Browning Model 1903 / FN M1903

Semi-Automatic Pistol

Belgium | 1903

"The FN Model 1903 was designed by American John Browning and sold to the world market through the Belgium firm of Fabrique Nationale."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 07/31/2019 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Right side view of the Browning Model 1903 semi-automatic pistol

The Fabrique Nationale FN Model 1903 was a solid, well-traveled pistol used in both World Wars. The gun was produced to the tune of some 153,173 examples and utilized by the likes of Belgium, Estonia, Paraguay, Russia, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom where it served in quantity with military and police forces. The handgun was yet another in the long line of weapons designed by American gunsmith John Browning with production occurring under the Belgium Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre branding.

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.

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Physical
The physical qualities of the Browning Model 1903 / FN M1903. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

205 mm
8.07 in
O/A Length

127 mm
5.00 in
Barrel Length

2.00 lb
0.91 kg
Weight

Semi-Automatic; Blowback
Action

9x20mm SR Browning Long; 7.65x17mm SR Browning (.32 ACP)
Caliber(s)

7- or 8-round detachable box magazine
Feed

Iron front and rear.
Sights

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Browning Model 1903 / FN M1903. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1,050 ft/sec
320 m/sec
Muzzle Velocity

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Browning Model 1903 / FN M1903 Semi-Automatic Pistol family line.

Model 1903 - Base Series Designation.

FN M1903 - Alternative Designation.

Pistol m/1907 - Swedish license-production Model 1903 pistols.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Browning Model 1903 / FN M1903. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Fabrique National d'Armes de Guerre (FN) - Belgium / Browning - USA

[ Belgium; El Salvador; Estonia; Finland; German Empire; Paraguay; Russia; Spain; Sweden; Turkey; United States ]

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Image of the Browning Model 1903 / FN M1903

Right side view of the Browning Model 1903 semi-automatic pistol

Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

PISTOL/SIDEARM

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 1

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 2

Going Further...
The Browning Model 1903 / FN M1903 Semi-Automatic Pistol appears in the following collections:

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