Went to the range today and, on a whim, I checked out a 9mm Fabrique National FN35, better known as the Browning High Power. The High Power is a full-sized service weapon. The first thing I noticed was the comfortable grip. Where some of the later high-capacity 9mm pistols feel more like holding a two-by-four, the High Power feels like it was designed for me personally.

With nobody on the firing line and no instruction manual I was able to quickly get the piece up and running due to prior experience with the Colt M1911. The two pistols are very similar. The High Power points naturally and the sight picture is effortlessly aligned with the eye, even better than with a M1911.

The High Power's solid heft soaks up recoil very well, making it a joy to shoot with 115 grain ball. I was not consciously aware of the trigger at any time. It was smooth and crisp, unlike my NYPD Glock that has the trigger-pull of a staplegun.

Like the M1911, the High Power is large and flat, with no unusual protrusions or sharp edges. Other than the weight, it would carry and conceal well.

The controls are completely familiar to anyone versed in the M1911, although the ambidextrous safety is a little closer to the web of my hand than the safety of a M1911. This particular pistol still had the original magazine safety, which prevents firing the weapon when the magazine is removed. I'd say that you could do lots worse than using a Browning High Power for personal or home defense.

Note: A complete review of the Browning P-35 pistol can be found on the Product Review Page.