ARTV Preview: The History of The FN Hi Power; EAA MC1911 Match Elite; British Webley Mark VI

by
posted on July 21, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
In this week's episode of American Rifleman TV, we take a look at the history and development of the Browning Hi Power pistol, which started out as a design drafted by the French from the lessons they learned during the World War I. Reviewed this week is one of the latest Girsan 1911s offered by EAAMC1911 Match Elite chambered in .45 ACP. During World War I, the British adopted a new version of the storied Webley revolver, the Mark VI, which became the standard sidearm for British forces during the war.  

The Browning High Power.
The Browning High Power.

The development of what would become the Browning Hi Power began after World War I with a set of requirement from the French Military for a new service pistol. Fabrique Nationale commissioned John Browning to design a pistol around these requirements, while also initially trying to avoid the patented features of the Colt M1911.    

The EAA Girsan MC1911 Match Elite.
The EAA Girsan MC1911 Match Elite.

European American Armory continues to bring in more of the Girsan MC1911 series. New for 2020 is the MC1911 Match Elite competition version of the handgun series with several noteworthy features. 

Shooting the Webley Mark VI revolver.
Shooting the Webley Mark VI revolver.

When the British Empire entered World War 1, the Webley Mark V was supposed to be the standard issue of the revolver series available though full delivery was not met. In 1915 the British adopted a new version, the Mark VI, which became the standard issue sidearm for British forces and mass produced for the rest of the war.

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

M2 .50-caliber machine gun
M2 .50-caliber machine gun

The Short Life of America’s Anti-Tank Rifles

At the dawn of mechanized warfare, the U.S. Military contended with the reality that infantrymen would need an effective arm to defeat tanks. Their idea? Bring more gun.

Springfield Armory's XD Mod.4 OSP: Anything But Basic

For nearly 25 years, Springfield Armory has offered its affordable and reliable XD series of handguns, and for 2026, that design has now entered its fourth generation with the Mod.4 OSP.

The Armed Citizen® March 23, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Suppressor Sales Reach Unprecedented Levels

According to 4473 Cloud, a service provider to federal firearms licensees, more than 1.5 million Form 4s for suppressor transfers have been filed so far this year.

First Look: Shooters Global SG Pulse Pro

The Shooters Global SG Pulse Pro is an impressive all-in-one gadget, offering you a timer, DOPE cards, a level and a stability tracker in one aluminum, water-resistant body with multiple mounting options.

The Guns of Shanghai 1937: A Prelude to WWII's Brutal Urban Combat

Often overlooked by Western military historians, the Battle of Shanghai in 1937 was an early sign of the brutal urban combat that would characterize much of World War II. An incredible array of arms was used in the fighting.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.