Hi-Power Pistol

Today dear readers, our Monday morning gun porn is somewhat bittersweet for me as my Hi Power was seized by the State as few years ago. Notwithstanding the UKs absurd firearms legislation, today we celebrate John Moses Browning’s classic design

Initially, the "High Power" pistol was designed by John M. Browning in 1925 and was patented in the USA in 1927, soon after the death of the Browning. The design was aquired by Belgian state-owned company FN Herstal, and improved by FN designer Dieudonne Saive. The resulting pistol was shelved until 1935, when Belgian army was ready to adopt new sidearm.

The HP was offered for trials and won, and was adopted as a Model 1935 pistol. Soon after that it was also adopted by Belgian police and by many foreign countries, including the Britich Commonwealth ones. The High Power is the only sidearm that served for both sides in WW2. Germany used many HPs manufactured in occupied Belgium, while Allies used HPs manufactured mostly in Canada by Inglis. The HP continues its service well into the 21st century with many armies and police forces, being the second longest 'living' service pistol after another famous Browning design, the Colt 1911.