Browning BDA (Browning Double-Action)

Semi-Automatic Pistol / Military Service Sidearm

Belgium | 1983

"The Browning BDA semi-automatic pistol of the mid-1980s was based on the proven Browning High-Power / GP35 model of the mid-1930s."

Left side view of the Browning DBA semi-automatic pistol

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 01/30/2017 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Designed in 1983, the Browning BDA ("Browning Double-Action") was another semi-automatic pistol form to emerge from Fabrique Nationale of Herstal, Belgium and based on the classic John Browning work. It mimicked the form and function of the pre-World War 2 FN "GP35" model which ended as Browning's last contribution to guns (he died in 1926). The BDA went on to find only limited value in a crowded Double-Action (DA) pistol market which led to restricted production totals - manufacture of the product was given up as early as 1987. There were also concerns as to the product's quality control.

The design was chambered for the popular 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge firing from a 14-round magazine (detachable) inserted into the base of the grip. The slide featured the usual ribbing along its sides for a firm grip and iron sights over the weapon gave some capability for accurized fire. It included a revised trigger guard (when compared to the GP35) and, while developed as a DA model, could be reworked to become a Single-Action (SA) model if desired. The decocking lever was ambidextrous and the magazine catch could be set to either the right or left side of the gun. A firing pin safety feature only allowed firing through complete and proper management of the trigger.

The BDA went on to see large-scale acceptance with only the Finnish Army (as its standard-issue service pistol). Other variants in the line included a medium and compact sized form. The Browning Double-Action Only (BDAO) was given an altogether different trigger which automatically decocked the hammer after each firing.

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Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Browning BDA (Browning Double-Action). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

164 ft
50.0 m | 54.7 yds
Max.Eff.Range

12
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

1,148 ft/sec
350 m/sec
Muzzle Velocity

Physical
The physical qualities of the Browning BDA (Browning Double-Action). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

200 mm
7.87 in
O/A Length

118 mm
4.65 in
Barrel Length

2.03 lb
0.92 kg
Weight

Short-Recoil; Locked Breech; Semi-Automatic
Action

9x19mm Parabellum; 9x21mm IMI
Caliber(s)

7-, 14- or 15-round detachable box magazine
Feed

Iron front and rear
Sights

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Browning BDA (Browning Double-Action) Semi-Automatic Pistol / Military Service Sidearm family line.

Browning BDA ("Browning Double-Action") - Base Series Designation.

BDA-9S - Original designation

BDA-9M / BDAM - Medium frame model

BDA-9C / BDAC - Compact frame model

BDAO ("Browning Double-Action Only") - Revised trigger system.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Browning BDA (Browning Double-Action). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): FN Herstal - Belgium / Browning - USA

[ Finland; United States ]

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Image of the Browning BDA (Browning Double-Action)

Left side view of the Browning DBA semi-automatic pistol

Going Further...
The Browning BDA (Browning Double-Action) Semi-Automatic Pistol / Military Service Sidearm appears in the following collections:

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