FN M1922 "identity crisis" - The Firearms Forum

phliparoonie · 09-24-2010, 10:57 AM

My father-in-law recently passed away, and we found a bag of WWII pistols, probably not opened for nearly 65 years: one is Walther P38 ac44, and the other is Browning FN M1922 Belgique.

The M1922 has the checquered walnut grips, making it a 2nd variation and has a WaA140 stamp. From what I have read, the Wa140 is a 7.65 (32acp), but the magazine in stamped "9m/m"; which would be the .380 acp version. First identity crisis

ALSO the serial number is out of the range of any list of serial numbers I have seen: 2164xx with no prefix or suffix. olearmyjoel.com's list doesn't capture that particular number. Second identity crisis.

ALSO, the firing pin is snapped off, and I am looking for parts.

Any help is appreciated

Jim K · 09-24-2010, 11:46 AM

Waffenamt inspector #140 worked at FN from late 1941 to the end of the German occupation. The Germans took over 9mm Browning (.380 ACP) pistols that were in the factory at the time of the occupation, but that caliber was not in their supply system so the guns made for them were all in 7.65 Browning (.32 ACP).

The serial number of that pistol would indicate manufacture in the mid to late 1930's; it would seem strange it was not taken over until late 1941, but in chaotic times, things get overlooked. The magazines of the two calibers seem to interchange as far as working goes, but there are slight differences and I would hesitate to call them interchangeable.

The firing pin is identical to that of the Browning Model 1910 and the Model 1908 Colt .25 ACP, which might help your search for the part. I think Gun Parts was having them reproduced. Breakage is common because they have a long tip that is also the ejector. They can be repaired by drilling out the front end and inserting a piece of drill rod, but that is costly and a last resort.

Jim

phliparoonie · 09-25-2010, 10:10 PM

Thanks, Jim!

Very helpful information. If the gun is from the 1930's, that would explain why (maybe) it is in rougher condition (some interior rust, dirty barrel) than the P38...Which I found out was made in July of 1944.

09-24-2010, 11:46 AM	#2
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: FN M1922 "identity crisis" Waffenamt inspector #140 worked at FN from late 1941 to the end of the German occupation. The Germans took over 9mm Browning (.380 ACP) pistols that were in the factory at the time of the occupation, but that caliber was not in their supply system so the guns made for them were all in 7.65 Browning (.32 ACP). The serial number of that pistol would indicate manufacture in the mid to late 1930's; it would seem strange it was not taken over until late 1941, but in chaotic times, things get overlooked. The magazines of the two calibers seem to interchange as far as working goes, but there are slight differences and I would hesitate to call them interchangeable. The firing pin is identical to that of the Browning Model 1910 and the Model 1908 Colt .25 ACP, which might help your search for the part. I think Gun Parts was having them reproduced. Breakage is common because they have a long tip that is also the ejector. They can be repaired by drilling out the front end and inserting a piece of drill rod, but that is costly and a last resort. Jim

09-25-2010, 10:10 PM	#3
phliparoonie Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 4	Re: FN M1922 "identity crisis" Thanks, Jim! Very helpful information. If the gun is from the 1930's, that would explain why (maybe) it is in rougher condition (some interior rust, dirty barrel) than the P38...Which I found out was made in July of 1944. Last edited by phliparoonie; 09-25-2010 at 10:11 PM.. Reason: Correct information

09-24-2010, 10:57 AM	#1
phliparoonie Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 4	FN M1922 "identity crisis" My father-in-law recently passed away, and we found a bag of WWII pistols, probably not opened for nearly 65 years: one is Walther P38 ac44, and the other is Browning FN M1922 Belgique. The M1922 has the checquered walnut grips, making it a 2nd variation and has a WaA140 stamp. From what I have read, the Wa140 is a 7.65 (32acp), but the magazine in stamped "9m/m"; which would be the .380 acp version. First identity crisis ALSO the serial number is out of the range of any list of serial numbers I have seen: 2164xx with no prefix or suffix. olearmyjoel.com's list doesn't capture that particular number. Second identity crisis. ALSO, the firing pin is snapped off, and I am looking for parts. Any help is appreciated -->