Dutch FN Browning Technical Manual (1990/1991) and Parts List (1989)
Adopted in 1946, the FN Browning High Power has been the longest-serving weapon
in the Dutch military in recent times, outlasting the M.95 Mannlicher by 3 years as a main service weapon.
Following an initial order of 10,000 pistols placed with
Inglis of Canada, further pistols were procurred from FN.
By 1967, some 72,000 High Power pistols were in use,
of five different varieties: John Inglis models, as well as 1947, 1949, 1955 and 1967 contract models.
Both the Inglis model (Pistool Browning Aanmaak Inglis Canada) as well
as the three earliest FN models (Pistool Browning Aanmaak F.N. België (oud model)) were collectively designated the
Pistool, 9 mm Browning, FN, GP, or more briefly, pistool oud model.
The 1967 contract pistols, designated Pistool, 9 mm, FN, GP, M68, were easily recognized by their external extractor.
As a complete issued item including magazine pouches, cleaning kit and holster
this led to four different "models" due to Marechaussee
specific equipment :
- Pistool, 9 millimeter: Browning, F.N., G.P., cpl (NSN 1005-17-640-0022)
- Pistool, 9 millimeter: Browning, F.N., G.P., M 68, cpl (NSN 1005-17-622-2426)
- Pistool, 9 millimeter: Browning, F.N., G.P., cpl v/Kon Marechaussee (NSN 1005-17-039-0292)
- Pistool, 9 millimeter: Browning, F.N., G.P., M 68, cpl v/Kon Marechaussee (NSN 1005-17-039-0293)
Although multiple editions of the Materieellijst (1996, 1997 and 2003) speak of a 1987 introduction date for the
Glock 17,
the FN Browning was only gradually replaced: first by the Marechaussee, which selected the Glock in May of 1990. Deliveries were however delayed,
as the other services sought a new handgun as well. By February of 1992, the Ministry of Defence had signed a contract for some 31250 Glock 17s for all services,
with an option for a further 7800 pistols. This latter option was quite possibly intended for the Royal Netherlands Air Force: it is noted that the
Air Force intended to keep its Browning High Powers somewhat longer.
As late as 1997, some FN pistols remained in inventory, intended for mobilisational units of the Army.
The technical manual can be downloaded here,
with the parts list available here.
The archive of manuals can be found here.
Footnotes