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.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 07/31/2019 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

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

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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.©MilitaryFactory.com

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Specifications

Service Year

1903

Origin

Belgium

Classification

Semi-Automatic Pistol

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

(View other Arms-Related Manufacturers)

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

(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)

✓ Pistol / Sidearm
Compact design for close-quarters work or general self-defense.

Overall Length

205 mm
8.07 in

Barrel Length

127 mm
5.00 in

Empty Wgt

2.00 lb
0.91 kg

Sights

Iron front and rear.

Action

Semi-Automatic; Blowback

Semi-Automatic
One shot per trigger pull; self-loading or auto-loading action aided by internal mechanism; trigger management (and initial cocking) typically required by the operator; subsequent shots are aided by the unlocked / moved bolt.

Blowback Operation
Gas pressure from the rearward movement of the ignited cartridge case provides the needed bolt movement, ejecting the spent case and stripping a fresh case from the magazine.

(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)

Caliber(s)*

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

Rounds / Feed

7- or 8-round detachable box magazine

*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources.
**Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.

Muzzle Velocity

1,050 ft/sec
(320 m/sec)

Model 1903 - Base Series Designation.

FN M1903 - Alternative Designation.

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

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Image of the Browning Model 1903 / FN M1903

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

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