FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
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!
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
Site Owner / Administrator
Site Owner / Administrator
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
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.
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.
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MinnesotaDan
- Posts: 243
- Joined: Sun Jul 21, 2019 4:17 pm
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
A fantastic find. "Thanks for sharing this one.
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
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
Thanks for your time
Roger
Roger
raw4555@gmail.com
raw4555@gmail.com
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
Oh my goodness, thats just wonderful
Love to see more pictures
Love to see more pictures
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
That is one very rare rifled, a beauty ! Is this an early production rifle ?
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
Good question, thanks for bringing that up!
Later production gun, serial number 44XX
Cam Woodall
Site Owner / Administrator
Site Owner / Administrator
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HERSTAL84france
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sun Jul 13, 2025 1:53 am
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
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.
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.
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
HERSTAL84france, I hope this FN 1900 could find a home in the USA where it would be (hopefully) safe from legislation!
Cam Woodall
Site Owner / Administrator
Site Owner / Administrator
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HERSTAL84france
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sun Jul 13, 2025 1:53 am
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
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.
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
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
Kindest Regards,
jack1653
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
OMG, Jackitus is coming back again !!!
From one old collector,to another.
Roger
From one old collector,to another.
Roger
Roger
raw4555@gmail.com
raw4555@gmail.com
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MinnesotaDan
- Posts: 243
- Joined: Sun Jul 21, 2019 4:17 pm
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
I am curious. What does one have to do to import an old rifle from overseas? Is it a difficult process?
Thanks.
Dan
Thanks.
Dan
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HERSTAL84france
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Sun Jul 13, 2025 1:53 am
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
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
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
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
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 sir, sending you a messageHello. 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.
Or, please email me @
drwredneck@hotmail.com
Last edited by canuck2 on Fri Jul 03, 2026 8:54 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
Please...let's get that FN into the USA!
Cam Woodall
Site Owner / Administrator
Site Owner / Administrator
- 1913Model8
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- Location: Minnesota
- Contact:
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
WOW!
TJ
Owner of the Model 8 Service Tool
Model-8-service-tool.sqaure.site
Owner of the Model 8 Service Tool
Model-8-service-tool.sqaure.site
- 1913Model8
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- Location: Minnesota
- Contact:
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
Email me @ Model8servicetool@gmail.com thanksHERSTAL84france 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
TJ
Owner of the Model 8 Service Tool
Model-8-service-tool.sqaure.site
Owner of the Model 8 Service Tool
Model-8-service-tool.sqaure.site
- 1913Model8
- Posts: 224
- Joined: Wed Jun 09, 2021 3:36 pm
- Location: Minnesota
- Contact:
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
I just looked it up myself, pretty involved but I think it's worth it for this rifle.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
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
TJ
Owner of the Model 8 Service Tool
Model-8-service-tool.sqaure.site
Owner of the Model 8 Service Tool
Model-8-service-tool.sqaure.site
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
Ouch. Better be a nice one, PAX
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
Similar but a bit simpler to come to kanada - long process though.
Stay tuned fellas
Stay tuned fellas
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
I don’t see the charge for the French Customs Broker. Mighty risky to trust the seller with those tasks.
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HERSTAL84france
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- Joined: Sun Jul 13, 2025 1:53 am
Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
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.
- 54bullseye
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Re: FN 1900 **STRAIGHT GRIP - straight out of France!
canuck2
I assume you are the one who bought it !! Congrats on a beautiful gun !!
John Taylor
I assume you are the one who bought it !! Congrats on a beautiful gun !!
John Taylor
