Browning Hi Power Manuals Through the Years

[ToddSig]

n keeping with being the leading online resource for Browning Hi Power pistols I thought a post with cover images of Browning Hi Power manuals would be both appropriate and useful to our members. Continuing my Through the Years posts, previous posts with vintage Browning OEM holsters followed by cases, boxes and rugs, the manuals covers most years. The date of use are approximate, and I while I believe the listing is rather inclusive, it is probably missing a few booklets.

If you have any additions or date range clarifications, please post as we want the information and content listed on this site to be accurate and correct (a difficult task with FN/Browning Hi Powers).

First, the early Browning rollmarked Hi Powers, pre T, imports started around 1954. Keep in mind, these early Browning manuals were used for the Hi Power (9mm Parabellum), the .380 Caliber (1910) and the .25 Caliber). Around 1965 Browning started to use some singular manuals. I have a 1965 .25 caliber only manual, in the same gray and black and white style.

This is an early, mid 1950s manual. it is pre Browning expansion into Canada. St Louis address only.



Around 1958 Browning expanded into Canada, and added the Montreal address. Thiis manual version (best guess) to 1962/1963.



The next version is very similar to the post 1958 manual, but the image of John Browning is right justified after the BrowninG logo. Used from th early 1963/1964 to about 1966 (I have one in my collection date 2/68.

[ToddSig]

The next group, with Hi Power images on the cover are from the late 1960s to mid 1970s. Probably around 1968.

This manual from about late 1960s to 1972, with a horizontal orientation,  is most popular and recognized as it goes with many of the collectible T series Hi Powers.




The next version was similar but with a vertical orientation. Used from about 1972 to about 1975.




+/- 1977

[ToddSig]

+/- 1979



+/- 1981, similar to above, but with a burgundy lower border

[ToddSig]

Getting into the mid 1980s

+/- 1985 to 1988, notice the Classic/pre MKII Hi Power on the cover, still with the small hump & bump sights.



+/- 1990, notice the MKIII on the cover, ambi safety, and the new Millett adjustable sights

[ToddSig]

Getting into the more modern manuals, from about 1990-1993, note 9mm only





1994-2003?, note the addition of the .40 S&W Hi Power



2003  to +/-2009 and later?





2014-2018

[ToddSig]

A few miscellaneous manuals

a GP Competition manual, mid 1980s



Browning SA (European sales arm of Browning) about 1981, with Classic/Pre MKII platforms



Another Browning SA manual, later, about 1990, note the addition of the Practical, and MK III Hi Powers

[Bob Reed]

Todd, this post is simply outstanding.

Man, what a nice collection of manuals you have acquired, and one of them has a very recognizable phone number written on it too.

FN does NOT have a clue at the hurt, sadness and anguish they've caused on 80+ years of loyal customers by dropping the High Power Pistol.

[CXM]

OUTSTANDING collection Todd... Thanks so much for posting them.

I wonder what sort of manuals came with guns marketed by FN for the commercial market? I'd guess the government contract guns sold by FN did not include manuals... but that is just a surmise... no evidence to support it.

Thanks again.

Chuck