Now I want a BDM

[wasrjoe]

I'm mostly a rifle person, having only one pistol - a Makarov 12 rounder in .380 - and I've decided it's time to get another pistol. I decided on getting a 9mm for a few reasons - ammo cost being the primary one. I also decided that I wanted something slim, and after seeing the results to my Slimmest Pistol Design thread I furthered narrowed it down to something full-size. Enter the Browning BDM.

I'm fairly set on this pistol now - it's got uniqueness, a slim design, high capacity (magazine prices notwithstanding, let's hope that goes away soon ) and for about $400, economy.

However, I've read conflicting reports on durability and accuracy. So, here's your last chance to convince me that I should/should not have this gun. And, if you think I should have it, here's your last chance to tell me how to select a good specimen.

Thanks for your help.

 

[pakmcc]

new pistol

I was a revolver person for many years. Then someone loaned me a CZ 75 in 9mm. Now my wife and I have about 10 CZ's. five 75's, one CZ83, three CZ 52's and since I couldn't find a CZ97, I got a full size witness .45. Look at the witness 9mm's and .45. there's nothing wrong with them either.
I was at the range last week and a sailor had a Colt Gold cup .45 and my witness was just as accurate as the GC. We were shooting my ammo and shoot each others guns. you couldn't tell which group came out of which gun.
One of my CZ's is the champion in 9mm. it's a real tack driver. the other cz's shoot real well, are accurate, and will shoot just about any bullet.
I've had just about every automatic on the market(up to about 25 years ago and I've fell in love with my CZ's.(my wife also).
I'm enjoying my CZ 52's also, Their 7.62x25 and at lease one is very, very accurate.
Cheap!!!, try a Makarov in 9x18. it will supprise you with it's accuratry.(ok, I've only got two of the Mak.s, I carry one with a concealed gun liense)
yours truly, Pat Mc

 

[Dorrin79]

wasrjoe -

honestly, if you like the idea of a thin double-stack 9mm, get yourself a Browning/FN Hi-Power.

The BDM has a funky trigger (compared to the good (great if you're lucky or have it worked on) trigger of the BHP) and some serious reliability issues.

Furthermore, standard-cap mags are impossible to find, limiting you to a 10 rd capacity. 13, 15, and 17 rd mags for the BHP are cheap and plentiful.

The BDM has a reputation for spotty durability. The BHP is one of the strongest and most reliable guns on the planet.

Just my $0.02...

 

[WonderNine]

I think the BDM is a plenty durable gun bar the safety. I did fire a good quantity of 124gr. Hirtinberger +P+ through mine as well. I've posted my experiences with the BDM in past threads. It's probably the only gun I sold that I wish I had kept for some strange reason even though I hated the safety and the rattling 15 round mags with the plastic bottoms.

I think I had about six of them and they all rattled. I think the ten rounders even rattled a bit as well. The double action was pretty good and the single action was good as well. The "revolver mode" is pointless.

 

[wasrjoe]

I don't mind about the safety because it will be my first pistol I will use a lot. I will get used to the safety.

 

[minnesota oldie]

I like mine and the trigger can be dealt with by any good gun smith. Mine has a very good trigger and shoots as well or better then my Browning Hi Power. I have 2 hicap mags and they don't rattle, nor due the 5 10 rounders I also have. I use it for carry once in a while with an Alessi belt holster. I use a 14 pound recoil spring for range ammo, but switch to a 16 pound spring when shooting 147 grain hollow points. I think it's a great little under appreceated gun for the money.

 

[browneu]

I had two BDMs which I sold and regret not keeping the two-toned version. They are really nice for people with small hands. I am sure that you'll like it once you get it.

 

[max popenker]

Anybody knows if the BDM's were EVER issued to any LE agency or department?

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I have an unfired two-tone (for HPs, this would be a Practical version - don't know if the BDM version was ever called that). I've been debating shooting it, but never made it to the range. I like the design and wish somebody like Springfield would buy the patent rights and manufacture the gun. Parts have to be getting difficult to find as it's been out of production for some time.

 

[Tamara]

I owned two and shot a fair number of rounds through each. Neither of mine broke while I owned them, but I've written repair tickets on a few.

They're interesting guns, but I think the quest for thinness in the frame may have been taken too far at the expense of ruggedness, and the Dual Mode trigger system adds unnecessary complexity in the fire-control department. Also, the "down-safe/up-fire" safety is bass-ackwards relative to nearly every other gun in sold in America and can cause a variety of hilarious faux pas in fast work from the leather by those folks more accustomed to the High Power/1911/USP/Taurus/et al manual of arms.