The FN High Power pistol you’ll find today modernizes John Browning’s 1935 design with premium updates. You’re getting a 4.7-inch cold hammer-forged barrel, 17-round capacity, and enhanced ergonomics in a 40-ounce steel-frame construction. It features a 5-pound single-action trigger, ambidextrous controls, and blacked-out adjustable sights. The refined mechanics eliminate the classic hammer bite while maintaining the iconic pistol’s heritage. Let’s explore what makes this premium 9mm truly special.
Key Takeaways
- The FN High Power is a premium 9mm pistol featuring modern improvements to John Browning’s 1935 design with a 17-round magazine capacity.
- Built with a cold hammer-forged steel barrel and frame, the pistol weighs 40 ounces and offers exceptional reliability and accuracy.
- Features include a 5-pound trigger pull, ambidextrous safety lever, grip safety, and magazine disconnect for enhanced operation.
- Premium construction includes a PVD finish, blacked-out adjustable sights, and improved ergonomics without the classic hammer bite issue.
- Regular maintenance through proper cleaning and lubrication ensures consistent performance and longevity of this metal-framed handgun.
Description
Building upon the classic Hi-Power design, the FN High Power is a 9mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistol that offers modern improvements while maintaining its predecessor’s iconic profile.
The new FN High Power enhances the service pistol’s functionality with a 17-round magazine capacity and 509-pattern sights for aftermarket compatibility. You’ll find its accuracy impressive, delivering groups of 2.35 inches with 115gr and 1.93 inches with 147gr ammunition at 20 yards.
Price Range
The premium construction and performance of the FN High Power come with a corresponding investment, carrying an MSRP of $1,384.99. You’ll find this collector’s item positioned in the upper tier of 9mm pistols, reflecting FN’s renowned craftsmanship.
| Price Factor | Market Position | Value Proposition |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | Premium Segment | Brand Heritage |
| Materials | High-End | Premium Build |
| Construction | Top Tier | Collector Appeal |
| Retail Price | Investment Grade | Lasting Value |
| Market Status | Specialty Class | Premium Status |
Specifications
The FN High Power’s robust steel frame weighs 40 ounces, making it noticeably heavier than many modern polymer-framed pistols. You’ll find this 9×19mm Parabellum handgun equipped with a 4.7-inch barrel that provides excellent sight radius and accuracy potential. The pistol’s 13-round detachable box magazine combines with ambidextrous controls to create a versatile shooting platform.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 40 ounces |
| Barrel Length | 4.7 inches |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Chambering | 9×19mm Parabellum |
| Magazine Capacity | 13 rounds |
Weight
Weighing approximately 2.5 pounds (40 ounces) unloaded, FN’s High Power pistol stands notably heavier than modern polymer-framed competitors like the Glock 17. You’ll find this gun’s all-steel construction accounts for its substantial heft, exceeding the Glock by over a pound.
This deliberate design feature provides enhanced stability and superior recoil management when you’re firing the weapon.
Barrel Length
Looking at core specifications, FN’s High Power pistol features a 4.7-inch cold hammer-forged steel barrel with a 1:9.84″ right-hand twist rate. The barrel’s rifling ensures optimal bullet stabilization during flight, while its muzzle features a precision-engineered crown that enhances accuracy.
You’ll find the barrel securely attached to the frame using a modern linkless camming system.
Material Made Out Of
Constructed primarily from steel, FN’s High Power pistol builds upon its precision barrel with a robust frame that balances durability and weight. The lightweight steel frame incorporates two essential safety features: grip safety and manual safety.
You’ll find the steel construction extends throughout the pistol’s core components, ensuring reliable performance while maintaining practical carry weight for everyday use.
Chambered In
The FN High Power comes chambered in the proven 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, delivering optimal stopping power and ammunition availability.
You’ll find this chambering perfectly matched with the pistol’s 4.7-inch barrel length, which helps maximize the cartridge’s ballistic potential.
