Browning 1903 question

[BC Mike P]

I don't have any knowledge of these but I bought one today as it just appealed to me and my Xmas money was crying out to be spent. Do you know what year serial # 3170 would be?

Mike

Information

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[Claven2]

If it's a Swedish military gun in 9mm BL (likely if you are in Canada), then it was made between 1907 and 1914. There was no production to speak of between the German takeover of FN and when Husqvarna's production line started in 1917.

The Belgian made guns are M1903's and the Swedish version of the pistol is the M1907 denoting the date Sweden adopted the M1903.

If it's FN made and ex-swedish there is a good chance there will be some finish loss below the ejection port on the slide as the swedes removed some sort of marking from most of the FN made guns we see in Canada - no idea what it was and the Husqvarna made versions are untouched in this area.

Hope that helps.

[BC Mike P]

Very helpful thank you. I wonder if 1907-1914 can be nailed down closer to date of manufacture through research or buying the Browning book i've seen advertised. It's an FN 1903 in 9x20 as shown here.

[Claven2]

There could be a better way, but I'm not aware of it That is a Swedish issue gun though.

[Ivan Ivanovich]

Hello ! First post here,this is a nice forum and some swell folks ! Always thought the Browning 1903 was an oversize Colt 1903 Hammerless,or maybe the Colt is a mini Browning !
Check out this website Göta Vapenhistoriska Sällskap follow menu to find info on the Browning 1903/1907.
Century Arms had a bunch of boxer primed 9mm Browning Long ammo not too long ago at cheap price. Ivan has one of these neat pistols,a Swede manufacture rebuild. It is lots of fun to shoot and a good choice for recoil sensitive shooters. Have also a .380ACP barrel for it.Works well with both.

[Claven2]

Yes, the Colt and the FN/Browning guns are identical apart from the size and calibre. Both are Browning designed.