GunsAmerica

Quick Look

The FN 1900 is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning and produced by Fabrique Nationale starting in 1900. It features a blowback design with an integral magazine, offering reliable sidearm function at the dawn of the 20th century. Today, it remains a notable collector's piece, valued for its historical significance and early semi-auto design.

Why It's a Top Choice

Simple blowback mechanism ensures reliability
Integral magazine prevents feeding issues
Compact design for its era
Durable steel construction
Unique historical and collector appeal

Key Variants

FN 1900 Standard

Original production model with 7-round integral magazine, ideal for early 20th-century users.

FN 1900 Browning Patent

Early variations emphasizing patented safety and loading mechanisms for improved handling.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	FN 1900	Luger P08	Bergmann Bey 1915
MSRP	N/A (Collector’s item)	Historic collectible	Historic collectible
Capacity/Size	7-round integral magazine	8 rounds detachable magazine	10-round detachable magazine
Weight	970 g (2.14 lbs)	870 g (1.92 lbs)	460 g (1.01 lbs)
Optics-Ready	No	No	No
Trigger Type	Single-action	Single-action	Single-action
Notable Pro	First successful blowback semi-auto	Highly accurate, iconic design	Lightweight, compact
Notable Con	Integral magazine limits reload speed	More complex mechanism	Limited production and spare parts

Best Use Cases

Historical collections and museums
Early 20th-century firearms enthusiasts
Study of semi-automatic pistol evolution
Display and educational purposes

FAQs

Can I legally own an FN 1900 today?

Yes, with proper licensing and compliance with local firearm laws, the FN 1900 can be owned as a collectible or functional pistol where permitted.

What caliber is the FN 1900 chambered in?

The FN 1900 is chambered in 7.65×17mm Browning (.32 ACP), a common cartridge for early semi-automatic pistols.

How does the integral magazine affect reloading?

Reloading is slower since the integral magazine must be loaded via stripper clip or individual rounds, unlike detachable magazines.

FN 1900 for Sale