Without much fanfare the production of one of the most important pistol designs of the 20th century has ended. Browning have ceased production of the iconic Hi-Power.

The Hi-Power page on Browning’s website has this short notice announcing the news:

No longer in production. The Hi-Power is one of John Moses Browning’s finest designs. And although it is possible to still find Hi-Power pistols at dealers across the U.S., the Hi-Power is technically out of production. Current dealer inventories will be the last available from Browning for the foreseable future.

The Hi-Power was John Browning’s last semi-automatic pistol design, first patented in 1923, three years before the legendary designer’s death. With the new 9x19mm pistol unfinished, the design was improved and developed by Dieudonné Saive, later designer of the FN FAL. The Grande Puissance or High Power entered production in Liege in 1935 and saw action during World War Two on both sides.

Originally developed for French military trials the short recoil operated, semi-automatic Hi-Power had an impressive 13-round high capacity magazine and an efficient breech locking system. The Hi-Power’s locking system has influenced many of today’s most successful pistol designs.

Canadian Army Pistol training with the Hi-Power (Canadian Army)

Over one million Hi-Power pistols have been produced since 1935, with the pistol adopted by dozens of countries around the world. The Hi-Power remains in service with a number of nations including Australia, India (where it remains in production), Canada and until recently the UK.

We reached out to Browning for word on the discontinuation and while they couldn’t offer any word on how permanent the discontinuation of production is, they did confirm that parts will continue to be available for the Hi-Power. Browning continue to offer a range of pistols including the Buck Mark .22LR and their range of 1911s chambered in .380 ACP.

More information can be found on Browning’s Hi-Power page here.

H/T: Daniel Watters & Ryan at Handgun Radio.