In 1955, the Browning Arms Company began importing a striker-fired, blowback-operated .380 ACP pistol built by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Belgium. Designed by John Browning and originally designated as the Model 1910 by FN, the Browning Model 1955 (for U.S. import) pistol features a steel frame and slide with an internally fixed barrel. Diminutive and concealable, the .380 ACP-chambered pistol provides for three safety mechanisms: a grip safety, a frame-mounted lever-actuated safety and a magazine safety. Topside, a rudimentary set of fixed sights aid shot placement. The firearm functions via the renowned builder’s striker-fired mechanism within the pistol’s slide. Additionally, a six-round detachable box magazine feeds the firearm. To learn more, watch this NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by American Rifleman’s Brian Sheetz.
Two new models joined the Rost Martin handgun lineup in 2025, one with subcompact dimensions and another with a built-in compensator that promises to reduce recoil substantially.
First introduced in 1970 as an adaptation of the Model 10, Smith & Wesson's Model 64 stainless steel revolver dutifully served law enforcement with a prolonged lifespan until the 1990s when trade-in programs initiated around the globe. And today, collectors can find these well-loved and once-used examples on the commercial market for enjoyment and protection.
According to the Gear Check at A Girl & A Gun National Conference, several standout models and brands that emerged as favorites among women shooters, as well as preferences when it came to aftermarket products.