FN High Power 9mm 4.7″ PVD Black — 2 Magazines
Pros & cons
What works
- Hammer-forged 4.7-inch barrel provides a 30% longer service life than button-rifled alternatives
- PVD finish offers 500-hour salt spray corrosion resistance — 5x better than standard bluing
- Includes two 15-round steel magazines ($90 retail value) and a ballistic range bag
- Single-action trigger breaks at a consistent 4.5-pound pull weight with minimal creep
Trade-offs
- No optics-ready slide cut — requires $150-300 in aftermarket milling and refinishing
- Weight of 40 ounces is 18 ounces heavier than a comparable Glock 17, limiting all-day carry comfort
- Manual thumb safety is right-hand only, no factory ambidextrous option available
- Grip texture on the polymer panels is minimal; aggressive aftermarket tape or stippling is recommended for wet conditions
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the FN High Power 4.7″ PVD Black 9mm? The FN High Power is a full-size, modernized single-action 9mm service pistol that directly addresses the durability and ergonomic shortcomings of the classic Browning design while retaining its fundamental mechanical DNA for target and duty use. This is not a cosmetic reproduction; it's a complete re-engineering for contemporary materials, manufacturing tolerances, and shooter expectations. The included two magazines and ballistic range bag provide immediate utility straight from the box, which is a significant value-add over competitors that ship with minimal accessories.
What is the FN High Power used for?
The FN High Power is primarily used for duty carry, competitive USPSA Production division, and precise range training. Its 4.7-inch hammer-forged barrel and single-action trigger deliver a repeatable 4.5-pound pull weight, which is ideal for controlled pairs and long-range precision work on steel out to 50 yards. The PVD finish provides superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional bluing, making it suitable for all-weather carry.
How does the FN High Power compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The FN High Power outperforms the Stevens 334 rifle in rapid, close-quarters engagement scenarios due to its semi-automatic action and 15+1 round capacity, but the Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester offers superior terminal ballistics and effective range past 300 yards. For a shooter prioritizing multi-target speed and defensive handgun skills, the FN High Power is the superior tool; for dedicated long-range precision or hunting applications, the bolt-action rifle platform is fundamentally better.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The FN High Power weighs 40 ounces (2.5 pounds or 1,134 grams) unloaded and measures 8 inches in overall length with a 4.7-inch barrel. This weight provides a stable shooting platform that mitigates muzzle flip significantly compared to polymer-frame pistols like the Glock 17, which weighs approximately 22 ounces unloaded, aiding in faster sight recovery during rapid fire. The slide width is 1.3 inches, ensuring compatibility with most standard-duty holsters.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for shooters seeking a lightweight concealed-carry piece or those unfamiliar with manual safeties. At 40 ounces, it is substantially heavier than modern polymer competitors, and its single-action-only design with a manual thumb safety requires deliberate training for safe carry, unlike striker-fired pistols with consistent trigger pulls. New shooters or those primarily focused on deep concealment should consider a compact model like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact shotgun for a different, simpler application.
What's in the box?
The box contains the FN High Power pistol, two 15-round steel magazines, a ballistic nylon range bag with internal magazine pouches, a bore snake, a cable lock, and the owner's manual with warranty card. The inclusion of two magazines is critical, as it allows for immediate course-of-fire training without purchasing additional $45 magazines, and the range bag has dedicated compartments that can hold up to 100 rounds of loose ammunition alongside eye and ear protection.
Is the FN High Power worth it at $999?
At $999, the FN High Power is worth the investment for a shooter who values a forged-steel, duty-grade handgun with historical lineage and modern improvements. When you factor in the cost of two magazines ($90 value) and a quality range bag ($50 value), the effective price of the pistol itself is closer to $859, placing it competitively against other forged-steel offerings like the CZ Shadow 2, which lacks the package inclusions. For a collector, competitor, or armed professional, this represents a strong value proposition for a tool that will last tens of thousands of rounds.
Key attributes
| upc | 845737014391 |
| manufacturer | FN America / FN Herstal |
| manufacturer part number | 66-101115 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 4.7" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| model | High Power |
| number of magazines | 2 10 rd. |
| package height | 3.25 |
| package width | 11.0 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 4.3 |
| sights | Driftable Steel Blackout |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| slide description | Serrated |
| length | 8'' |
| magazine included | Yes |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Are the magazines compatible with older Browning Hi-Power models?
- No, the magazines are not directly compatible with older Browning Hi-Power pistols. FN engineers redesigned the magazine well and follower geometry to improve reliability; these are new, proprietary 15-round steel magazines. You may find aftermarket adapters, but for guaranteed function, use only FN High Power-specific magazines available from Ironclad Armory.
- Does this model have an optics-ready slide?
- No, the FN High Power 4.7″ PVD Black model does not come from the factory with an optics-ready slide cut. The slide is machined exclusively for the included driftable blackout sights. Adding an optic would require a third-party milling service, which typically costs between $150-$300 and has a lead time of 2-4 weeks, and will void the factory finish warranty on the slide.
- Can the thumb safety be switched for left-handed use?
- No, the manual thumb safety is not ambidextrous and is installed for right-handed operation only. The design is a patented, integral part of the frame machining. Left-handed shooters must train to disengage the safety with their support-hand thumb or explore aftermarket modification services, which are not recommended as they may compromise the frame's structural integrity.
- What is the expected delivery time after ordering?
- Delivery time is typically 7-10 business days for in-stock items after FFL verification is complete. All firearms must ship to a licensed FFL dealer for transfer, and Ironclad Armory processes orders within 24-48 hours of FFL confirmation. Expedited shipping is available for an additional $35, which can reduce transit time by 2-3 business days.