The 9x19mm Parabellum configuration allows for a standard magazine capacity of 13 rounds, offering reliable firepower when needed.
Capacity
Building upon its 9x19mm Parabellum chambering, FN’s High Power boasts an impressive 17-round magazine capacity, marking a significant improvement over its predecessor’s 13-round configuration.
The larger frame dimensions of the High Power accommodate this enhanced capacity, delivering increased firepower through its redesigned magazine well. You’ll find this expanded magazine capacity particularly beneficial for both tactical and competitive applications.
Trigger Pull
Featuring a precisely engineered 5-pound, 2-ounce trigger pull, FN’s High Power delivers crisp, consistent performance with 1/8-inch take-up and a Beretta 92-style reset.
You’ll find the trigger characteristics slightly heavier than the original Browning Hi-Power, but the short, well-defined trigger feel aligns with modern service pistol standards, meeting both military and law enforcement requirements.
Safety?
When evaluating safety features, you’ll find FN’s High Power incorporates three distinct mechanisms: an ambidextrous safety lever, a grip safety, and a magazine disconnect safety.
The thumb safety can be operated from either side of the frame, while the grip safety requires proper hand placement to function. The magazine disconnect safety prevents discharge when the magazine is removed.
Action
The FN High Power’s mechanics center on a single-action, semi-automatic operation that delivers a precise 5-pound, 2-ounce trigger pull with a Beretta 92-style reset. You’ll find the short, crisp trigger pull enhances shooting precision, while the ambidextrous controls accommodate both right and left-handed shooters.
The streamlined design incorporates an internal extractor and eliminates the magazine safety found in previous versions.
Optic Ready?
Unlike modern striker-fired pistols, the FN High Power maintains its classic iron sight configuration without optics-ready capabilities. You’ll find fixed iron sights featuring a black rear sight paired with a white dot front sight.
If you’re considering mounting a red dot optic, you’ll need significant modifications or a custom slide installation, as the pistol’s original design doesn’t accommodate direct optics mounting.
Review
In your assessment of the FN High Power, you’ll find its most notable advantages are the crisp single-action trigger, enhanced 17-round capacity, and the elimination of the classic hammer bite issue.
The pistol’s shortcomings include its premium price point at $1,384.99 and the absence of an accessory rail for modern attachments. Your range testing will confirm its exceptional reliability through 550 rounds, with impressive accuracy delivering sub-2.5-inch groups at 20 yards using both 115gr and 147gr ammunition.
Pros
Building upon the legendary Hi-Power design, FN’s modernized High Power Pistol delivers significant improvements while maintaining core elements that made the original iconic. You’ll appreciate the enhanced slide assembly and how the single-action trigger is crisp and consistent.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Blacked-out adjustable sights | Enhanced target acquisition |
| 17-round capacity | Increased firepower |
| PVD finish | Superior durability |
| Improved ergonomics | Eliminates hammer bite |
The pistol demonstrates exceptional accuracy, achieving 1.93-inch groups with competition ammunition at 20 yards, while maintaining 100% reliability through extensive testing.
Cons
While the FN High Power Pistol excels in many areas, several notable drawbacks warrant consideration. You’ll find the high MSRP of $1,385 particularly steep, and the absence of an accessory rail limits your modernization options. The trigger guard design, coupled with a 5.2-pound pull weight, impacts performance, while the locking lugs and hammer shank maintain traditional specifications.
| Component | Limitation | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rail | None Present | No Optics/Lights |
| Trigger | Heavy Pull | Reduced Accuracy |
| Price | $1,385 MSRP | Limited Access |
| Support | Minimal | Few Upgrades |
| Market | Limited | Parts Scarcity |
Reliability
How does the FN High Power perform under real-world conditions? You’ll find consistent performance backed by a 550-round torture test showing 100% reliability. The pistol’s durable PVD finish protects against wear while ensuring reliable function with various 9mm loads, including +P ammunition.
