WW II FN value

[jwillie]

2nd post.
I also have a WW II vintage (I think) FN 9mm.  It says Herstal Belgique under the Manufactures name.  Also has a few of the eagle insignia and a few letters followed by 140.  The serial number on the frame, slide, and bolt is 25053a.  The a is written in script.

Any idea when manufactured? I know value is based on condition but could anyone suggest a possible range?
Thanks

Attachments:

[tnorris]

Wow... I have #25342 and I estimated its production date at second quarter of 1943. I could be off some... but it's a 1943 pistol.

It's external condition is similar to yours.

 -There are concentric circle stains on the barrel where the recoil spring rests, probably from lubricant. The sear spring was shot and allowed for hammer follow which would make it unsafe to shoot. Once replaced (along with a couple other springs and the extractor), it shoots very well with it's original magazine and a new one. There are cautions against shooting them, but I'll shoot mine every so often.

 -The grips on mine are quite fragile. Improper storage I guess. I have spares for shooting

I purchased mine at my local gun store in June of 2019 for $500 (plus tax).

The extractor cost $103, I have since seen them for $33.

[jwillie]

Thanks for your insight and comments.

[tnorris]

A couple other thoughts...

The barrel on mine fit rather well. Very little front to back movement.
The original extractor is also in very good shape. I replaced it so I wouldn't damage the original part.
The mainspring probably needs to be replaced.
I will use a BHSS Buffering Recoil Spring Guide Rod for shooting.
Trigger pull is around 5#s. It was much lower with the worn out sear spring.
The blade of the front sight on mine is a bit wider than the same on my 1960 pistol.
Side by side (both are new to me) the 1943 gave me better groups. I think it was the front sight.

Some folks on another forum said I got a great deal. Some others said it was priced about right.

In the next few weeks I hope to take the '43 and the '60 to the range again, this time with all the new parts installed and new BHSS match grade barrels in each. Should be fun!!!

You have a very cool and functional piece of history!

[CXM]

Estimating a fair price for a HP is not only subjective, but market values vary a good bit from region to region.

I'd say you got a good price... not a steal, but a reasonable price.

I"m glad to hear you enjoy shooting it... with proper maintenance there is no reason it should not give many more years of yeoman service.

FWIW

Chuck

Nov 1, 2019 15:46:06 GMT -5 tnorris said:

A couple other thoughts...

The barrel on mine fit rather well. Very little front to back movement.
The original extractor is also in very good shape. I replaced it so I wouldn't damage the original part.
The mainspring probably needs to be replaced.
I will use a BHSS Buffering Recoil Spring Guide Rod for shooting.
Trigger pull is around 5#s. It was much lower with the worn out sear spring.
The blade of the front sight on mine is a bit wider than the same on my 1960 pistol.
Side by side (both are new to me) the 1943 gave me better groups. I think it was the front sight.

Some folks on another forum said I got a great deal. Some others said it was priced about right.

In the next few weeks I hope to take the '43 and the '60 to the range again, this time with all the new parts installed and new BHSS match grade barrels in each. Should be fun!!!

You have a very cool and functional piece of history!

[jonnyc]

In my world, a $500 wartime HP in decent condition is a steal.