Baby Browning Questions

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Dan Forrester

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I’ve always wanted a Baby Browning and found one at a local gun shop and am wondering if this looks like a good one?

Does this look like a fair price? Usually I find this particular shop to have high prices but his looks pretty fair so I’m wondering if there is something I am missing.

I’m mainly looking for a shooter so minor scratches aren’t a problem but is there anything that can’t be replaced that can wear out that I need to look out for?

This will be a steel frame right? I know some were made with aluminum frames but this one looks to be steel.

And advice is appreciated.

Thanks, Dan
 

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In my area, that's not a bad price at all, assuming it had a steel frame. I assume it's magazine is present?

Guns in expensive calibers that are not likely to be shot much aren't commanding high prices these days. I've gotten some surprising deals on a couple lately, also from a shop that I used to regard as "enjoying their guns a little too much."
 
$350 seems alright from the pics.

Mine was estimated at $550-$600 with the pouch but it's about mint. My Grandpa had it on him when he spent a weekend in jail in the 60's. The officer that booked him brushed right pass it.

Tiny little things. So buying one as "a shooter", I wish you the best of luck. Cause man are they hard to shoot! Accurately that is.
 
I would say that is a reasonable price. I do not a have browning but the stainless Bauer copy. If it comes with the case in the background I'd say it was a good price by appearance. PSA (precision small arms) makes official production baby browings and has info and parts including mags.
 
Ya, that's a steel frame. That would be a good price around here, locally I see them in the 450 range in similar condition.

The only issues I know of with them is the cost/availability of spare magazines and the outrageous price of .25 ammo. Also, as a general rule, .25s must be gripped very tightly for reliable cycling so as to not allow the whole gun to rock back in your hand and waste the rather limited energy available.

Still, if this is a gun you have wanted a long time, I say go for it!
 
While I spotted some rust, the price actually seems low to me. There is a fair amount of interest in the Baby Brownings and they haven't been imported into the US since 1968. Granted that mine is in better condition than the one in the picture I have had a lot of people trying to buy mine and offering over $500 for it. I still have it and still carry it as one of a number of back up carry guns.

Don't let people tell you that .25ACP doesn't hold a candle to a .22LR. I have carried mine as a backup since the 1960s and still do.
 
Thank you for all the responses! I’m going to spin by there and pick it up on Monday.

Anything I should do before shooting it besides cleaning it? Maybey a new recoil spring or anything?

Thanks, Dan
 
^^ I'd just shoot it first, then decide what, if anything, it needs.

As mentioned above, it's a little greased piglet to hang onto, especially if you've got bigger mitts (I have the Bauer version.) But the challenge can be fun.
 
Dan Forrester

That's a decent price for a Baby Browning as ones I use to look at all seemed to start at around $400 and went up from there! My Baby Browning is one of the lightweight aluminum alloy frame models with a chrome plated (I have also seen it described as being nickel plated), slide and the Ajax faux pearl grips. Let us know how things go with it at the range.

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You see they won't tell you without your in the CLUB... You have joined and paid your dues right? They won't let us unwashed masses (Colt 1908 Vest Pocket) in you know
 
Got the little baby browning out and did some shooting. Gun shoots very well and was completely reliable over 30 rounds or so. With the suppressor attached it is impossible to limp wrist even with a weakest thumb and index finger hold. Did some penetration testing comparing it to my current EDC the Beretta Minx seen in the top family photo.

The penetration between the .22lr and the .25 were comparable with the edge going to the .22lr. However it seemed the .25 created more damage Deeper into the book. And with the rounds being jacketed they held up much better. The .32 ACP is a real man stopper compared to the rest and went much deeper.
 

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Here’s some pictures of the .22lr vs .25 ACP. As you can see the .25 seems to creat ditruction to the book deeper.
 

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Now the bad news. The threaded barrel comes from Prescision Small Arms and is beautifully made! It is stainless steel and highly polished. Seems to work very well!

However I picked up a couple of the cases after shooting and it seems they all are cracked. Any ideas? Is the recoil spring too week and the cases are ejecting while still under pressure? This gun I believe from the serial number was made in 1966 so the spring could be weak.

I really like this thing and want to get a micro suppressor made for it for my new cary gun. By carry guy I mean at home, around my house and property, mowing the lawn etc. I live in a very low crime area and carry a little pocket pistol more because I like them than because of any perceived need.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Dan
 

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