FN HP-DA (Hi-Power Double Action) is a 9mm semi-automatic pistol developed by Belgian Fabrique Nationale arms factory in Herstal. In North American markets, it was marketed as Browning BDA (Browning Double Action, also BDA9) and is also referred to as Browning DA and Browning Hi-Power BDA. Introduced in 1983, it is an update of the Browning Hi-Power (a.k.a. GP 35 in Belgium and French-speaking countries). The overall design layout of all versions of the pistol is based on the Browning Hi-Power, but the firearm features significant ergonomic changes designed to update the weapon to military requirements of its time. Overview The BDA represents the further development of the widely used FN/Browning Hi-Power, which, by 1980s, had been production for almost 50 years before design on BDA was completed. The development of the BDA may have been response to original Hi-Power's shortcomings in the first Joint Service Small Arms Program tests conducted in the late 1970s. FN had the HP-DA ready for the 1983–1984 XM9 pistol trials to select new sidearm chambered for the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge that would equip all the branches of the United States Armed Forces. Ultimately, the winner of the bid was the Italian Beretta 92F. The Finnish Defence Forces accepted the weapon into service as their general service pistol under the designation 9.00 PIST 80 and 9.00 PIST 80–91. The FN HP-DA/Browning BDA had two versions during its lifetime. The first version featured a frame safety similar to original Browning Hi-Power. Production of FN HP-DA started in 1983, but did not sell well and was withdrawn from the markets in 1987. The production resumed in 1990, with the second/updated version produced with a newer style frame safety, as well being made with a new manufacturing process. Along with the second version, in 1990, new variations, such as compact (BDAC/HP-DAC) and double-action only (BDAO/HP-DAO) variants also entered production. Ultimately the production of BDA and its variants would cease in 1999. It would be succeeded by FN Forty-Nine in 2000 and then FN FNP in 2006. Design details The FN HP-DA is a semi-automatic short recoil operated locked breech firearm. It has a vertically tilting delayed camming action. This locking mechanism was borrowed from the Browning Hi-Power. The handgun features a double-action trigger which cocks and then releases the hammer. The recoil of the slide recocks the hammer, and all consecutive shots are fired from the single-action mode.