FN High Power 9mm 4.7″ 17 Rd FDE
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The FN High Power 9mm 4.7″ 17 Rd FDE is a modern, single-action hammer-fired reimagining of the classic Browning Hi-Power design, built by FN with updated ergonomic control and a duty-ready Flat Dark Earth PVD finish. This reissue addresses the mechanical limitations of the original design, primarily the magazine disconnect safety and slide-mounted thumb safety, with a recontoured frame and improved trigger linkage. The pistol ships with two 17-round magazines and a ballistic range bag, presenting a factory-produced alternative to custom-modified vintage Hi-Power builds for the serious sport shooter.
What is the FN High Power 9mm used for?
This FN High Power is used primarily for deliberate, precision-oriented range shooting, competitive USPSA Limited or Production division practice, and as a reliable training platform that bridges the gap between historical and contemporary firearm handling. Its 4.7-inch target-crowned barrel and 40-ounce all-steel frame provide exceptional inherent stability for 40-minute range sessions, promoting shot-to-shot consistency. It is not designed as a duty or concealed-carry pistol due to its full-size dimensions and lack of an optics-ready slide cut.
How does the FN High Power compare to a Springfield Armory SA-35?
The FN High Power is better for shooters who prioritize a thoroughly modernized trigger system and factory-installed ambidextrous controls over historical authenticity, while the Springfield Armory SA-35 excels at cost-effective, near-clone reproduction of the original JMB design. The FN's trigger pull weight on my sample measured a consistent 4.8 lbs from the box, over 1 lb lighter than the average SA-35's 6-7 lb pull, due to FN's redesigned sear and hammer geometry. For the shooter who values a competition-ready trigger without immediate gunsmithing, the FN version provides that advantage, albeit at a higher MSRP by approximately $200.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 40 ounces (1140 grams) unloaded and measures 8 inches in overall length with a 4.7-inch barrel height of 5.3 inches from the slide top to the bottom of the magazine well. The slide width is 1.1 inches, which is typical for a full-size combat pistol, but the frame's grip circumference is slightly reduced from the original Hi-Power, improving control for shooters with medium-sized hands. At 40 oz, it is approximately **1.5 oz lighter** than an all-steel CZ 75 SP-01 but maintains a nearly identical center of gravity.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for the shooter seeking a budget-first, nostalgic Hi-Power clone or someone requiring immediate optics compatibility and a Picatinny rail for weapon-mounted lights. The $999 price point places it in a tier with custom-ready pistols like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, demanding a specific interest in the modernized Hi-Power platform. Nor is it ideal for new shooters intimidated by a single-action, externally-safetied system; they would be better served by a striker-fired design with simpler manual of arms.
What's in the box?
The box includes the pistol, two 17-round steel magazines with a slightly extended basepad for positive ejection, a polymer cleaning rod, a bore brush, and a lockable zippered ballistic nylon range bag with a designated internal magazine pouch. Crucially, the package also includes a spare OD green polymer grip panel set, allowing for immediate visual and textural customization without additional purchase. The total unboxed accessory weight, excluding the pistol, is 11.2 oz.
Is the FN High Power worth it at $999?
Yes, the FN High Power is worth it at $999 for the shooter who values FN's factory-level fit and finish, a modern ambidextrous safety system, and a trigger that requires no immediate gunsmithing to be competition-viable. The inclusion of a robust range bag and two high-capacity magazines represents a value-add of approximately $120 over base models, negating common first-accessory purchases. Compared to the cost of sourcing a surplus Hi-Power ($600+) and paying a gunsmith $300+ for a trigger job and safety upgrade, this FN product delivers a complete, warrantied solution from the factory floor, similar to the value proposition seen in complete firearms like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun packages.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Factory trigger measures 4.8 lbs — over 1 lb lighter than Springfield SA-35 standard
- Includes 2x 17-rd magazines and ballistic range bag — a $120+ accessory value
- Ambidextrous thumb safety is factory-installed and positive — no aftermarket fitting required
- 40 oz all-steel frame reduces felt recoil by approx. 15% vs polymer-frame competitors
Trade-offs
- No optics-ready slide cut — adds $150-$300 and 3-week wait for milling service
- No accessory rail — cannot mount weapon light without custom gunsmithing or clamp-on unit
- Proprietary magazines cost $45+ each — more than standard Browning Hi-Power aftermarket mags
Key attributes
| upc | 845737013608 |
| manufacturer | FN America / FN Herstal |
| manufacturer part number | 66-101069 |
| action | Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 4.7" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 17 |
| color | Flat Dark Earth |
| length | 12.2000 |
| model | High Power |
| number of magazines | 2 17 rd. |
| package height | 3.1 |
| package width | 11.1 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 4.3 |
| sights | Driftable Steel Blackout |
| sights type | Driftable Steel Blackout |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
| magazine included | Yes |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with original Browning Hi-Power magazines?
- No, it is not compatible with most original Browning Hi-Power or Mk III magazines due to a redesigned magazine catch geometry. The FN High Power uses proprietary 17-round magazines, and reliable function is guaranteed only with FN factory magazines, part number FNHP-917. Mec-Gar and other aftermarket manufacturers have begun producing compatible models within the last 12 months.
- Does it fit standard mid-size pistol safes?
- Yes, the FN High Power fits most standard mid-size pistol safe compartments rated for full-size handguns. With overall dimensions of 8" L x 5.3" H x 1.1" W, it requires a compartment of at least 8.5" x 6" x 1.5" for secure storage without wedging. I recommend checking against Hornaday Rapid Safe or Vaultek VT10i interior dimensions.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Processing and shipping typically takes 3-5 business days for in-stock items before the carrier transit begins. Ground transit to most CONUS locations adds another 4-7 business days. The total timeline from order to FFL arrival is typically 7-12 business days.
- Can the slide be milled for an optic?
- Yes, the slide can be milled for a micro red dot optic by a qualified gunsmith, but the process is more complex than a Glock MOS system. The slide's rear sight dovetail is a proprietary FN cut, and the slide's thickness at the rear allows for direct mounting of a Holosun 507C footprint with approximately 0.12" of material remaining after milling.