ARTV Preview: The History of The FN Hi Power; EAA MC1911 Match Elite; British Webley Mark VI

by
posted on July 21, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
In this week's episode of American Rifleman TV, we take a look at the history and development of the Browning Hi Power pistol, which started out as a design drafted by the French from the lessons they learned during the World War I. Reviewed this week is one of the latest Girsan 1911s offered by EAAMC1911 Match Elite chambered in .45 ACP. During World War I, the British adopted a new version of the storied Webley revolver, the Mark VI, which became the standard sidearm for British forces during the war.  

The Browning High Power.
The Browning High Power.

The development of what would become the Browning Hi Power began after World War I with a set of requirement from the French Military for a new service pistol. Fabrique Nationale commissioned John Browning to design a pistol around these requirements, while also initially trying to avoid the patented features of the Colt M1911.    

The EAA Girsan MC1911 Match Elite.
The EAA Girsan MC1911 Match Elite.

European American Armory continues to bring in more of the Girsan MC1911 series. New for 2020 is the MC1911 Match Elite competition version of the handgun series with several noteworthy features. 

Shooting the Webley Mark VI revolver.
Shooting the Webley Mark VI revolver.

When the British Empire entered World War 1, the Webley Mark V was supposed to be the standard issue of the revolver series available though full delivery was not met. In 1915 the British adopted a new version, the Mark VI, which became the standard issue sidearm for British forces and mass produced for the rest of the war.

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

9X18 Makarov
9X18 Makarov

Shooting Surplus: Finding Affordable Mil-Surp Ammo in 2026

Today, the market for mil-surp ammo is vastly different than it was even just a few years ago. If you're a military-surplus collector and shooter, what should you look for in 2026? Here's our guide.

Colt Electro-Optics Introduces New Red Dots & Magnifier

No stranger to rebirth, Colt has recently spun off an optics division to make sure that, in a world where optics are considered to be standard equipment, a fully kitted-out gun can be all-pony.

What This Huge NFA Ruling Means for Gun Owners

The recent ruling in Jensen v. ATF and the subsequent lack of an appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice has left many gun owners with questions about purchasing NFA items. Here is some guidance.

Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

In partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson recently re-introduced two of its classic Night Guard revolvers, the Models 386 and 396, which are chambered for the .357 Magnum and .44 Special, respectively.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 14, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

A (Slightly Confusing) History of Colt's Police Positive Revolver

For one of the most popular law-enforcement revolvers ever made, the history of the Colt Police Positive isn't nearly as linear as one would think it'd be.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.