Book Review: FN Browning Pistols | Side Arms That Shaped World History (3rd Edition)

by
posted on August 12, 2023
Vanderlinden Fn Browning

FN Browning Pistols: Side Arms that Shaped World History, by Anthony Vanderlinden, is a greatly expanded follow-up to the author’s 2nd edition, single-volume, 334 pages of the same name. This a beautifully rendered edition and a “must have” addition to your library if you have the slightest interest in the pistols produced by Fabrique Nationale.

The book starts off with a very concise and interesting history of gun making in Belgium and the establishment of the FN factory in Liege. It continues with a decade-by-decade history of FN from 1889 through World War I and then every decade after to the current time.

Anthony Vanderlinden, who has authored five books on FN arms as well as published more than 10 gun books via his Wet Dog Publishing house, has done much to further our understanding of many of the nuances of European arms manufacturing that would be understandably lost to those of us who are only fluent in English. His in-depth history of FN and the European gun trade alone are reason enough to delve into this massive two-volume tome, but he has also scattered numerous gems throughout the text to keep the reader curious as to what bit of new-found information will change our perceptions of what we thought was gospel truth.

Case in point: Is it High Power or Hi Power? The reader will find that both are right, depending on the actual year and manufacturer of the pistol. Details never published before about the biography of John M. Browning are covered in the last chapter and again, are worth the price of admission.

The full-color photography that graces the 840 pages gives the book an almost 3D feel, so much so that the chapters on factory engraving give the reader such a clear picture of the engravers art that it is almost impossible not to run your fingers over the photos.

Of special interest to the collector will be the serial numbers and years of production of every FN made pistol from the Model 1899 through the Hi Power. Proofmarks and codes are revealed in detail, and no attention to detail is overlooked in the description and illustrations of grips, accessories and even user manuals and advertising broadsides.

Even if you have the 1st or 2nd editions of the same title, you will be well served to add this edition to your collection as the information added is vast and significant.

MSRP is $149.95, and NRA members will receive free shipping by using the code ‘NRA’ when purchasing online from Wet Dog.

Latest

MR73 01 Knupp
MR73 01 Knupp

Review: Beretta Manurhin MR73 50th Anniversary Edition Revolver

Why is one of the most legendary handguns of the 1970s a revolver that was built specifically for one of the most elite police forces? The answer lies within the unique story of the Manurhin MR73.

Gunsite Celebrating NRA’s 153rd Birthday On The Air

The Yavapai Amateur Radio Club (YARC) of Prescott, Ariz., will be operating a special event station on Nov. 17, 2024, in celebration of the NRA’s 153rd birthday.

I Have This Old Gun: British Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol

One of the mainstays in the British Royal Naval arsenal of small arms was the Pattern 1801 Sea Service Pistol, a design that equipped sailors for ship-to-ship fighting.

New For 2025: Hi-Point Large Format Pistols

Hi-Point Firearms expanded its handgun lineup with large-format pistol variants of its popular pistol-caliber carbines.

SAAMI Conference Reflects Growing Industry Dedication To Innovation

“This year’s record attendance is a clear indication of the importance of this event to the ammunition and firearm development and testing community, as well as government and law enforcement test labs and procurement activities,” said Joe Bartozzi, SAAMI president and CEO.

Favorite Firearms: Outstanding Customer Service!

I purchased my first pistol, a .32-cal. Walther PPK in 1969. Why choose a .32 ACP and not a more powerful .380 ACP? Because .32 was the chambering that Ian Fleming’s fictional character James Bond switched to when Q forced him to give up his beloved .25-cal. Beretta.

 

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.