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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.
American troops took a healthy interest in Axis small arms during World War II. Sometimes they were simply looking to collect a war trophy. On other occasions, GIs and Marines looked to use those firearms against their former owners.
Politics is something most of us only step into because we must. We’d rather smile in the warm autumn sun as we help a son or daughter, or grandson or granddaughter, break their first clay or plink steel with their first .22 rifle.
The DOJ Office of Legal Counsel recently released an opinion concluding that the federal ban on licensed firearms dealers selling handguns to 18-20-year-old U.S. citizens is unconstitutional.
Following World War I, Czechoslovakia needed to equip its new army, and one of its priorities was to select a service sidearm, which ultimately became the vz.27.