JOHN M. BROWNING DAY
IN UTAH
January 24, 2011

at the Utah State Capitol building


More about Browning Civilian Pistols


FN Model 1899 and Model 1900 . 32 ACP caliber “Browning” semi-auto pistol
The first commercially successful semi-auto pistol in the world, and the start of Browning’s connection with Fabrique National (FN).  President Teddy Roosevelt had one of these  for personal protection.



Colt Model 1900 and Model 1902 .38 ACP caliber semi-auto pistol
The first semi-auto pistol made in the U.S., and the start of John M. Browning’s relationship with Colt.  This 1900 design was the first step towards what became the Model 1911. It had many improvements over his earlier 1897 design which had been sold to Fabrique National for the European market.



Colt Model 1903 .38 ACP caliber semi-auto pistol
Another step towards the 1911 design developed in 1903. The general shape and many of the mechanical features can be seen here, but there is still a lot of development left.



Colt Model 1908 .25 ACP caliber semi-auto pistol
A small “vest pocket” pistol for self defense invented in 1908.  Made by Colt and FN and copied by many other makers.



The famous Browning designed Model 1911 “.45 Automatic" (Still in production today!)
Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1911 after rigorous testing, it was soon sold on the commercial market by Colt.  After 100 years, the Model 1911 is now being made by at least 20 different makers in many different countries with almost no changes to the basic design, but with countless variations of cosmetic features. These are usually sold under many names, usually including 1911 or some variation of that.


Browning's original 1911 patent.


Celebrate Model 1911 Diversity!
Model 1911 pistols come in many different colors, shapes and sizes, and from various nations.
People should learn to love them all for their many different qualities.


Colt Woodsman .22 semi-auto Pistol (Still in production today!)
Developed in 1914 this prove be an extremely successful target and “plinking” pistol, sold as the Colt "Woodsman."



Browning Hi-Power 9mm semi-auto pistol (Still in production today!)
This was Browning’s last semi-auto pistol design, in 1924, but later finished by another FN engineer and reaching the retail market in 1935. This introduced a “high capacity” 13 round magazine as well as several mechanical features.


Browning Renaissance set (3 guns) .25 ACP, .380, 9mm semi-auto pistols
“Renaissance” grade sets featuring top quality engraving were first offered in 1954.  All three guns in the set were designed by John M. Browning: the 9mm High Power, the .380 Model 1910 and the .25 ACP Baby Browning.   Beautiful artistic embellishment has been a tradition on firearms for centuries.



Browning 1911-22 semi-auto pistol (Still in production!)
Introduced in 2011- The newest variation of the 1911 is this .22 caliber version just introduced by Browning, and made right here in Utah!
It is a 7/8 scale version of the Model 1911, but in .22 long rifle caliber.

 

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Copyright 2011 Fort Douglas Military Museum

John M. Browning Day was Sponsored by
And numerous private collectors and historians from around Utah