SPECIFICATIONS:

Manufacturer: Browning
Model: Hi-Power Capitan
Serial: 245NV59057 
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Barrel Length: 4 5/8″
Optics/Sights: Fixed front with Browning tangent rear sight
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut
Action: Single
Markings: Standard

Bryant Ridge’s Analysis:
The Browning Hi-Power Capitan is a distinguished variant of the iconic Browning Hi-Power pistol, one of the most revered semi-automatic handguns in history. Designed by John Moses Browning and completed by Dieudonné Saive at Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Belgium, the Hi-Power was introduced in the 1930s and became renowned for its high-capacity magazine, reliable performance, and ergonomic design. The Capitan model, often referred to as the “Capitan” or “Browning High Power Capitan,” is particularly noted for its tangent rear sight and a provision for a shoulder stock, features that distinguish it from other Hi-Power variants. The Capitan model’s tangent rear sight allows for precise adjustments, making it suitable for more accurate shooting over longer distances. This sighting system, combined with the 13-round magazine capacity, offered a significant advantage over many contemporaneous handguns, especially in military and law enforcement applications. Additionally, the Capitan model sometimes includes a slot at the back of the grip for attaching a wooden shoulder stock, which could transform the pistol into a more stable and accurate carbine-like firearm.

The history of the Browning Hi-Power itself is illustrious, as it was adopted by military and police forces worldwide, serving in various conflicts and proving its reliability in diverse conditions. The Capitan variant, with its unique features, was likely produced in smaller numbers compared to the standard models, adding to its appeal among collectors and firearm enthusiasts. In summary, the Browning Hi-Power Capitan is a notable and rare variant of the esteemed Hi-Power pistol, distinguished by its adjustable tangent rear sight and the ability to attach a shoulder stock. Its combination of innovative design, historical significance, and versatility makes it a prized collectible and a testament to the enduring legacy of Browning and FN’s contributions to firearm development.