Funky pistol designs, part XIV: The Browning BDM

[Marko Kloos]

Well, I've had a chance to shoot and carry the BDM some more, and I still like it a bunch. It makes an exceptionally good IWB carry pistol, and you do get spoiled with the slimness of the BDM...it makes a double-stack SIG look and feel like a two-by-four in comparison.

Reliability has been 100% with my chosen carry load, the Federal +P+ 9BPLE. I have had exactly one malfunction with ball, one FTE out of 200 rounds of Winchester "Value Pack" White Box ammo. (I've had the same kind of malfuction with the same ammo in a HK USPc before, so I am starting to suspect that the Winchester stuff is a little wonky.) The pistol is comfortable and accurate, although the DA trigger is just heavy enough to make the DAO mode an unattractive proposition to me.

I've carried worse. All in all, it's a capable and comfortable carry piece, offering 15+1 rounds in a package that's thinner in the grip than my P7M8.

 

[jar]

BDM next to BHP

BDM next to SiG 225

 

[Grey54956]

Yeah, the BDM is incredibly slim, and I do worry about the frame cracking, as I have read that it can be a problem.

I love the BDM. However, in light of the possibilty of frame cracking, etc. I think I will keep it around, but go easy on it. Or, perhaps I will get a second one for the range, and keep mine for carry (please, please let WI see the light!!! - not that it matters much, moving to IN). My gun has seen fairly light usage totalling maybe 750 rounds. Hopefully, it has plenty more to go before problems...

 

[kdog]

browning bdm

I am thinking of geting one of these browning bdms so I have alot of questions. If i can find one, how commen are they. about what price do they run. also in the revolver mode I assume the hammer is always decocked automaticaly after each shot. i like this for safety. Can you cock the hammer by thumb first then fire like a actual revolver in single action mode or will the gun not work in this manner. any thing is helpful thanks.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

They're not terribly common, but they're still fairly easy to find. In fact, www.cdnninvestments.com lists them in their newest catalog on their website. They also have full-cap mags, if your state is so inclined. You can also check out www.gunbroker.com and see what kind of deals are around. I don't remember the price at CDNN, but they usually have very good prices. They will only talk firearms over the phone, so, if you're interested, you'll have to call. The most desirable BDMs are the so-called Practical models (black finished slide and hard chromed receiver). I have one of these, but have never shot it (played with it plenty). Paid $300 for it new from a dealer who had it for over 2 years and couldn't move it. In Revolver mode, the hammer will always follow the slide and each shot will be DA. Added bonus is that you can cock the hammer in DA mode (something you can't to with any other DAO auto). The other mode (I don't know what it's called) will give you traditional DA/SA pistol function. Couple of things I don't like. The slide release is also the safety. Drop the slide and the gun is on safe. Not too bad of a manual of arms, but you have to train with it.

I'll add that I think there's lots of potential in this design. I wish they'd revive it.

 

[DMF]

Nice report, I too have always had an interest in the BDM. Although I'm more likely to get a FN-HP/DA compact, which is similar to the BDM, but without the "funky" pistol/revolver option, and rather than a safety it just has a decocker. The full size version will take the regular BDM mags.

CDNN is currently selling the DA/SA version for $300 and the DAO version for $280.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I thought about those. Even looked at a couple or three at local gunshows. Seems like a nice, well thought out design. I probably would have picked one up, but it just doesn't offer anything "unique" for my collection (fancy way of saying the gun just didn't grab me). Unfortunately, these are out of production also. I worry about parts and service for out of production guns, especially if I was looking for a CCW piece.

 

[BlkHawk73]

That was a pistol I always kinda admired but had forgoten about until just recently. It is too bad it never took off. Maybe someday...

 

[Mordoc]

I had a late production BPM-D which was without the DA only mode and with a decocker instead of a safety. I wish I hadn't traded it. It is a neat design.

 

[[email protected]]

Neat safety feature

I have had a BDM since the first came out. I like being able to see a round in the chamber with the slide closed. I think every gun should have this feature. I have been considering buying a HK P2000SK but I have a small hand and even though it is designed for different size hands, it is still wider than the BDM.

 

[McCall911]

The Browning BDM

Doggone it, I'll soon be in the market for a good 9mm and had already had my mind made up on a S&W 5903 until I was reminded of the Browning BDM!!

I'd looked at one some years ago and was intrigued and could have easily been nudged into buying. But I didn't think I liked DA autoloaders at the time, so I passed.

Also. there is this slide-bite problem that I have when shooting Browning Hi-Powers, and I thought this issue might extend to the BDM.

Anway, more food for thought I suppose!

 

[Texfire]

Although I'm more likely to get a FN-HP/DA compact, which is similar to the BDM, but without the "funky" pistol/revolver option, and rather than a safety it just has a decocker. The full size version will take the regular BDM mags.

I'd heard that the DA FN High Power takes BDM mags, but I've never had a chance to test it. Has anyone actually confirmed this? I'd love to buy some more standard cap mags, I've only found two so far that were under $60, and I wonder if I could get some of the FH-HP/DA mags for my BDM.

