NRA Gun of the Week: Browning Model 1955 Pistol

American Rifleman Staff

posted on August 31, 2019

Support NRA American Rifleman DONATE

** 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 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.

Additional Reading:
The FN Browning 1910 Pistol and The Great War
The Other Great Guns of John Browning
I Have This Old Gun: FN Browning Model 1922 Pistol
NRA Gun of the Week: U.S. M1 Carbine
NRA Gun of the Week: AR-15 Rifle

Latest

I Carry: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior in a PHLster Floodlight 2 Holster

In our latest "I Carry" video, we take a closer look at Kimber's latest double-stack, 2011-style handgun, the 1911 DS Warrior, and pair it with a SureFire X300 Ultra weapon light and a PHLster holster.

Reviews, News

The Armed Citizen® July 3, 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.

Armed Citizen, News

Truly American Apparel: NAA's Magnum Mini Belt Buckles

In 2026, folks are celebrating all things American. And is there anything more American than a gun belt buckle?

Reviews, News

CVA Recalls All Paramount Muzzleloading Rifles

CVA has issued a safety recall notice for all CVA Paramount muzzleloading rifles, including Paramount, Paramount HTR, Paramount Pro, and Paramount Pro V2. The bulletin pertains to all production years of these models.

News, Guns

I Have This Old Gun: Colt Detective Special

One of the iconic revolvers of the early 20th century is Colt's compact Detective Special, which became popular on the commercial market and was featured widely in film noir from the 1930s until the 1950s. But the road to the Detective Special wasn't the typical route for a new firearm.

News, ARTV

The Real Deal: Mauser's M98 Das Original

In a world of modularity and strict cost-cutting, fine wood and machined steel firearms like the Mauser 98 are disappearing. The Mauser company is making sure the design lives on with the M98 Das Original.

News, Guns