New to Me FN Browning Model 1971

This is an oddball 380acp pistol. It's basically the old-fashioned FN Browning 1910 with a longer barrel, large adjustable sights, "target grips" (a thumbrest on the left side), and a pinky extension on the magazine. All of these minor changes were to make it importable after the 1968 restrictions. My understanding is that they weren't very popular and were only imported for a few years.

But... I often shoot at 15 yards, and none of my 380acp pistols are as accurate as I would like at that distance. Even the service-type pistols like the Colt Government Model 380 have smallish fixed sights and shortish barrels. I thought it would be nice to have a 380acp pistol with a longer barrel and larger, hopefully adjustable, sights to help make up for my aging eyes and mediocre shooting skills. I already have plenty of revolvers, 22's, and larger-caliber semi-automatic pistols that help make up for my deficiencies.

I have a Beretta Model 100, which is basically one of their smaller 32acp SA pistols with a longer barrel and adjustable sights. It is pretty darned accurate at 15 yards, and not terrible at 25. I started wondering if there might be a 380acp equivalent...

Enter the FN Browning Model 1971. I managed to win a decent-looking one on Gunbroker for a bid of just under $307. I picked it up from my FFL yesterday.

It has a few surface scratches and moderate finish wear in various places. From the frame rails, other interior parts, and overall condition, I would say that it was shot a moderate amount, but not really very much. I wouldn't be surprised if it was just sitting somewhere for a while. It was a bit dirty inside, and there was a little bit of light rust starting inside the magazine well and in the slide serrations.

It's a nicely-made pistol. Overall the fit and finish are very nice. The magazine is of good quality. The sights are large and look well-made. The trigger is a little heavier than I prefer (I'm spoiled), but is okay and has a short travel. The slide to frame fit is a little bit loose, but not terrible by any means. The factory blueing job was very nice. I've lightened the picture up so that you can see the markings and scratches and wear more clearly, but in person most of the blueing still looks great.

Ergonomically it's a little strange. I have XXL hands, and this basically a small-framed pistol with a longer barrel (a bit over 4") tacked on. I will have to be conscious of the grip safety - it isn't as effortless as the one on my 1903. (The 1910 is supposed to be a minor improvement on the 1903, IIRC. The way the barrel fits into the slide and frame is very similar.) It doesn't hold open after the last round is fired, which is mildly annoying, but basically unimportant for a range toy. The takedown isn't as easy as some, but overall not too bad. I can take it down in less than a minute after only the third time.

I would have to say that it points naturally and well for me. If I just point it at something and then check the sights, it tends to be pretty close to spot on. Even with the long barrel it balances nicely. I've been very busy lately and won't get to shoot it until next weekend. I'll post a range report after I do. It's kind of an odd little pistol, but I like quirky handguns, so it was an appropriate 53rd birthday present to myself. I'm looking forward to shooting it!

Thanks for all of the kind comments. That's a very cool old picture. I guess that they had been making them almost non-stop since 1910, so the production costs must have been pretty low by 1973.

I couldn't help but notice that the overall shape reminds me very much of my Buck Mark. Maybe it's not a coincidence.