Browning 1906

[katastrof0]

Hi there!

For some odd reason i am very interested in tiiiiiny pocket autos all of a sudden..

Been searching the used market here in Norway and found this one
http://wingevapen.no/images/IDNR64250001.JPG

How is the quality of these Brownings? Is this the same as the "Baby Browning" and if not what is the difference between the models?

Im not expecting it to be a tackdriver when it comes to accuracy, but what should i expect from this gun at say.. max 15 feet under ideal conditions?

What is the build quality like?

BB John

 

[bannockburn]

katastof0

That's not a Baby Browning but a J.M. Browning design that Colt sold in the U.S. as the Model 1908 Hammerless. Browning originally designed this gun back in 1904, and FN manufactured it beginning in 1906. A few years later, Browning leased the rights to Colt to build it in the U.S. Eventually Colt and FN entered into an agreement which restricted sales of Colt pistols of Browning's designs to U.S. markets only, and FN sales of Browning's designs to European markets only. All other markets were open to both firms for sales. This particular .25 is a very fine pocket auto, of a very high level of quality and manufacture.

 

[Old Fuff]

There can be a problem with FN/Browning pistols that are striker fired. In these models (including the little 1906 Vest Pocket Model) the firing pin has a long nose that also works as the cartridge ejector. This isn't an issue when it comes to ejecting fired cases, but it can be when ejecting an unfired round.

Always remove the loaded magazine first, and then gently eject the round in the chamber if there is one.

Also don't dry fire the pistol unless there is a fired case or snap-cap in the chamber. Otherwise you can break off that long nose on the firing pin.

That said, you will find it to be a high quality pistol of its kind. Between the two world wars it was very popular, both in Europe and the United States.