FN High Power
The FN High Power is FN Herstal’s reimagining of John Browning’s legendary Hi-Power design — the pistol that defined double-stack 9mm handguns from its 1935 introduction through decades of military service worldwide. FN’s modern High Power retains the original’s single-action trigger, slim ergonomics, and 17-round capacity while adding an optics-ready slide, updated sights, an ambidextrous thumb safety, and a modern Picatinny rail. Chambered in 9mm with a 4.7” barrel, the FN High Power is the definitive modern interpretation of one of the most historically significant pistols ever made — faithful to the original’s character while delivering 21st-century features.
Read our full FN High Power Buying Guide ↓
FN High Power vs. Original Browning Hi-Power: What Changed?
FN retained the single-action trigger, the slim double-stack grip, the locked-breech Browning operating system, and the 17-round magazine — all essential elements of the original Hi-Power character. What changed: the magazine disconnect safety (famously criticized on the original) has been removed, improving trigger feel significantly; the thumb safety is now ambidextrous; the slide features a factory optics cut for RMR-footprint red dots; and the sights are modern tall night sights rather than the original’s tiny fixed irons. The result is an Hi-Power that shoots better than the original while preserving everything that made it beloved.
FN High Power Single-Action Trigger: What to Expect
The High Power’s single-action trigger breaks at approximately 5.5 lbs. — a significant improvement over original Hi-Powers that often ran heavy due to the magazine disconnect. Without the disconnect, the trigger is clean with minimal take-up and a short reset. Single-action pistols require the hammer to be cocked before the first shot — either by cycling the slide or manually cocking the hammer. The High Power is carried cocked-and-locked with the thumb safety engaged, like a 1911. For shooters who come from striker-fired guns, the SAO manual of arms requires practice but delivers excellent trigger quality that many shooters find superior to striker-fired alternatives.
High Power Ergonomics: Why the Original Design Still Works
The Hi-Power’s grip geometry has been called the most comfortable pistol grip ever designed. The relatively low bore axis, the grip angle, and the slim double-stack profile produce a handgun that points naturally for most shooters without instruction. The FN High Power retains this geometry while adding front strap checkering and updated grip panels for improved purchase. At 32 oz. unloaded, the High Power is heavier than modern polymer pistols but the weight aids recoil management and contributes to the pistol’s premium feel. The 17-round capacity is on par with modern full-size 9mm pistols despite the slim profile.
High Power Optics: What Fits the Factory Cut
The FN High Power’s optics-ready slide features a factory cut compatible with the Trijicon RMR and other footprints via adapter plates. The factory tall night sights co-witness with a mounted red dot, providing iron sight backup without removing the optic. This optics capability was absent from every original Hi-Power and makes the FN High Power genuinely competitive as a modern carry or duty pistol rather than simply a heritage piece. The combination of the SAO trigger and a red dot produces a particularly fast and accurate shooting platform for experienced shooters.
FN High Power vs. CZ 75: The SAO 9mm Comparison
The CZ 75 and FN High Power are the two most historically significant double-stack 9mm pistols, and both remain in production today. The CZ 75 uses a DA/SA trigger with the option for cocked-and-locked carry; the High Power is SAO-only. The CZ 75 offers more trigger system flexibility and a larger U.S. aftermarket. The High Power wins on slim profile, heritage cachet, and the FN manufacturing pedigree. For shooters who want the most historically significant SAO 9mm available, the High Power is the clear choice. For shooters who want DA/SA flexibility, the CZ 75 is more versatile.
Shop FN High Power and FN America Firearms at Impact Guns
Browse the full FN America lineup including the FN 509 and FN FNX-45 Tactical at Impact Guns. For historical SAO 9mm comparisons, see our CZ 75 and 1911 pages. For 9mm ammunition, visit our 9mm ammo page.