Browning BDA (Browning Double-Action)

History

The Browning BDA ("Browning Double Action"), designed in 1983, is another semi-automatic pistol style derived from the Fabrique Nationale in Herstal, Belgium, based on the John Browning classic as the basis. It imitated the form and function of the pre-WWII FN "GP35" model and ended up being Browning's final contribution to the gun (he died in 1926). The BDA continued to find limited value in the crowded double-action (DA) pistol market, resulting in limited productionproduction of the product ceased as early as 1987.

There are also concerns over the quality control of the product.

The design fits the popular 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, fired from a 14-round magazine (removable) located at the bottom of the grip. The slide has the usual ribs on the sides for a firm grip, and the iron sights on the gun provide some ability to shoot accurately. It has a modified trigger guard (compared to the GP35), and although developed as a DA model, it can be modified to a single-action (SA) model if desired. The ejector lever is ambidextrous, and the magazine catch can be set on the right or left side of the weapon.

The safety feature of the firing pin only allows firing with full and correct manipulation of the trigger.

The BDA continues to be widely accepted by the Finnish Army (as a standard service pistol). Other variants of the series include medium and compact shapes. Only the Browning Double Action (BDAO) received a completely different trigger that automatically disarmed the hammer after each shot.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes