The Belgian Browning Hi-Power in the service of Germany during World War IIOne of the most popular E
The Belgian Browning Hi-Power in the service of Germany during World War IIOne of the most popular European pistols in the first half of the 20th century, the Belgian Browning Hi-Power semi-automatic pistol has the unique distinction of being heavily used by both Allied and Axis forces during World War II. It was a part invention of the legendary gun designer John Browning and part invention of Belgian designer Dieudonne Sieve of Fabrique Nationale. A single action semi-auto pistol chambered for 9mm, the FN Hi-Power was especially loved because it used a magazine that could hold 13 rounds, twice as many as most contemporary designs of the day. It also had a reputation for reliability and quality. Due to these factors, the FN Hi-Power became one of the most prolific military sidearms in history, being used by 50 countries.At the beginning of World War II the Hi-Power was primarily used by Allied forces, being manufactured by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium. However when Belgium was conquered by the Reich in 1940, Germany took over the FN factory and produced the Hi-Power for themselves. The German occupied Belgian pistol was designated the pistole 640(b) and stamped with German proof markings, it was primarily issued to the Wehrmacht (army). While many were issued to regular infantry, it was more specifically issued to the Fallschirmjagers (paratroopers) and also the Waffen SS (a combat contingent of the SS). Incredibly the Browning Hi-Power would become one of the most popular sidearms of the German military during World War II, even though it wasn’t technically German! So how popular was it? During the war the Wehrmacht’s main combat sidearm was the famous Walther P-38, of which 480,000 were produced and delivered to the military. During the four year occupation of Belgium 319,000 were produced and delivered. Unless I am mistaken, the Belgian Browning Hi-Power was the Third Reich’s 2nd most popular combat pistol. -- source link
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