Make: Fabrique Nationale

Model: Browning M1922, German Occupied Production

Serial Number: 44800a

Year of Manufacture: 1943-1944

Caliber: .32 ACP/7.65mm

Action Type: Striker Fired Semi Auto Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 4 1/2"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel bushing above the muzzle. The rear sight is a V-notch dovetailed to the top rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checked hard rubber with FN monogram at their tops. The left panel is relieved for a lanyard ring, but the frame has no provision for a ring. The grips have even light handling wear with some light nicks and scuffs. There are tool marks around the screw head. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original. The slide, frame, barrel and bushing are serial-matched.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright, the rifling is well defined. There is scattered light erosion and some minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 6/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 20% of its metal finish. The firing pin has broken off of the striker. Remaining finish is scattered, strongest in the bushing. Other finish is mostly in protected areas or around raised features. Most surfaces show wear or have gone to a light patina. There is scattered light surface oxidation. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are generally clear, some German marks are poorly struck. Overall, this pistol is in Fair-Good condition.

Mechanics: The firing pin has broken off the striker. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A single 9-round magazine is included, not marked.

Our Assessment: FN modified their Model 1910 pistol with a longer barrel and slide extension, and a larger frame and magazine, for sale to the Yugoslav military in 1922. It was also made for police and military contracts to several other countries in Europe. They were still in production when the Germans overran Belgium in 1940 and several hundred thousand were produced under occupation. This Model 1922 is one such variant made from 1943-1944 after a letter suffix was introduced to the serial number. This pistol is in Fair-Good condition with about 20% of its finish remaining and serial-matching parts. The firing pin has broken off of the striker, but it is otherwise in good mechanical condition. This is a neat find for collectors of European pistols used in WWII. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!