FN/Browning 1922

[CXM]

A while ago I came across this old Browning 1922 pistol ANIB at a LGS.

I had never before seen a 1922 still in the box... in fact for some reason FN/Browning pistols that still have the box are not common... perhaps because of the carry case that was included in a lot of Browning products.

Anyway, I like the 1911 and it's precursor the 1910.





THe markings on the box were interesting too...








The 1922 is sort of an odd design, but it was pretty popular being the military/naval side arm of several countries including Holland and Yugoslavia. It is basically a 1910 with an extended slide/barrel... a strange way to modify the 1910 for military use, but it worked even though it is certainly strange.





The 1922 was offered in .32ACP and .380ACP (7.65x17 and 9mm kurtz) Apparently when chambered for the .380 the 1922 gave good service, though the German Air Force in WWII used them in .32acp as well as .380acp.






By way of comparison, here is the 1922 along with a 1910 and a High Power.





The smaller size of the 1922 compared to the HP gives some idea why the 1922 was often preferred by air crews.

Anyway, the old 1922 seemed to be unusual enough to be worth sharing.

V/r

Chuck

[huntershooter]

Outstanding Chuck. Great piece of history.
I see it has a grip safety, is this a JM Browning design?

[Carolinaman]

Dang Chuck!

I would love to own a pistol like that so rich in history! What a nice find to add to your collection!

Best,

Chris

[ToddSig]

Here is my FN Browning 1922, dating near the end of its production.  It has Serial number 175XXX, Vanderlinden states they ran these up to the 180,000 range to 1975.  I obtained through a private sale, story I was told was it came through Africa, they were diplomatic corps and in area with rising tensions and unrest.  Someone from another embassy gave it to them for additional protection.  This is was my first FN Browning, and through researching it, I found myself looking at Hi Powers, then collecting them.