This title explores the history of the accurate and reliable Browning
High-Power Pistol, which was considered the world's standard for a
semi-automatic combat pistol for half a century.
Making its debut in 1935, the Browning High-Power was the world's most
widely used military pistol for much of the 20th century. Military and
law-enforcement agencies in more than 90 countries have issued the
High-Power and it has seen combat in conflicts from World War II through
to the "War on Terror." After conquering Belgium, Nazi Germany produced
more than 300,000 High-Powers for use by the Waffen-SS,
Fallschirmjäger, and others, and after 1945 the High-Power became
standard for most NATO-armed forces as well as scores of others.
Chambered for the 9×19mm Luger cartridge, John Browning's High-Power
improved on the classic Colt M1911 design, especially in its use of a
far simpler takedown system. The pistol's innovative 13-round magazine,
designed by Dieudonné Saive, staggered the cartridges for higher
capacity without unduly increasing the grip size. During its 82-year
production run at Fabrique Nationale in Belgium, the design evolved
slightly, but a 2017 High-Power was still easily recognizable as a
descendant of the original model.
Packed with gripping material including detailed technical
specifications, contemporary photographs and highly accurate artist's
renditions, this title is a comprehensive and informative guide to the
world's most iconic semi-automatic pistol.
