FN Model 1903
The FN Model 1903 (M1903, FN Mle 1903), or Browning No.2 is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning and manufactured by Belgian arms manufacturer Fabrique Nationale (FN). It was introduced in 1903 and fired the 9×20mmSR Browning Long cartridge. It should not be confused with the US-made Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless (in .32 ACP), nor with the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammer (in .38 ACP). The FN Model 1903 is based on the same mechanical design as the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless, which Browning sold to both companies (and others as well), but enlarged to handle the more powerful 9mm Browning Long cartridge. The M1903's reliability, accuracy, light weight, and quick reloading made it a popular service pistol for many police forces and militaries. The pistol was initially introduced by FN as the Browning Modèle de Guerre (Browning War Model) or Browning Grand Modèle (Browning Large Model).
| FN Model 1903 | |
|---|---|
A FN Model 1903 from the collections of the Swedish Army Museum. | |
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin | United States (designed) Belgium (manufactured) |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars |
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| Production history | |
| Designer | John Browning |
| Designed | 1902 |
| Manufacturer | Fabrique Nationale |
| No. built | 153,173 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 930 g (32.8 oz) unloaded |
| Length | 205 mm (8.07 in) |
| Barrel length | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Cartridge | 9×20mmSR Browning Long, in the US, some pistols were rechambered in .380 ACP; Some Chinese copies chambered in .32 ACP. |
| Action | Blowback |
| Feed system | 7-round (9mm) box magazine, 9×19mm m/39B (Trials with the m/1907) |
| Sights | Iron sights |