The Legacy of the Browning Hi-Power John Browning’s Final Firearm Design
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John Moses Browning is without a doubt the most influential firearm designer in the world. This is despite him passing away in 1926. However, his designs and impact have lingered well into the modern day. His last design, the Hi-Power, is no exception to this.
This weapon has become iconic in it’s own right. Whether it is Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop or the brief albeit historically inaccurate appearance in Raiders of the Lost Ark the Hi-Power has had a bunch of screen time. Video games and modern-day clones have kept this design alive.
What most do not know, however, is this design is thanks to the French. After World War I the French were looking to upgrade their pistol to a more modern design with a higher capacity. They had witnessed the effectiveness of a Browning design, the Colt 1911, up close and wanted a version of their own.
Due to Browning having already sold off his patent he had to start over. This new design would feature two prototypes that would be completed by other people as Browning would pass away in 1926 from congestive heart failure at his workbench working on this design.
The Hi-Power would feature some similarities to the 1911 in several of its features. The magazine release and take down are familiar to those who own 1911s. He did upgrade the magazines in the Hi-Power to feature a modern double stack design invented by Diedonne Saive. This greatly increased the capacity of the pistol while allowing for an ergonomic design.
The Hi-Power would be looked at as one of the premier guns of WW2 despite their rarity. There service life has extended to the present day with African nations still utilizing the Hi-Power as a part of their military and police forces. The Israelis would copy this pistol and make their own version the Kareen in the 1980’s.
When it comes to superior gun designs John Moses Browning is considered the best of the best. He invented more calibers, rifles, shotguns, and pistols than anyone else. His designs have endured the test of time and many are still in major production to this day.
The Hi-Power is no longer made in mass by the Browning company. However, Springfield Armory, and several Turkish companies such as Girsan make these pistols for the modern-day consumer. Many trust their lives to these pistols which speak of the enduring legacy it has.
Guns such as these really inspire the minds of people everywhere. Seeing such an iconic pop-culture firearm in the real world is a treat and we were excited to share it with you! Be sure to check out our Youtube video on this firearm in our “From the Vault” series! This pistol is on display in our store at our 2nd Amendment Museum where we can show these guns in person brought to you by Veteran Shredding. We look forward to seeing you.
