Browning BDA (Browning Double-Action) Semi-Automatic Pistol (1983)
The Browning BDA semi-automatic pistol is based on the proven Browning High-Power of the 1930s.
Though losing out on the lucrative US DoD contract, there was nothing inherently wrong with the Browning submission. It was a conventional semi-automatic pistol design which carried nearly the same form and function of John Browning's original design back in the early 1900s. The weapon took on the typical "L-shaped" configuration with an integrated ergonomic pistol grip and slab-sided slide. The slide featured grips along the rear for cocking the weapon. The barrel was fitted over the recoil spring and both were shrouded by the slide assembly. There was a front and rear iron sight over the slide with the hammer partially visible out of the rear. The trigger was curved in its design an held within an oblong trigger ring. The slide release, magazine release and safety were all set along the side of the receiver within reach of the thumb. Magazines were inserted into the base of the pistol grip in a conventional fashion.
The weapon was initially chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge though a later addition to the line saw the inclusion of the Israeli 9x21mm IMI round. The weapon fired from a 14-round detachable box magazine (depending on the model type as there were compact forms produced as well, these utilizing the shorter 7-round count). The weapon operated on a short recoil operation set along a typical semi-automatic function. The double-action nature of the trigger allowed the trigger unit to both cock the weapon and fire it (releasing the hammer).
Despite its non-selection in the US military trials, the Browning BDA went on to be used by the Finnish Defence Force as its standard issue sidearm (the "PIST 80"/"PIST 80-91" series). FN produced the basic model under the "BDA" designation and this was followed by various other marks including the "BDAM" ("Browning Double-Action Medium"), "BDA-9M" ("Browning Double-Action 9M") and "BDAC" ("Browning Double-Action Compact") forms. One other notable version was the "BDAO" ("Browning Double-Action Only") which included a new trigger system with automatic decocking.
The base BDA model sported a weight of 920 grams with a running length of 200mm and barrel length of 118mm. Muzzle velocity was rated at 1,150 feet per second with an effective range out to approximately 165 feet.
For a time, the BDA was initially known as the "BDA-9S" and may also be referred to as the "HP-DA" ("High-Power Double-Action"). Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Browning BDA (Browning Double-Action)
Semi-Automatic Pistol
Country of Origin: Belgium
Manufacturer: FN Herstal - Belgium
Initial Year of Service: 1983
Overall Length: 200mm (7.87in)
Barrel Length: 118.00mm (4.65in)
Weight (Empty): 2.03lbs (0.92kg)
Cartridge: 9x19mm Parabellum; 9x21mm IMI
Action: Double-Action; Blowback; Semi-Automatic
Feed: 7- or 14-round detachable box magazine
Muzzle Velocity: 1,148ft/sec (350m/sec)
Rate-of-Fire: 12 rounds per minute
Range: 164ft (50m; 55yds)
Sights: Iron front and rear
Variants:
Browning BDA - Browning Double-Action; Base Series Designation.
Browning BDA-9S - Original Designation replaced by BDA.
Browning BDAO ("Browning Double-Action Only") - Based on the original BDA with reworked trigger mechanism.
Browning BDAM - Browning Double-Action Medium
Browning BDA-9M - Alternative Designation for BDAM model.
Browning BDAC - Browning Double-Action Compact
Browning BDA-9C - Alternative Designation for BDAC model.
HP-DA - High-Power Double-Action; European Market Designation.
9.00 PIST 80 - Finnish Army Designation
9.00 PIST 80-91 - Finnish Army Designation
Operators: Finland
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