FN BDAO
Fabrique Nationale de Herstal · Pistol · Discontinued · 1990
Also known as: FN HP-DAO, Browning BDAO-9, FN Hi-Power Double Action Only
Overview
The FN BDAO is a double-action-only semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, developed by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal of Belgium. A member of the FN HP-DA / Browning Double Action family derived from the Browning Hi-Power, the BDAO (also marketed as the Browning BDAO-9 and FN HP-DAO) replaces the conventional decocking lever and manual safety of its siblings with a self-decocking double-action-only trigger, giving every shot the same long, consistent trigger pull. It retains the recoil-operated Browning cam locked breech, a 14-round staggered-column magazine, and an automatic firing-pin block for safe carry.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 905 g (31.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Barrel Length | 118 mm (4.65") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 35 mm (1.38") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 14 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 350 m/s (1148 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 481 J (355 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | 6 Grooves, Right-Hand Twist |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: 14-Round Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Automatic Firing Pin Safety, Double-Action-Only Trigger
- Features: Double-Action-Only Trigger With Automatic Hammer Decock, No Manual Safety Or Decocking Lever, Browning Cam Locked-Breech Action, Hi-Power Derived Design
Production
Production years: 1990s
Produced by FN Herstal as the double-action-only member of the HP-DA / BDA9 line; sold to European military and police markets and exported.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Fabrique Nationale de Herstal
Notes
Part of the FN HP-DA / Browning BDA9 family. The BDAO omits any manual safety or decocking lever, relying on its double-action-only trigger for carry safety. Sold in both European and North American markets.
Background
The FN BDAO was FN Herstal's answer to law-enforcement agencies that wanted a revolver-like, snag-free trigger on a high-capacity 9mm. By stripping the manual safety and decocker from the HP-DA and giving every shot an identical double-action pull, FN produced a Hi-Power derivative aimed squarely at the point-and-shoot doctrine popular with police forces of the era.