FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

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81police
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FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by 81police »

As some of you know the the FN 1900 "straight grip" is nearly a unicorn. FN manuals depict a straight grip version in both the parts breakdown and the rifle function illustration, but up until now there was only 1 recorded example; a late production gun originally owned by John Browning's son, Val Browning. Now there's 2 we know of!

This FN 1900 has been in France all of its life. The current owner found our website article on the FN 1900 and reached out. It has a peculiar stock, not just that it's a straight grip but also that it's canted, likely a special order configuration. The gun is cased and is in exception condition. What a treasure!
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Cam Woodall
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Hibby83
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by Hibby83 »

That's a sweet rifle and custom case! I'm glad the gentleman was able to find the page and contact you..

It appears that there's at least 2.5-3" of "cast off" in that buttstock. Custom work like that is extremely rare to see in modern times.

Thanks for sharing 81Police.
MinnesotaDan
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by MinnesotaDan »

A fantastic find. "Thanks for sharing this one.
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Roger
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by Roger »

Hey fellas, this is one interesting FN. I’ve never seen any rifle,let alone an FN,with this extreme of a cast off. Quite a rarity. Thanks for sharing this one with us,Cam.
Thanks for your time
Roger
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canuck
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by canuck »

Oh my goodness, thats just wonderful
Love to see more pictures
ranman
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by ranman »

That is one very rare rifled, a beauty ! Is this an early production rifle ?
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81police
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by 81police »

ranman wrote: Fri Jun 28, 2024 6:55 am That is one very rare rifled, a beauty ! Is this an early production rifle ?
Good question, thanks for bringing that up!

Later production gun, serial number 44XX
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HERSTAL84france
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by HERSTAL84france »

Hello. I'm the owner of this unicorn.
This winter, I disassembled everything and overhauled the mechanism with ultrasonic cleaning.
I was able to check the external and internal serial numbers; everything is identical and matching numbers. 44xx.
This magnificent FN Herstal Browning rifle is now for sale. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. :D
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81police
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by 81police »

HERSTAL84france, I hope this FN 1900 could find a home in the USA where it would be (hopefully) safe from legislation!
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HERSTAL84france
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by HERSTAL84france »

Hi Cam, I legalized the FN 1900 rifle in France, I got the authorizations without modifying it, I kept all its original characteristics, it would have been a shame to reduce the magazine capacity to 3 to change its category only in France.
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jack1653
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by jack1653 »

I would be iteresred in purchasing your FN 1900 with the straight stock and the case. You can email me to jack1653@att.net with details. Thank you

Kindest Regards,
jack1653
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Roger
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by Roger »

OMG, Jackitus is coming back again !!!
From one old collector,to another.
Roger
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MinnesotaDan
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by MinnesotaDan »

I am curious. What does one have to do to import an old rifle from overseas? Is it a difficult process?

Thanks.

Dan
HERSTAL84france
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by HERSTAL84france »

Bonjour.
J'ai envoyé un mail à jack1653 il n'a jamais répondu.
Mon FN Herstal 1900 est à vendre pour les formalités ça à l'air complexe et à réaliser entre armurier professionnels Français et américain.
À bientôt
canuck2
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by canuck2 »

HERSTAL84france wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2026 10:58 am Bonjour.
J'ai envoyé un mail à jack1653 il n'a jamais répondu.
Mon FN Herstal 1900 est à vendre pour les formalités ça à l'air complexe et à réaliser entre armurier professionnels Français et américain.
À bientôt
Hello. I emailed jack1653 but never received a reply. My FN Herstal 1900 is for sale, but the paperwork seems complex and would need to be handled by a French and an American professional gunsmith. See you soon.
Hello sir, sending you a message :)
Or, please email me @
drwredneck@hotmail.com
Last edited by canuck2 on Fri Jul 03, 2026 8:54 am, edited 1 time in total.
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81police
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by 81police »

Please...let's get that FN into the USA!
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1913Model8
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by 1913Model8 »

WOW!
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by 1913Model8 »

HERSTAL84france wrote: Sat Jun 27, 2026 10:58 am Bonjour.
J'ai envoyé un mail à jack1653 il n'a jamais répondu.
Mon FN Herstal 1900 est à vendre pour les formalités ça à l'air complexe et à réaliser entre armurier professionnels Français et américain.
À bientôt
Email me @ Model8servicetool@gmail.com thanks
TJ
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1913Model8
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by 1913Model8 »

MinnesotaDan wrote: Wed Sep 10, 2025 3:01 pm I am curious. What does one have to do to import an old rifle from overseas? Is it a difficult process?

Thanks.

Dan
I just looked it up myself, pretty involved but I think it's worth it for this rifle.
Hire a FFL to import that can actually import.
ATF 6 Form
Taxes, duties, shipping.
With a little help from A.I. ⬇️

Cost Breakdown EstimateImporter Service Fee: $250 – $450 (Covers paperwork and processing).
International Air Freight: $300 – $600 (Firearms require specialized high-security transport).
U.S. Customs Duty: 0% (Firearms verified to be over 100 years old enter duty-free).
Domestic Shipping & FFL Transfer: $50 – $100.

Phase 1: Secure a U.S. Importer & ATF PermitContract a Registered Importer: Contact a specialized Type 08 FFL importer like Simpson Ltd or Griffin & Howe. Send them the rifle's exact serial number, photos, FN caliber markings, and proof of its manufacture date. Submit ATF Form 6: The importer will file ATF Form 6 (Part I) on your behalf. Await ATF Approval: Wait 4 to 8 weeks for the ATF to issue the approved import permit. The rifle cannot leave France until this is in hand.
Phase 2: Clear French Export LawsAcquire French Export License: Provide the approved U.S. Form 6 to the French seller or a French customs broker. They must apply for an export license (Licence d'exportation de matériels de guerre) through the French Direction générale des douanes.
Secure Safe Storage: Ensure the rifle is held securely at a licensed French gunsmith or transit agent while export customs clear.Phase 3: Shipping, Marking, and Final DeliveryAir Cargo Freight: The rifle must be shipped via an approved international air carrier. It cannot be sent via standard international mail.U.S. Customs Clearance: Upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, the importer or a bonded customs broker clears the weapon through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).Importer Engraving (Required by Law): By federal law, the U.S. importer must minimally and neatly engrave their company name, city, and state onto the metal of the rifle (usually the barrel or receiver) before it can be released to you.Final Transfer: The importer ships the rifle to your local FFL dealer for a background check, or directly to your home if you possess a Type 03 C&R Collector License
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echo1
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by echo1 »

Ouch. Better be a nice one, PAX
canuck2
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by canuck2 »

Similar but a bit simpler to come to kanada - long process though.
Stay tuned fellas ;)
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Hibby83
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by Hibby83 »

canuck2 wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 6:12 pm Similar but a bit simpler to come to kanada - long process though.
Stay tuned fellas ;)
Staying tuned.!.!.
Looking forward to it.

Kanada😆
DocSavage
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by DocSavage »

I don’t see the charge for the French Customs Broker. Mighty risky to trust the seller with those tasks.
HERSTAL84france
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by HERSTAL84france »

My FN Herstal 1900 has been sold; it is off to join its new owner in Canada. Thanks to everyone for your appreciation of this legendary firearm, and thanks to Cam and the team at thegreatmodel8 for this comprehensive and information-rich site.
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54bullseye
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!

Post by 54bullseye »

canuck2
I assume you are the one who bought it !! Congrats on a beautiful gun !!
John Taylor
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