FN Herstal Model List

Founded in 1889 in Herstal, Belgium, Fabrique Nationale Herstal (FN Herstal) is a global leader in firearm manufacturing. Initially a car producer, the company shifted focus to firearms and has since become the largest exporter of small arms in Europe. Now owned by the Wallonian government through the Herstal Group, FN Herstal serves over 100 countries, producing firearms for both armed forces and civilian markets.

Here’s a detailed look at FN Herstal’s lineup of handguns, highlighting their innovation, functionality, and historical significance.

Modern FN Herstal Handguns

Barracuda

  • A double-action revolver with interchangeable calibers: .357 Magnum, .38 Special, and 9x19mm Parabellum.
  • The caliber switch is simple, requiring a cylinder modification.

FN 510

  • A semi-automatic powerhouse chambered in 10mm Auto, featuring a polymer and nickel-coated steel frame.
  • Known for its bulk, versatility, and steel slide with optics compatibility.

FN 509

  • A redesign of the FNS pistol, chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum.
  • Features double-action operation and improved ergonomics for modern users.

FN 502

  • Inspired by the FN 509, this subcompact pistol is the first rimfire handgun with a slide-mounted, optics-ready mechanism.
  • Chambered in .22 LR, it's ideal for concealed carry.

FN 503

  • A super-compact, 21-ounce pistol designed for concealed carry.
  • Runs on 9mm and features a strike-fired autoloader.

FN Five-Seven

  • A polymer-framed pistol known for its lightweight design and 20-round capacity.
  • Relies on the proprietary 5.7x28mm cartridge, popular with military and police forces globally.

FN HiPer

  • A 9x19mm NATO semi-automatic pistol with a 15-round magazine.
  • Praised for its reliability and user-friendly ergonomics.

FN FNP

  • A versatile pistol available in .45 ACP, .40 S&W, 9x19mm Parabellum, and .357 SIG.
  • Built with a polymer frame for durability and adaptability.

FN FNX

  • Successor to the FNP, this semi-automatic pistol was introduced in 2009.
  • Chambered in .45 ACP, .40 S&W, and 9x19mm Parabellum, it boasts enhanced features and performance.

FN FNS

FN Forty-Nine

  • A semi-automatic unit in .40 S&W and 9x19mm Parabellum, designed for simplicity and reliability.

FN Browning Hi-Power

  • A legendary semi-automatic pistol chambered in .40 S&W and 9x19mm Parabellum, designed by John Browning.
  • Known for its 13-round capacity, it was a wartime staple and has been produced for nearly a century.

FN Baby Browning

  • Introduced in 1931, this compact pistol is a simplified version of the 1905 Vest Pocket pistol.
  • Blowback-operated and chambered in .25 ACP, it remains in production today.

Historical FN Herstal Handguns

Model 1900

  • Designed by John Browning, this .32 ACP pistol was the first to feature a slide mechanism.

Model 1903

  • Chambered in 9x20mm Browning Long, this pistol became a global favorite for military and police use.

Model 1905

  • A .25 ACP pistol produced between 1906 and 1959.

Model 1910

  • A blowback semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP and .32 ACP, produced continuously from 1910 to 1983.

Model 1922

  • A variant of the Model 1910 with a longer barrel, originally requested by Yugoslavia for military use.

FN Grand Browning

  • A 1914 prototype chambered in 9.65x23mm, serving as Europe’s alternative to the M1911.

HP-DA

  • A double-action version of the Browning Hi-Power, chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, produced in two series (1983–1987 and 1990–1999).

FN Herstal Submachine Guns and Rifles

Submachine Guns

P90

  • Purpose: Designed for personal defense.
  • Specifications: Chambered in 5.7x28mm, with a unique 50-round capacity.
  • Production: In production since 1990 and widely used by police forces in over 40 countries.
  • Design: A bullpup layout for compact handling and exceptional accuracy.

Uzi

  • Collaboration: Built to Israeli Military Industries' standards but produced by FN Herstal with unique enhancements.
  • Popularity: FN’s version adds subtle refinements, maintaining the Uzi’s legendary reputation for durability and ease of use.

M12

  • Caliber: 9x19mm with a 30-round capacity.
  • Functionality: Offers semi-automatic, three-round burst, and fully automatic firing modes.
  • Origins: Manufactured under Beretta’s license, adapting Italian design for FN’s precision standards.

Rifles

Historical and Long-Standing Designs

  • Trombone (1919–1974):
    • A takedown rifle produced in over 150,000 units.
    • Known for its reliability despite early cracking issues in the receiver.
  • Browning 22 Semi-Auto Rifle (SA-22):
    • Designed in 1914, still in production today.
    • Available in .22 Long Rifle and .22 Short, with semi-automatic functionality and iron sights.
  • Model 1949 (FN-49):
    • Autoloading rifle produced between 1948 and 1982.
    • A special version, the AFN, was made for Belgian armed forces.

