Browning Hi-Power Mark III .40 S&W Semi-Automatic Pistol – 1996 Belgian-Made, Limited-Production Variant
Built in 1996, this Browning Hi-Power Mark III is one of the scarce .40 S&W versions produced only in the mid-1990s. It features the reinforced slide and cast steel frame unique to the caliber, along with the classic single-action trigger and fixed 3-dot sights. Manufactured in Belgium and assembled in Portugal, this full-size pistol offers collectors a hard-to-find blend of Hi-Power heritage and modern .40 S&W performance.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The slide and frame have scattered scratches and blemishes consistent with normal carry. The grip screw shows surface rust but remains serviceable. The bore is bright and shiny.
What’s Included
- Browning-branded gray ABS pistol case
- Two factory Browning Hi-Power .40 S&W steel 10-round magazines (“mousetrap” style)
This Mark III variant is chambered in .40 S&W, a significant departure from the traditional 9 mm Hi-Power. To handle the higher pressure, Browning fitted a heavier slide and a robust cast frame, giving the pistol added mass and durability.
The matte black epoxy finish on both slide and frame resists wear and glare. Fixed 3-dot sights provide a clean sight picture, while the dovetailed front post allows for easy replacement if desired.
Controls remain familiar: single-action trigger, ambidextrous manual thumb safety, magazine disconnect, and a passive firing-pin block. The standard magazine release and spur hammer complete the Mark III control layout.
Production of the .40 S&W Hi-Power was short-lived, making examples like this increasingly difficult to locate. The integral lanyard loop in the frame heel and “MADE IN BELGIUM – ASSEMBLED IN PORTUGAL” roll mark underscore its authentic FN/Browning lineage.