Browning BDM...anyone with experience on it?

[Redcoat3340]

Got a line on a local BDM for $450. Looks in decent shape in the pics and comes with 4 mags and holster.

I'm really happy with my HP, had a trigger job done on it, bobbed the hammer a bit, mag safety gone, and duracoated what was a beat up on the outside CDI Israeli surplus pistol.

From what I've read, the BDM is thinner, the DA trigger needs help, SA trigger is good, probably has a mag safety, sights are okay as is, and it's got that DA/SA or "revolver" DA only setting thingy. I also know the safety isn't like on 1911, but as it will be a range gun that's not too important.

But does anyone have an actual experience with it? I've kind of been focused on Sigs lately...but Brownings have always had a special place in my heart and this one is just different enough to attract my interest...and my money.

Pricewise, I think it sounds okay but I need to do a gunbroker "completed" search to see how the $$$ is.

But I'm wondering how it shoots. My HP is the best shooter in the safe (well, there's a brand new Colt 1911 9mm Government Competition model there, but I've yet to shoot it, so I need to hedge my statement a bit). But of all the other stuff in there, the HP is a clear winner.

So, wadda say about it???

 

[muzzleblast]

$450 for a DBM with 4 mags and a holster sounds good to me. Buy it. Try it.

I've had three. The triggers range from nothing special to good. Accuracy and reliability are fine. Much ado was made about the safety operating opposite to conventional frame mounted safeties, "i.e. safe - down, safety off - up". This likely had as much to do with the handguns lack of popularity as anything, and it was/is certainly a valid point for people who have the 1911/BHP manual of arms ingrained into their muscle memory. That said, many DA/SA pistol (S&W Gen 3, Beretta M-92, etc.) users utilize the safety as a "decocker" and carry with the safety off. It has a very thin grip and conceals well compared to other double stack magazine handguns. Parts are hard to come by. If you decide you love it, pick up a spare as a parts gun. Overall, IMO its an interesting design that deserves a place in a collection.

 

[colt_saa]

I have shot many of them. I still own one

It is the thinnest metal framed 15 round pistol out there. Great choice for the folks with small hands

It is reliable and reasonable accurate. I would have no trouble carrying one. I use the one I have as part of my teaching inventory.

At $450 it would already have been in my safe.

 

[OKFC05]

I have one, and ran it in competition after it first came out.
Accurate, reliable and easy to speed reload.
Cons: Hate the grip, never could get an add-on grip to stay put in a long match, never got used to the long heavy first pull.
When the M&P Pro came out, I bought one and retired the BDM for IDPA competition.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Trying to remember...... can it use Hi-Power magazines??????

IIRC the answer is no......... are the magazines 10 rounds or ????

Can you get extra mags?????? If not......it may explain the price!!

4mags is an absolute minimum for me......

 

[OKFC05]

Trying to remember...... can it use Hi-Power magazines??????

IIRC the answer is no......... are the magazines 10 rounds or ????

Can you get extra mags??????

No, Hi Po mags are different than BDM mags.

I found BDM mags on sell out years ago and bought a handful. Just have to look around now.......? Some were 10 round ban mags some were 15, IIRC.

Obsolete Browning Firearms Parts and Service

https://www.triplek.com/product/browning-bdm-9mm-15-rd-magazine/

Browning Magazines for Browning Pistols

 

[tekarra]

I had a BDM some years back. Sold it as I did not like the mushy trigger in the revolver mode. Wish I still had it.