FN GP35 - Denmark and .30 Luger

[CLASSIC12]

I recently found two rare FN GP35. One is a Denmark [emoji1087] army pistol. About 1700 were delivered to Denmark in 1946.

I stupidly passed on this one (serial 1170) for $ 520 four years ago almost to the day

In fairness I had not developed the interest I have today for this model, and did not realise its historical significance. Also it looked worse in the flesh than on the pictures, with scratches and wear.

Nevertheless I’ve kicked myself a little bit since, as it was really dirt cheap.

Anyway, saw an add for another one, serial 0528, called the seller, had to convince him to sell it to me since we were two strongly interested parties, including offering $ 100.- above the asking price, and got it for $ 810.-

The other one is a Browning marked model in 7.65 mm Parabellum or .30 Luger. It’s a caliber I am fond of and I have accumulated several pistols in this caliber (Sig P210 & 220, Walther P 38, Swiss Luger). It was at an LGS for over a year at $ 1200. I visited this LGS for the first time in order to buy 30’000 rounds of 9mm ammo.

I took the opportunity to check the pistol and haggle the price. We agreed at $ 1000.-

Anyone knows when it was made ?

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

The Great Dane really does it for me!

A $1000 P35 has my interest also, but not near as much.

30K of ammo, WOW!

Ivan

 

[CLASSIC12]

The Great Dane really does it for me!

A $1000 P35 has my interest also, but not near as much.

30K of ammo, WOW!

Ivan

Well I’m sharing it with friends (post #49)

Second hand ammo

 

[Rock185]

If I read the serial number right (PZ), your .30 Hi Power is of 1981 manufacture. Back then, some distributor is the US was closing them out, and I bought a new one. My thought was that with a 9mm barrel, I'd have a switch caliber .30/9mm Hi Power. WRONG! The .30 uses a smaller diameter barrel, and a very thin, light, almost delicate appearing slide. I recall the magazines were caliber specific, 7.65 IIRC.

The .30 Luger ammo was not commonly available around here, but I rounded up a few boxes to shoot and chronograph. I should have kept the gun, they have now become collectible over here....

Compared with you, I fear I am very 9mm ammo deficient

 

[Liftrat]

Very nice pair of HiPowers, Classic12! I, too, especially like the Dane. I got several of their M1 Garand rifles when they were returned years ago; some interesting bits of history.

 

[CLASSIC12]

If I read the serial number right (PZ), your .30 Hi Power is of 1981 manufacture. Back then, some distributor is the US was closing them out, and I bought a new one. My thought was that with a 9mm barrel, I'd have a switch caliber .30/9mm Hi Power. WRONG! The .30 uses a smaller diameter barrel, and a very thin, light, almost delicate appearing slide. I recall the magazines were caliber specific, 7.65 IIRC.

The .30 Luger ammo was not commonly available around here, but I rounded up a few boxes to shoot and chronograph. I should have kept the gun, they have now become collectible over here....

Compared with you, I fear I am very 9mm ammo deficient

Yes it’s PZ, 1981, thanks.

I’ve also accumulated a good stock of 7.65 ammo, so I can shoot it for some years to come

 

[CLASSIC12]

Very nice pair of HiPowers, Classic12! I, too, especially like the Dane. I got several of their M1 Garand rifles when they were returned years ago; some interesting bits of history.

Thanks

LGS has a Danish Garand. Price is a bit high imo though

 

[TheHobbyist]

It is just astounding what you find locally. Congratulations! No idea what fair market value would be here in the US on that one, but I would guess over double what you paid. Wow.

I think someone mentioned it in one of your other posts on here, but you really are living the dream in terms of shooting sports. Great gun shop, amazing shooting club with good people and vistas that are inspiring.

Time to breathe some fresh air and send some more rounds down range!

 

[CLASSIC12]

It is just astounding what you find locally. Congratulations! No idea what fair market value would be here in the US on that one, but I would guess over double what you paid. Wow.

I think someone mentioned it in one of your other posts on here, but you really are living the dream in terms of shooting sports. Great gun shop, amazing shooting club with good people and vistas that are inspiring.

Time to breathe some fresh air and send some more rounds down range!

You know, every week I discover more and more the depth and quality of the Swiss gun collecting community. One of my shooting buddy who is a bit older than me tells me tales of travelling to Belgium or London and bringing back amazing guns at incredibly low prices a few decades ago, different times and different laws. And many of those gun collectors are aging or even passing away, which is putting a lot of quality hardware on the market.

And yes, shooting is still a very strong tradition deeply rooted in the Swiss culture.