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2/23/2022 12:34:30 PM
 
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Section 8: Handguns Subject: Browning Handguns Msg# 1153000
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I think at the time the BDM was designed, the Glock was still new and hadn't made great incursions into the US market--the Glock only appeared in 1985--so FN/Browning was still marketing based on an earlier paradigm. DA/SA for the current paradigm that was just beginning to change because of Glock, and for the older paradigm of revolvers that DA/SA pistols had essentially replaced. It wasn't a bad idea, just too late, and too much of an attempt to be all things to everyone.
IIRC, BDM production began around 1991-92 and lasted less than 10 years. FN wasn't involved in the design and development of the pistol, as it was all done in-house by Browning. I think Browning felt the LEO Market was their primary target, but they had to compete with Smith, Beretta, Ruger and Sig in that DA/SA arena, so they added the "switch" to differentiate themselves. As you said, it wasn't a bad idea, just too late. I bought my BDM in 1992 more for the looks than the "switch". I really thought it was an attractive design, with a very slim profile. As for Glock, they were establishing themselves very well in LEO and commercial markets.(I bought my first Glock, a G22, in early 1991, followed by a G20 a couple of months later. About a year later, my favorite gun salesman in my favorite gun store, took me aside and offered me a G17 Desert Storm Commemorative. How could I say no to that? Harvey |
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For reference, the above message is a reply to a message where: I think at the time the BDM was designed, the Glock was still new and hadn't made great incursions into the US market--the Glock only appeared in 1985--so FN/Browning was still marketing based on an earlier paradigm. DA/SA for the current paradigm that was just beginning to change because of Glock, and for the older paradigm of revolvers that DA/SA pistols had essentially replaced. It wasn't a bad idea, just too late, and too much of an attempt to be all things to everyone. To succeed as a law enforcement pistol, a company needs to have its finger on the pulse of what is currently most popular as well as what changes are in the wind. A difficult proposition. Most companies are followers in this game anyway, and few if any are leaders. |
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