Tex

 

[Texfire]

Also. there is this slide-bite problem that I have when shooting Browning Hi-Powers, and I thought this issue might extend to the BDM.

Negative. I have both a FN-HP Mk3 and a BDM. Shooting the High Power leaves me with a red spot on the web of my hand, but the BDM does not.

I'm happy with my BDM, it's the first centerfire handgun I ever purchased, and I don't think I'll ever sell it, even though I don't shoot it that much anymore having discovered the love of a variety of handguns. Mine came with two 10-round magazines, and I managed to pick up two standard cap ones over the years without paying more than $60 each. It fits just fine in a Don Hume JIT slide #10, though I haven't tried to find an IWB holster for it yet.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I'd heard that the DA FN High Power takes BDM mags, but I've never had a chance to test it. Has anyone actually confirmed this?

Don't know. But you can find so-so prices (not downright cheap, but pretty decent) here:

www.cdnninvestments.com/brbdm9mm15ma.html

$10 cheaper if you don't mind the LE marking:

www.cdnninvestments.com/brbdm9mm15le.html

I have some new BDM mags at home. I check and see what's on the box. They're new manufacture.

 

[Caseless]

Browning Double Mode

Mine was made in Utah, bought it NIB a few years ago for the princely sum of $500 + $100 dealer transfer fees(since it wasn't on the CA DOJ handgun list).
On paper, this is almost a semi-customized gun with many good design features.

-Bobbed hammer
-protruded finger grips on back of slide
-flared magazine well
-ambidextrous European-style safety/decocker
-screw-adjustable rear sight
-Well-placed magazine release button
-The thinnest grip for a double stack mag pistol, period
-Checkered front grip area
-Full length recoil guide-rod

During numerous trips to the range, I used the DAO mode twice, then left it in the DA/SA mode for good. I've only found two issues with my BDM. First it will eject the last round straight into my face most of the time with all five factory 10 round magazines. Then there's the inconsistency in the accuracy department. It is a tad less accurate than my CZ-75B at 12 yards, but beyond 15 yards the groups become shotgun patterns. The slide to frame fit is a bit loose, or perhaps a Bar-Sto barrel will improve the accuracy.

Personally I think the BDM is still a work-in-process. It does come in handy if I want to practice DA only shots though.

 

[f4t9r]

I need one of these guns , so the search begins !!!

 

[Steveshooter]

Browning BDM 9MM

I absolutely love my BDM...it's thin, accurate and totally reliable....an excellent shooters gun, great for CC

 

[10-Ring]

Nice piece, nice report!

 

[Texfire]

I need to dig mine out of the safe. I've been playing with a FM Detective and Kahr K9 for carry guns lately and completely forget about my BDM. Silly me.

Tex

 

[Hawkwolf]

Browning BDM/BPM-D

Just found this thread and I think I may be able to clear up some mis-comceptions. I was a LEO and carried first a BDM, then BPM-D on patrol. Hundreds of rounds, +P+, and didn't have any issues. I have outshot every other deputy in qualifications, and generally had zero complaints. With one exception: I was raised on the 1911, and went to the BPM-D for the safety factor. The decocker returns on it's own, unlike the safety. If there had been a way to add a return spring to the safety on the BDM, I would have stayed with it. One session on the range I "forgot" to return the safety. Went down the next Monday and bought the "D". I still have both, and will not sell either of them.

This thread hasn't had a post in a while, but I thought I would toss in my .02 American.

Burt

 

[leolarry]

BDM

I purchased my BDM several years ago you are right it is not an very popular gun. Mine is the two tone version and came with 3 clips , I noticed in some of the post that some of u say it hold 15 rounds mine only holds 8 so not sure if i can get a double stack mag for it . any way it is a very slim gun and I do like it . I just stumbeled on to this forum while searching out info on the BDM larry

 

[10-Ring]

Congrats on the new addition!
I saw one years & years ago and really liked its profile, ergos & capacity. But as the youth that I was, my taste leaned more towards Berettas and I didn't have the $$ to have both. Look forward to reading a report on how well she shoots

 

[Caseless]

I noticed in some of the post that some of u say it hold 15 rounds mine only holds 8 so not sure if i can get a double stack mag for it .

Factory 15 rd standard capacity magazine has been out of production for a while. Check CDNN Investment. They have some in stock from the last catalog I received.

 

[dourdave]

The "Different" Browning

Yesterday I wandered into my favorite gun shop. It deals only in used arms, but has a very good selection to lust over. A few weeks ago I found a BHP MKIII and it went home with me. Nice----I am happy.

Yesterday I stumbled upon a Browning BPM-D and fondled it a bit. Nice, but I knew nothing about it. The shop owner didn't know much, so I walked away.

At Home I used "GOOGLE" to see what I could learn. This site was the only source of subjective information (mostly good) and I became convinced that the gun was one to have.

Today I went back and It went home with me. It feels good---it looks good---it has a good home. I will clean and inspect it and then plan for a Saturday at the range.

Thanks for the discussion and the information you provided.

Dave

 

[Hoppy590]

Dourdave

if your able to buy mags off the internet

CDNN has hicap, 40$
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/brbdm9mm15le.html

and 10 round, 10 $
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/bdm9mm10blun.html