The FN Hi-Power — most often called the Browning Hi-Power — is easily the most prolific military handgun of the previous century. John Moses Browning created the design as a 9mm update to the 1911 .45 ACP, but passed before its completion. It was completed by Dieudonné Saive at FN Herstal. Browning died in 1926, several years before the design was finalized. FN Herstal named it the “High Power” in allusion to the 13-round magazine capacity.
Depending on sources, the pistol was used by 50-100 nations. The Hi-Power (Grande Puissance, P35, H35) was produced in the millions. Clones and copies have also been manufactured, most of these were of good quality, such as the Argentine FM, Girsan, Tisas… Regardless the model or manufacturer, here is a quick video to demonstrate how to field strip, clean, and lubricated the Hi-Power.
Are you a fan of the Browning Hi-Power? How do you feel it compares to the 1911 design (other than caliber)? Share your answers in the Comment section.
