Browning Model 1903 / FN M1903 Semi-Automatic Pistol (1903)
The FN Model 1903 was designed by American John Browning and sold to the world market through the Belgium firm of Fabrique Nationale.
Design of the Model 1903 (also known as the Browning No. 2) began in 1902 and entry into service was 1903, hence the designation. The Model 1903 was designed as a self-loading, semi-automatic pistol with a blowback operating action and firing the 9x20mm SR Browning Long cartridge from a box magazine fitted into the pistol grip. The 9x20mm SR Browning Long was longer than the typical 9mm Parabellum popular throughout and only a smidgeon weaker. The reloading action was noted for its quickness and the gun itself was of generally light weight. Externally, the Model 1903 was a smooth design and was typical John Browning. In practice, the Model 1903 unsurprisingly proved an accurate, reliable and robust weapon worthy of the Browning name.
The Model 1903 was manufactured under license as the Pistol m/1907 by Husqvarna Vapenfabrik. Interestingly, the Model 1903 (among other Browning designs) was heavily copied throughout Spain without license for nearly 30 years.
Many Model 1903s are still in circulation even today, a testament to its sound design and construction. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
MilitaryFactory.com does NOT sell equipment/weaponry. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance or general operation. Please consult manufacturers for such information. Our disclaimer. Email corrections / Comments to MilitaryFactory at Gmail dot com.
Specifications for the
Browning Model 1903 / FN M1903
Semi-Automatic Pistol
Country of Origin: Belgium
Manufacturer: Fabrique National d'Armes de Guerre (FN) - Belgium
Initial Year of Service: 1903
Overall Length: 205mm (8.07in)
Barrel Length: 127.00mm (5.00in)
Weight (Empty): 2.00lbs (0.91kg)
Cartridge: 9x20mm SR Browning Long; 7.65x17mm SR Browning (.32 ACP)
Action: Semi-Automatic; Blowback
Feed: 7- or 8-round detachable box magazine
Muzzle Velocity: 1,050ft/sec (320m/sec)
Sights: Iron front and rear
Variants:
Model 1903 - Base Series Designation
FN M1903 - Alternative Designation
Pistol m/1907 - Swedish license-production Model 1903 pistols.
Operators: Belgium; El Salvador; Estonia; Finland; Imperial Germany; Paraguay; Russia; Spain; Sweden; Turkey; United States
BY YEAR:
• 1700 to 1799
• 1800 to 1899
• 1900 to 1909
• 1910 to 1919
• 1920 to 1929
• 1930 to 1939
• 1940 to 1949
• 1950 to 1959
• 1960 to 1969
• 1970 to 1979
• 1980 to 1989
• 1990 to 1999
• 2000 to 2009
• 2010 to 2019
• VIEW ALL
• Compare Guns
BY TYPE:
• Anti-Aircraft Weapons
• Anti-Material Rifles
• Anti-Tank Weapons
• Automatic Rifles
• Bolt-Action Rifles
• Carbine Guns
• Flamethrowers
• Flintlock Guns
• Grenade Launchers
• Hand Grenades
• Lever-Action Rifles
• Machine Guns
• Mortars
• Musket Guns
• Pistols / Handguns
• Recoilless Rifles
• Revolvers
• Rocket Launchers
• Shotguns
• Silenced Guns
• Sniper Rifles
• Special Weapon Systems
• Submachine Guns
• VIEW ALL
SPECIAL:
• 18th Century Warfare
• 3 Soldiers Statue
• Battle of Mogadishu
• Chainmail Armor
• Firearm Types Defined
• French Military Victories
• Medieval Crossbow
• Medieval Longbow
• Vietnam War Casualties
• Vietnam War Memorial
WORLD WAR 2:
• British Guns
• French Guns
• German Guns (ALL)
• German Rifles
• Italian Guns
• Japanese Guns
• Soviet Guns
• US Guns
• US Infantry Regiment-Level Guns
• Machine Guns
• Pistols
• Rifles
• Submachine Guns
• Sniper Rifles
• VIEW ALL
WORLD WAR 1:
• Pistols
• Rifles
• Machine Guns
• Mortars
• US Guns
• VIEW ALL
KOREAN WAR:
• Machine Guns
• VIEW ALL
VIETNAM WAR:
COLLECTIONS:
• Ancient Weapons
• British SAS Weapons
• Civil War Guns
• Colt Guns
• Glock Guns
• GROM Polish Special Forces
• Guns of Libya
• Guns of North Korea
• Guns of Syria
• Guns of WW1 & WW2
• Heckler & Koch Guns
• Kalashnikov Guns
• Modern Russian Guns
• Navy SEAL Weapons
• Spetsnaz Weapons
• Weapons of Desert Storm
• Wild West Guns
• Winchester Guns
HOLLYWOOD/GAMES:
©2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • Content ©2003-2013 MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Site Contact Email: militaryfactory at gmail dot com. The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® trademarks and protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws.
Top MF Stuff: 2013 Military Pay Scale | Military Ranks | WW2 Weapons | Sniper Rifles | Kts to Mph | WW1 Aircraft | Automatic Rifles | Aircraft Cockpits | Vietnam War Weapons | Main Battle Tanks | Submachine Guns | Shotguns | French Military Victories
Most photographic images appearing on this site are courtesy of the United States Department of Defense and are approved for public use. Other images acquired through the public domain. Digital art work courtesy of Dan Alex. Business Consulting by Kyle Williams. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance or general operation. Please consult manufacturers for such information.
