols
  3. 01:00Design & Production History
  4. 01:39Revolutionary 13-Round Magazine
  5. 02:10WWII German Occupation Context
  6. 03:47Variation 1: Tangent Sight, Slotted Frame
  7. 06:39Variation 2: Tangent Sight, No Slot
  8. 08:47Variation 3: Fixed Sights
  9. 11:12Late-War Production Glitches

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Browning Hi Power pistol revolutionary during its time?

The Browning Hi Power was revolutionary due to its high-capacity 13-round double-stack magazine. Combined with a round in the chamber, it offered 14 rounds, significantly exceeding the capacity of most other military sidearms available during World War II.

How did the German occupation affect Browning Hi Power production?

After invading Belgium in 1940, German forces seized the FN factory. They continued Hi Power production for their own military use, particularly favoring it among Waffen SS troops, leading to the distinctive Nazi-marked variants.

What are the main variations of the Nazi-marked Browning Hi Power?

The Nazi-marked Hi Powers typically fall into three variations: those with tangent sights and a slotted frame for a stock, those with tangent sights but no slot, and the most common type with fixed sights and no frame slot.

What do Waffenamt (WaA) proof marks signify on a Hi Power?

Waffenamt (WaA) marks, such as WaA613, WaA103, or WaA140, are official German military inspection stamps. They indicate that the firearm was produced under German control during WWII and accepted by their ordnance department.

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