I couldnt resist. Browning 1955

[SG-688]

I recall a story of one of these going off "by itself".

In a coat pocket, hanging up in the closet. So yes… [/QUOTE

"Story" might be the issue here. Extremely unlikely if the gun was in original condition. The cocking notch on the striker would have to shear off under pressure of the little striker spring or be an under size replacement that didn't fit it's tunnel in the slide

I recall that being told by a major name in a published article or book. The "who" now eludes me.

I recently found a striker and spring for a friend whose pistol was missing same. The little nubbin on the striker didn't look very substantial.

Certainly a neat pistol although too tiny in my hand.

 

[old tanker]

The Browning 1910/1955 has a cousin. In a response to a request by the Yugoslav Army, the Model 1922 had a slightly longer barrel, made possible by a clever slide extension, and a longer grip frame to accommodate an extra two rounds.

 

[Heinz]

Heinz, very nice first year 1910. Were all first year pistols 7.65's?

T4

I have never seen that statement. It was designed to fire either caliber with only switching the barrel. Although the magazines have a different spacing on the view holes, they are completely interchangeable.
Given that production was started in 1912 and Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, with a 380, I think the 380 was available from the beginning. But that is my guess. I will see if I can get ahold of Anthony Vanderlinden who is the FN expert.

 

[Darkenfast]

I stopped at the local gun shop looking for something new. Hiding in the back of the bottom shelf of used pistols was this little 1968 Browning 1955. Beautiful lines and excellent condition. I had to have it. After finishing the paperwork I was about to pay and the shop owner says "hold on, there is a bag of goodies". He brings out a ziploc with 2 extra mags, 10-71 slide, barrel, spring, bushing and grips. Great little package. Can swap out the carry slide for a target slide. Now I have to find a 7.65 barrel and I'll be totally happy.

I added a picture of the 55 next to my old 36. Makes the 36 look big.

About that picture with the Model 36: For many decades, .38 Special meant 158 gr. RNL at some where in the mid-600 fps from a two-inch barrel, and .380 ACP meant 95 gr. FMJ in the high 800 fps range from the typical 3 1/2 (ish) tubes popular on autos like the Browning. You can see why much of the world preferred the auto, especially considering the compactness. I seriously doubt a felon shot with either one could tell the difference, and I'll bet most people could learn to shoot the auto quickly and easily.

I always smiled at the approach that the Netherlands federal-level paramilitaries took in the 1920s: They settled on the 1922 version in .380 (photo in a post above), with a total of six eight-round magazines (one in gun, one in pocket on holster, FOUR more in belt pouch. With the longer barrel (4 1/2 inch), and better sights, I think they maximized what you could do with a blowback .380.