FN 1922

FN started making the 1922 pistol by request of the Kingdom of the Serbs Croats and Slovenes, later known as Yugoslavia. Essentially, the 1922 is an elongated FN 1910 pistol, with a longer grip, magazine, barrel, and slide. FN made the 1922 in .380 (9x17mm) and 32 ACP (7.65mm), but the 32 ACP variants are more common. Quite a few countries ordered the 1922, making it a fairly successful pistol. lt is equipped with a grip and manual safety, making it compatible for concealed carry in Condition 1.

Instead of machining an entirely new and longer slide, a nostcap was fitting onto the 1910-length slide which covered the new longer barrel.

When the Germans invaded Belgian (again) in 1940, they took control of the FN plant where the 1922 pistol was produced. Needing all the firearms they could get their hands on, the plant resumed production of various firearms including the 1922 under German occupation.

Various German markings can be seen on the pistols produced at FN during the war, making them collectible to connoisseurs of German and WW2 firearms.

The trigger on the 1922 is adequate for a striker-fired pistol of the vintage. With my hands, I have to make a conscious effort to squeeze the pistol in order to ensure the grip safety has been deactivated. If you are unable to grip the pistol firmly due to an accident or a condition such as arthritis, you will find the pistol hard to fire. When I shot my example, I found the recoil impulse to be a bit sharper than expected, especially compared to the other 32 compact pistols I was firing such as the French Unique and the Sauer 38H.

Overall the FN 1922 is a neat piece of history, and one that you should consider adding to your collection. It's versatile in that it fits into a pocket pistol, German, WW2, or a Browning pistol collection. They are often underpriced when you come across them in the wild so keep your eyes open. This example I picked up from a local shop for a bit under market value. Be careful though, Browning designs tend to multiply in collections.

Check out my YouTube video if you would like to know more about 32 ACP pocket pistols.