10 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About the Legendary Browning Hi-Power

The iconic Browning Hi-Power is one of history’s most renowned and beloved pistols, but even dedicated firearms enthusiasts might not know all its secrets. Here are ten surprising facts about this pistol, which has found its way into the hands of military units, police, and collectors all around the globe.

#10: Developed by John Moses Browning – almost

Although the pistol carries the name Browning Hi-Power, it was not actually completed by the legendary firearms designer John Moses Browning himself. Browning died in 1926, and the pistol was finished by the Belgian designer Dieudonné Saive at FN Herstal.

#9: First pistol with a double-stack magazine

The Hi-Power was the world’s first semi-automatic pistol to introduce a double-stack magazine—allowing for a 13-round capacity. This was revolutionary at the time, setting a standard for modern handgun design.

#8: Served on both sides during World War II

The Hi-Power was used by both Allied and Axis forces during the Second World War. Belgium, where the pistol was manufactured, was occupied by German forces, who took over FN Herstal and widely issued the gun to Wehrmacht officers.

#7: Popular with Special Forces

The Browning Hi-Power has been favoured by special forces worldwide, including the British SAS and the FBI Hostage Rescue Team in the United States. Its reliability, ergonomics, and accuracy made it an ideal sidearm for demanding operations.

#6: Winston Churchill owned a Hi-Power

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill personally received a Browning Hi-Power, which he kept close by during World War II. The pistol became part of his personal arms collection and stands today as a historical artifact.

#5: Still in service—almost 90 years later

Despite its age, the Browning Hi-Power remains in active service with military and law enforcement in countries such as Canada and India. Its enduring reputation is a testament to its quality and timeless design, which continues to compete with contemporary handguns.

#4: Designed for the French Army—but never adopted by them

The original order for the Browning Hi-Power actually came from the French Army, who were looking for a new service pistol. Ironically, the French military never put the pistol into widespread service, but that order was the catalyst for its global rise in popularity.

#3: The world’s most copied pistol

The Browning Hi-Power is one of the most copied pistols in the world. It has been produced in various versions in countries like Argentina, Canada, India, and Hungary—often without license—further demonstrating its global appeal.

#2: Used as a symbol of revolution and freedom

Owing to its widespread availability, the Hi-Power has been seen as a symbol of revolution and resistance against oppression. It was notably used during the Rhodesian Bush War and in several Middle Eastern conflicts, earning its place as an icon of defiance.

#1: Fired some of history’s most infamous shots?

The Browning Hi-Power has played a role in many notable historical events. It has even been claimed that Che Guevara was executed with a Browning Hi-Power in 1967—making this pistol one that has left a unique mark on world history in more ways than one.

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