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

Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle
Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle

Review: EAA Balikli BLK

EAA’s new Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle is a Model 700-inspired rifle that’s feature-laden and affordable.

Big Iron: The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Classic & Model 22 Classic

Smith & Wesson is resurrecting and updating two of its classic .45 caliber revolvers, with the Model 1917 Classic and Model 22 Classic.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 2, 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.

Suppressor Demand Outpaces Production

The demand for suppressors is setting new records. National Firearm Act (NFA) item purchases in September—primarily suppressors—more than doubled compared to the same month in 2025.

Book Review | Five Decades of a Fabulous Firearm: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Beretta 92 Pistol Series

In this wide-ranging book, you’ll find a history of Beretta, discussion of developments leading to the Model 1951/951 Brigadier, its evolution into the Model 92 and the U.S. military’s adoption of the platform (as the M9) in 1985.

Review: Galco Revenger Holster & SB7 Gun Belt

For those who choose to carry a finely finished, K-frame revolver, Galco offers one of its finest concealed-carry setups in the form of its Revenger holster and SB7 gun belt.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.