When it comes to 9mm handguns one that has always been among my favorites is the Browning HiPower, the FN P-35. I had several HPs, one Canadian, two US and a Belgian that certainly looked like it had been through several wars. They are all gone now but I still have three of the clones; an FEG PJK 9HP and FM Model M-95 that are virtually identical even to being able to swap in Browning parts, and an ARCUS that is more an homage than a clone.
But this thread isn't about the HiPower but rather the short lived Browning BDM (Browning Dual Mode). It was made for less than a decade and unfortunately came out right as the first US magazine ban went into effect. Yet even today when I carry a Browning it will most often be my BDM.
Why?
Because!
Now that I can legally use my higher capacity magazines and put my 10 round ones off to the side it makes a nice slim 15 + 1 package. Here it is compared to the P225 that I had which was only a single stack 8 + 1 set up.
BUT Wait, there's MORE:
Remember this is the Browning Dual Mode. It can be either a DAO revolver like pistol or a traditional DA/SA one simply based on the position of a switch.
As shown in the top image above it is a DA/SA "P" pistol but turn the round section so that the slot is in the down "R" position and it becomes a DAO Revolver mode pistol. Remember this was introduced at the time police departments were transitioning from revolvers to the new and unproven semi-automatics so this allowed departments to let those officers most comfortable with a long double action trigger pull to switch and still keep the same feel and drill.
The BDM conceals easily, points naturally, shoots accurately, has a super easy lock the slide back and turn a lever field strip routine, is flexible so that the action matches what ever else I happen to be carrying and has been totally reliable for almost three decades now.
A Browning Browning:
the FEG PJK 9HP:
the FM Model M-95:
and the Arcus:
The Browning design was really amazing and is still competitive with anything being made today. It's slim, a very natural pointer, double stack high round count 9mm that is super reliable, super accurate and simply looks like a handgun should.the FEG PJK 9HP:
the FM Model M-95:
and the Arcus:
But this thread isn't about the HiPower but rather the short lived Browning BDM (Browning Dual Mode). It was made for less than a decade and unfortunately came out right as the first US magazine ban went into effect. Yet even today when I carry a Browning it will most often be my BDM.
Why?
Because!
Now that I can legally use my higher capacity magazines and put my 10 round ones off to the side it makes a nice slim 15 + 1 package. Here it is compared to the P225 that I had which was only a single stack 8 + 1 set up.
Remember this is the Browning Dual Mode. It can be either a DAO revolver like pistol or a traditional DA/SA one simply based on the position of a switch.
The BDM conceals easily, points naturally, shoots accurately, has a super easy lock the slide back and turn a lever field strip routine, is flexible so that the action matches what ever else I happen to be carrying and has been totally reliable for almost three decades now.