Any Info on the FN 1906 Pistol?

[Crownvicman]

Can anyone tell me anything about the FN Browning 1906 .25 pocket pistol? This was the model that was replaced by the Baby. It looks similar to the Colt Vest Pocket Pistol. Here is an Image I found online

 

[dfariswheel]

The Model 1906 was a smaller version of the Browning 1903 .32 auto.

It was produced in two versions:
First variation had no safety lever or slide lock, only the grip safety.

The Second variation added the safety lever and slide lock, and later versions also added a magazine disconnecter.

Available in blue or nickel, 1,086,100 were produced by FN/Browning between 1906 and 1959. Browning-made guns were also available in ornate engraved models.

This pistol was also produced by Colt as the "Vest Pocket" Model "N", and was produced from 1908 to 1941, with 409,000 made.

Copies were produced in huge numbers by Spanish gun makers.

 

[Jim K]

The gun was a "smaller version" of the Model 1903 Hammerless Pocket Pistol in general appearance, but the .25 models (FN and Colt) were striker fired, where the Model 1903 "Hammerless" actually had a hammer, though it was concealed. In the .25 models, the striker also acted as the ejector. Most Spanish and other copies had a hammer and a conventional ejector.

Jim

 

[Crownvicman]

Did Browning ever import these into the US? I thought FN and Colt had a deal not to sell pistols in each other's home market. I saw one of these in a gun shop recently, I was wondering how it got over here.

 

[Jim K]

It is my understanding that those guns, as well as other Browning FN guns were never imported here prior to WWII for the reasons you mention. Starting around 1954, the Model 1910, the Baby, and the Hi-Power were imported, but the old .25 never was. The Model 1910 and the Baby were banned from import in 1968, but a "target" version of the former was on the market for a while after that.

But thousands of American soldiers have been stationed in Belgium and at one time could buy handguns there and have them shipped home. In addition, the Germans used thousands of FN guns and these were taken as war trophies. Some surplus military guns, like the Model 1903 Swedish contract guns and the Dutch Model 1922, were also imported.

So the little Browning is rather uncommon, but there are a goodly number around; they are excellent defense pistols within the limitations of the caliber.

Jim

 

[Crownvicman]

Well, I bit and am waiting for the waiting period here in Maryland to pass. $150 for a what appears to be a good quality pocket pistol seemed like a fair deal.