Modern Military Rifles

  • CAL (Carabine Automatique Légère):
    • FN Herstal’s first 5.56x45mm NATO rifle, produced until 1975.
    • Shares design traits with the FN FAL.
  • F2000:
    • Bullpup rifle in 5.56x45mm NATO, featuring modern updates like a computerized sight.
    • Variants include attachments for a 12-gauge shotgun or 40mm grenade launcher.
  • FS2000:
    • Semi-automatic, civilian-friendly version of the F2000.
    • Maintains the bullpup layout for compact handling.
  • FAL (Fusil Automatique Léger):
    • Produced since 1953, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO.
    • Used by military forces in over 90 countries, making it one of FN’s most iconic rifles.
  • FNAR:
    • Introduced in 2008, this 7.62x51mm NATO marksman rifle is semi-automatic.
    • Not an AR variant, despite its name; based on the Browning BAR.
  • FNC (Fabrique Nationale Carabine):
    • In service since 1979, using the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge.
    • Production ended in 2004, but it saw widespread use in multiple conflicts.
  • SCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle):
    • Gas-operated rifle produced since 2004, used extensively in modern warfare.
    • Available in multiple variants:
      • SCAR-L (Light): Variants include CQC, STD, LB, and PDW.
      • SCAR-H (Heavy): Designed for larger calibers and increased stopping power.

Specialized and Experimental Rifles

  • FN-15:
    • Popular among civilians and military forces, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO.
    • Features a removable carrying handle and simple target acquisition.
  • M16 and M4A1:
    • FN Herstal produces these 5.56x45mm NATO rifles under license, maintaining the legacy of the classic Colt designs.
  • Mle 1930:
    • Belgian alternative to the Browning M1918, using 7.65x53mm Belgian Mauser cartridges.
  • PS90:
    • Semi-automatic carbine version of the P90, sharing many features but tailored for civilian use.
  • IWS:
    • A groundbreaking design that was ahead of its time, featuring lightweight cartridges and a steel case for ease of handling.

Prototypes and Experimental Models

  • FNAC: Advanced prototype with innovative features for modern combat.
  • HAMR IAR & HAMR NGSW: Cutting-edge variants designed for specific military needs.
  • Mk17 Mod 1: A specialized version of the SCAR, built for elite forces.
 

Bolt-Action Rifles

Bolt-action rifles from FN Herstal have served militaries, police forces, and enthusiasts alike. Although some models are no longer in production, they remain highly regarded for their durability and performance.

Notable Models

  • Mauser Model 1889: Known as the Belgian, Argentinian, or Turkish Mauser, depending on its market, this rifle uses the 7.65mm caliber.
  • Mauser Model 1893: Dubbed the Spanish Mauser, available in multiple calibers.
  • Model 1924: Produced for the Yugoslavian army, later replaced by the M24.
  • Model 1930: Gained popularity in Greece as the FN Model 24/30.
  • Karabiner 98k: Commonly misnamed K98, this rifle uses the 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge.
  • Model 1950: An updated version of the Model 1930, chambered in .30-06 Springfield.
  • Model 30-11: A 7.62x51mm NATO sniper rifle.
  • FN Ballista: A long-range sniper rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, with modular caliber conversion options.
  • Patrol Bolt Rifle: Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, widely used by police forces.
  • Special Police Rifle: Designed for SWAT and FBI, closely related to the Winchester Model 70.
  • Tactical Sport Rifle: A tactical version inspired by the Special Police Rifle (SPR).

Machine Guns

FN Herstal’s machine guns are known for their stability, accuracy, and widespread adoption by armed forces worldwide.

Key Models

  • FN BRG-15: Experimental heavy machine gun using the 15.5x115mm caliber.
  • M2 Browning: A .50 caliber heavy machine gun, in production since 1933, often mounted on vehicles.
  • MAG (Mitrailleuse d'Appui Général): Adopted by over 80 countries, this machine gun is manufactured under license in nations like the UK and Singapore.
  • Minimi: A lightweight machine gun using the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge, popular with military forces.
  • Mark 48 Machine Gun: Derived from the M249, this model is tailored to U.S. armed forces' needs.
  • FN BAR Model 1930: A variant of the M1918 BAR, chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser.
  • M3: A heavy machine gun for aircraft, watercraft, and vehicles.
  • FN EVOLYS: Introduced in 2021, this machine gun offers a lightweight, ergonomic alternative to traditional designs.

Shotguns

FN Herstal's shotgun lineup is smaller but highly effective, catering to personal defense and military applications.

Popular Models

  • FN P-12: A pump-action shotgun with a five-round capacity and an 18-inch barrel, introduced in 2012.
  • FN Self-Loading Police: Available in various configurations, recognized for its versatility and awarded for performance since its 2008 debut.
  • FN Tactical Police Shotgun: An upgraded version of the Winchester 1300, offering five or eight-round capacities.
  • Browning Automatic 5: Produced from 1902 to 1998, it was the first semi-automatic shotgun to gain widespread popularity.

Specialized Weapon Systems

FN Herstal has expanded its innovation to create versatile weapon systems for governments and specialized applications.

Aircraft Machine Guns

  • Mitrailleuse d'Avion Browning – F.N. Calibre 13.2 mm: Designed for WWII aircraft, using 13.2×99 Hotchkiss cartridges with high-explosive variants.
  • FN HMP250 & HMP400: Aircraft machine guns with impressive ammunition capacities of 275 and 400 rounds, respectively.

Grenade Launchers

  • EGLM & FN40GL Mk2: Lightweight, ergonomic grenade launchers compatible with the FN SCAR rifle.

Less-Lethal Systems

  • 303 & 303 Pistol: Non-lethal projectile launchers designed for crowd control.

Ammunition and Accessories

  • 5.56x45mm SS109: A NATO cartridge tailored for FN firearms.
  • 5.7x28mm: Developed for the FN P90 and FN Five-Seven, this small caliber cartridge combines high velocity with reduced recoil.
  • FN Telgren: A hybrid rifle-grenade system.