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 EAA— MC1911 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

jammed cartridge in chamber
jammed cartridge in chamber

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.