FN Model 1903
Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre · Pistol · Discontinued · 1903
Also known as: FN Browning M1903, Browning Model 1903, Pistol m/07, Pistol m/1907, Grand Browning
Overview
The FN Model 1903 is a Belgian blowback-operated semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning and produced by Fabrique Nationale at Herstal. Chambered for the 9x20mm Browning Long cartridge, it features a fixed barrel, an internal hammer, a single-action trigger, and a slim, concealable slide that hides the breech mechanism. Widely adopted as a military and police sidearm, it served Belgium, Sweden, the Ottoman Empire, Imperial Russia and others, and was license-produced in Sweden by Husqvarna as the Pistol m/1907.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 910 g (32.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 205 mm (8.07") |
| Barrel Length | 127 mm (5.00") |
| Height | 130 mm (5.12") |
| Width | 33 mm (1.30") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 320 m/s (1050 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 365 J (269 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x20mm Browning Long · primary — also known as 9mm Browning Long, 9x20mmSR, 9x20mm SR Browning Long
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Magazine Disconnect, Grip Safety
- Features: Internal Hammer, Fixed Barrel, Concealed Slide, Lanyard Loop, Shoulder Stock Capable
Variants
- Pistol m/1907 - License Production
Service history
Operators
- Swedish Armed Forces · adopted 1907 · as Pistol m/07
- Belgian Armed Forces · adopted 1903
- Imperial Russian Army
- Ottoman Army
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 58,000 · Production years: 1903-1939
Approximately 58,000 produced by FN in Belgium; tens of thousands more built under license by Husqvarna in Sweden as the m/1907.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: John Browning
Discontinued: 1939
Notes
Some examples were fitted with a grooved grip frame and slotted magazine to accept a detachable wooden shoulder stock/holster. The .32 ACP (7.65x17mm) FN Model 1910 evolved from this design family. The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless was a closely related American adaptation of Browning's design.
Background
Often called the 'Grand Browning,' the Model 1903 was one of the first commercially successful military service automatics and established the slim, hammerless silhouette that defined a generation of Browning-designed pocket and service pistols.