FN Model 1903
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The FN Model 1903, or Browning No.2 was a self-loading semi-automatic pistol engineered by John Browning and made by Fabrique Nationale. It was introduced in 1903 and fired the 9 × 20 mm SR Browning Long cartridge.
It should not be confused with the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless (in .32 ACP), nor the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammer (in .38 ACP), although they are also designs of John Browning. John Browning sold his designs to both companies (and others as well).
Due to its reliability, accuracy, light weight, and quick reloading, the M1903 was an issued sidearm for many police forces and militaries, including those of Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Sweden (manufactured under license as the Husqvarna m/1907).
Many of these pistols were later modified, with a bushing in the chamber, to fire the more common .380 ammunition. Although a blow back design, the large mass and thick steel of the M1903 and M1907 make them stronger than most .380 pistols made 100 years later.
[edit] In popular culture
The FN1903 was, for a time, used by fictional superspy James Bond in John Gardener's series of Bond novels. It replaced the secret agent's venerable Walther PPK after a real life incident in which a Walther used by a British police officer jammed while attempting to protect Princess Anne from kidnappers.
