Anyone own one? Are they good shooters? I see quite a few on the auction sites, but don't know anything about them. Considering the maker I assume they must be a reliable piece.
FN Browning Model 1922
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Absalom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Yes. I don’t currently own the 1922 version, only the 1910, but here is the background:
The FN 1922 is the extended version of the FN 1910, one of the most successful compact pistols of the 20th century, in service from 1912 to the 1980s.
The 1910 was enlarged to the 1922 version (I think technically labeled the 1910/22) after WW I for military customers who wanted a larger pistol, but at an affordable price. The newly created Kingdom of Yugoslavia was the first customer.
You can find these with all kinds of markings of interest to collectors, or just a standard FN shooter in any condition you’re willing to pay for. They are really slick, have no sharp corners, are reliable; just the safety is not exactly ergonomical, like on most pistols of that era.
The FN 1922 is the extended version of the FN 1910, one of the most successful compact pistols of the 20th century, in service from 1912 to the 1980s.
The 1910 was enlarged to the 1922 version (I think technically labeled the 1910/22) after WW I for military customers who wanted a larger pistol, but at an affordable price. The newly created Kingdom of Yugoslavia was the first customer.
You can find these with all kinds of markings of interest to collectors, or just a standard FN shooter in any condition you’re willing to pay for. They are really slick, have no sharp corners, are reliable; just the safety is not exactly ergonomical, like on most pistols of that era.
italiansport
Member
The Model 1922 was a well-kept secret as a collectible to many of us for quite some time. These are excellent pistols and served as the police standard issue in much of Europe up until the 1970s. They have gone up considerably in price in the last couple of years but still, IMO remain a good value for collectibles from this era and are excellent shooters to boot!
Jim
Jim
I own both a 1910 and a 1922. They are both fine weapons but the 1910 feels much better in my hand. The 1922, in .380, was used as a police gun in Japan for a LONG time and, as noted elsewhere, in much of Europe. Field stripping is a little strange, but they shoot just fine.
When the Germans overran Belgium in 1940, they captured the Fabrique Nationale plant in Herstal and used it to manufacture both the P.35 High Power and the Browning M1922 .32 pistol to equip their people. Most of the M1922s went to the Luftwaffe initially, but later they were widely issued to the Waffen SS and other units.
I have one of the German guns with WWII-era proofs, pictured below. I wrote about the Model 1922 a number of years ago in the Blue Press, and the Model 1910 only recently. Interesting guns, and becoming more collectable now.
John
I have one of the German guns with WWII-era proofs, pictured below. I wrote about the Model 1922 a number of years ago in the Blue Press, and the Model 1910 only recently. Interesting guns, and becoming more collectable now.
John
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bulletslap
Member
I have one of the Waffenamt 32s, great little shooter.
One of the most reasonably priced Nazi marked guns to purchase.
One of the most reasonably priced Nazi marked guns to purchase.
OP
Great info guys, thanks for the comments. And John, I found your article from a few years back, very informative.
I had one a few years back and I recall I didn't really like shooting it. Both the grip safety and snappiness turned me off. And as I decided I would not collect/accumulate these it went by the boards in favor of a Colt 1903, which I liked much better and will eventually find itself in one of my children's gun safes.
If I were to get another (and there are two in the case of my LGS) it would be in .32acp not .380. I think the gun was designed for 32 and the 380 was a bit much for such a small frame, at least for me. I like my Beretta 85F in 380 a lot more.
If I were to get another (and there are two in the case of my LGS) it would be in .32acp not .380. I think the gun was designed for 32 and the 380 was a bit much for such a small frame, at least for me. I like my Beretta 85F in 380 a lot more.
fiasconva
Member
I have one of those with the Nazi markings. It is a tough little gun and built like a mini tank. Mine has the wooden grips.
I have one of the 1910 models in .380, and the 1922 is basically the 1910 with a barrel extension. I believe the 1922 is most often found in .32 acp, but made in both .32 and .380.
I like mine, they have very smooth slender profile, and no sharp edges to catch on clothing. I can see why they were very popular for carry. I have had no problems with mine but will pass on the recommendation of a short piece of 1/2" ID rubber hose as a tool to assist take down. Removing and replacing the barrel bushing can be challenging.
I like mine, they have very smooth slender profile, and no sharp edges to catch on clothing. I can see why they were very popular for carry. I have had no problems with mine but will pass on the recommendation of a short piece of 1/2" ID rubber hose as a tool to assist take down. Removing and replacing the barrel bushing can be challenging.
italiansport
Member
I have one of the 1910 models in .380, and the 1922 is basically the 1910 with a barrel extension. I believe the 1922 is most often found in .32 acp, but made in both .32 and .380.
I like mine, they have very smooth slender profile, and no sharp edges to catch on clothing. I can see why they were very popular for carry. I have had no problems with mine but will pass on the recommendation of a short piece of 1/2" ID rubber hose as a tool to assist take down. Removing and replacing the barrel bushing can be challenging.
As an aside here, the Browning Model 1910 in 380 was the pistol used by Gavrilo Princip the Serb who assassinated Archduke Ferdinand and his wife Sofie and was one of the principal events to kick off WW I. I believe this pistol is on display in Austria!
Ji.
Absalom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Indeed. At the Heeresgeschichtliches Museum in Vienna (Museum of Army History), together with the Archduke's car.
A Serbian intelligence officer purchased four of these pistols at a gunshop in Belgrade. The one on display, 19074, is believed to be the gun used by Princip. It ended up in the possession of a Jesuit community and didn't resurface until the early 2000s.
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