Long-term users report the High Power maintains its smooth, dependable action even after extensive use and regular maintenance.
Similar Models
Several notable pistol models share design lineage with the original Browning Hi-Power, starting with FN’s own modernized High Power introduced after the classic Hi-Power’s discontinuation in 2018.
FN America’s product line reflects this heritage through the compact FN 503, the innovative Five-seven, and the polymer-framed FNX and FNS series, all incorporating elements of the classic Hi-Power design in their modern configurations.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Beyond FN’s own product line, numerous manufacturers have created comparable service pistols that share design philosophies with the FN High Power.
You’ll find the CZ 75 and Sig Sauer P226 featuring similar metal-framed construction, while the Beretta 92 offers an innovative open-slide design.
In the United States, Smith & Wesson’s stainless steel 5906 and Heckler & Koch’s USP with polymer grips represent modern interpretations of the platform.
Maintenance
Maintaining your FN High Power pistol requires systematic disassembly and cleaning procedures to ensure reliable operation. You’ll need to remove the magazine, clear the chamber, and rotate the takedown lever to separate the slide and barrel from the frame.
Clean all metal components with solvent, focusing on the barrel and action. Apply quality gun oil to slide rails and moving parts before reassembling.
History
The FN High Power’s legacy began in 1935 when John Browning’s final pistol design entered production at FN Herstal. The pistol quickly gained military contracts worldwide, becoming a standard sidearm during World War II.
Its innovative 13-round magazine capacity and reliable design influenced countless modern handguns, including those from Springfield Armory. After 83 years of continuous production, even as fiber optic sights became standard, FN discontinued the High Power in 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the FN High Power Discontinued?
Yes, you’ll find that FN Herstal discontinued the High Power in 2018, ending its remarkable 83-year production run. While accurate production numbers aren’t publicly available, this legendary 9mm handgun influenced countless modern pistol designs through its innovative double-stack magazine and ergonomic grip.
Though you can’t buy new factory models today, the High Power’s historical significance lives on through its impact on contemporary firearms engineering and design.
What Pistol Do Most Navy SEALS Carry?
You’ll find that most Navy SEALs rely on either the Sig Sauer P226 or P320 as their primary sidearm. These high capacity 9mm pistols have become the standard for duty grade 9mm sidearms in SEAL operations.
While Navy SEAL handgun selection has evolved over the years, these Sig models consistently prove their worth through superior reliability, modular design capabilities, and combat performance. They’re specifically modified to meet rigorous SEAL mission requirements.
Is a FN Better Than a Glock?
You’ll find that both FN and Glock excel in different areas, making a “better” choice dependent on your needs. For concealed carry performance, Glocks typically offer lighter polymer frames. However, FN’s ergonomics often provide better natural pointing and grip comfort.
While modern Glocks generally have higher magazine capacity, FN’s designs often deliver smoother trigger pulls and enhanced accuracy. Consider your priorities in weight, handling, and intended use when choosing between these reliable platforms.
What Is the Highest Quality 9mm Pistol?
You’d think there’d be one clear winner, but here’s the truth: there’s no single “best” 9mm pistol. The Sig P226, Glock 19, CZ-75 B, Beretta 92FS, and S&W M&P9 all excel in different areas. Your ideal self-defense firearm depends on your specific needs.
Consider concealed carry performance, target shooting capability, and personal ergonomics. Each pistol offers outstanding technical precision and reliability, but they’ll feel different in your hands. Choose what works best for you.
Conclusion
You’ll find the FN High Power’s legacy in over 50 years of military service across 60+ nations, demonstrating its remarkable reliability and precision engineering. The pistol’s 13-round magazine capacity revolutionized military sidearms in 1935, doubling the standard capacity of contemporary designs. Today’s modernized versions maintain John Browning’s core engineering principles while incorporating enhanced ergonomics and updated materials for improved performance.
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