FN M1900

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	Weapon: FN M1900 Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol Country of Origin: Belgium Year Adopted: 1900 Caliber: 32 ACP Action: Blow Back Semi-Automatic Overall Length (mm): 172.0 Overall Length (in): 6.77 Weight (kg): 0.63 Weight (pounds): 1.39 Effective Range (m): 50 m Effective Range (yards): 54.68

The FN M1900 is a groundbreaking semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale (FN) of Belgium. Introduced in 1900, it was one of the first successful semi-automatic pistols to be mass-produced. The pistol was chambered in .32 ACP (7.65x17mm Browning SR), a cartridge also developed by Browning, and featured a compact blowback-operated design. One of its most innovative aspects was the integration of a concealed hammer and a single-action trigger mechanism, which contributed to its streamlined profile and ease of carry. The FN M1900 also introduced the concept of placing the return spring above the barrel, an element later adopted in other firearms.

During its production run from 1900 to 1914, approximately 700,000 FN M1900 pistols were manufactured, making it one of the most widely distributed handguns of its time. It was adopted by various military and police forces around the world, including those in Belgium, China, Russia, and Korea. The pistol gained a reputation for reliability and accuracy, leading to its widespread use among government officials and civilians alike. Due to its compact size and ease of concealment, the FN M1900 became popular among European officers and private security personnel.

The FN M1900 achieved historical notoriety due to its association with political assassinations, most notably the 1909 killing of Japanese Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi by Korean nationalist An Jung-geun. Its influence on later firearm designs was significant, as it set a precedent for compact semi-automatic pistols that followed in the early 20th century. Although production ceased before World War I, the FN M1900 remains a highly regarded collector's firearm, known for its pioneering design and impact on the development of automatic pistols.