Browning Hi Power Serial Numbers
Why Do Some Hi Powers Have Serial Numbers in Multiple Places?
& Sako High Power Rifles. Introduced in 1959. Date of manufacture code included with the serial number. Post 1958 manufacture dates. I recently purchased an Hi Power. The serial number is in the 289XXX range without letters. According to the Browning WEB site 1153XX ran into 1964 during which they later started adding the 'T' prefix. The ringed hammer and single-sided thumb safety, I believe, are original which would mark this as a pre-MKII, pre-70s pistol. My wife has a Browning Hi-Power that she inherited from her grandfather. He was in the OSS during WW2, and my understanding is that the OSS guys preferred the Hi-Power to the 1911. Matching serial numbers, and from what I've found based on the serial it was probably made early 1945 (serial is 4CH3XXX). Serial number 65XX is located on the barrel were it can be read through the ejection port. Serial number SS65XX is located on slide directly below the number on the barrel 3. Serial number 65XX is located on frame below the slides serial number just above the trigger and trigger guard. Upon closer examination the slide stop has been.
As most know, Fabrique Nationale manufactures the Hi Power pistol. Commonly known in the United States as the 'Browning Hi Power', it is imported by Browning and while it bears the their logo, it is manufactured by FN.
Browning Hi Power Serial Numbers Date Manufactured Homes
FN is a large manufacturer of firearms from handguns to heavy machineguns and has customers worldwide.
There is no universal law decreeing where a firearm's serial number must be. In the US, the frame is the firearm and must be serial numbered. In South Africa, it is the barrel. You get the idea: FN must produce firearms meeting legal requirements of their individual customers all over the world. There may be countries in which it is required that all three major components of the Hi Power have serial numbers, but I do not know that for a fact. I suspect also that having the barrels, slides and frames of individual Hi Powers numbered make it easier for military units maintaining multiple Hi Powers keep the pistols assembled as they came from the factory after routine field-stripping, cleaning, etc.
Some of my Browning-marked Hi Powers came with the serial numbers only on the frame while others bear them on both the frame and barrel. I have seen them marked on the slide, barrel and frame as well. There doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason to why unless from possible military overruns or pistols initially intended for purchase in countries other than the US.
/fundy-designer-free-download-with-crack-for-mac.html. The major difference in serial number locations I've seen in more recent times involves the frame. On Browning-marked pistols, it remains on the front grip strap while FN-marked Hi Powers are serial numbered on the side of the frame.
Browning Hi Power Serial Numbers Pre War
Best.