Browning Baby

[Rogelio]

Hello Guys:

I am still in my quest for a gun, and just an hour ago I stopped in the only local gun shop around and saw a Browning Baby in 6.35mm (25 acp) selling for 70 dollars...the gun fires ok and it is a real blast!

Should I buy it?? I know that .25 acp is not a defensive caliber, but maybe as a "hit and run"?? I am not a GREAT SHOT but I do shoot kind of nicely, so I am sure that I can achieve a couple of upper torso (head and neck mostly) shots under stress.

Any advice?? Thanks!!

 

[SelfProclaimedExpert]

Real Baby's usually START around $200. Buy it.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I'd buy it if it's in good condition.

 

[Rogelio]

The gun is used, but it works ok and is in a great condition. I just bought it and I just can not wait until the weekend arrives so I can go shoot!!!

Do you guys have any info on the cartridge??Is it THAT marginal in power or can I use it for really close distance upper torso shots??

Thanks

By the way, .25 acp ammo is way more expensive that i thought!!

Rogelio

 

[Gordon]

You got the bargain of the month, guy! I used to like Berretta Jet fires, and still do BUT the baby is SO much smaller and as long as you don't carry it chamber loaded it is safe&reliable. I have had good luck with Winchester Pellet nose .25 ammo as it feeds like ball and expands some in all media. My favorite is RWS GECO or Hirtenberger Ball as the stuff is hotter and feed well. Watch it with domestic hollowpoints, my baby and other guys I know who use them says they occasionally choke. You don't want that in a gun you have to jack the round into!

 

[SelfProclaimedExpert]

With such a tiny cartridge, .32 ACP included, ball is your best bet. Poking .25" holes is going to be hard enough without trying to get the bullet to expand.

 

[Stickjockey]

Rogelio-

Just out of curiosity, what do you mean by "hit-and-run"?

 

[4v50 Gary]

Even if the bluing was worn and there was external pitting, provided it worked and the bore is good, I'd drop $70 to buy it. One blue job and it's, well, a nice gun and a shooter.

 

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

Double check to see if it's a Frasier. They made an almost exact copy of the Browning .25 pocket pistol. I had a Frasier once, got it for the ex before she was the ex. It did ok with Winchester pellet nose and Silvertips, and was stainless to boot. Paid about $100 USD in Texas for it in the mid 80's.

If it's a Browning, call ahead and make sure they hold it for you!

Regards,
Rabbit.

 

[Rogelio]

Ok, just to answer your comments....

It actually is a FN Browning, I checked in my reference book and also in the booklet that came with the gun.

By "hit and run", I try to say that it is not one cartridge that you can shoot and then see the BG fall, I just guess that ou empty your mag into the aggressor´s upper torso and then run the hell out of there!!

The blueingn is almost perfect, I just bought it becuase it is a really nice gun at a really nice price!! Also, as I currently have lost my job, it is the only gun I can afford (it was that or a Bryco model 48).

Is the gun unsafe to carry with a round chambered?? I just thought that maybe if I did not fully seat the mag then it would be disconnected, and then whenever I have to use the gun I would just "tip" the mag in and start shooting...good or bad idea???

About the post of you guys proposing some ammo choices, down here in Peru we can only buy FMJ...is that an ok cartridge for the gun?? At least i know it will not choke.... check www.limaguns.com , www.gunsupply.net and www.armaq.com (the only 3 gun shops in the country) so you guys may even reccomend me one cartridge hat is for sell there....

Thanks again for all the help you have given me...

 

[Gordon]

That gun sells for $350 in US with box and papers! Looks like Remington ball is the only game in town for you Mi Amigo! Here is why you should carry with the magazine loaded and chamber empty: The fireing pin is spring loaded and held back by only the tiniest sear block! There is no firing pin lock like a colt 80 series nor a blocking of firing pin by any means. The safety designs of JMB are good but not fool proof. Also you want that magazine well seated when you carry it. It is almost as easy to rack the slide as it is to release the safety lever. The added emphasis of your gun handling may defuse the situation.! It has for me! shoot for the eyes with this caliber, it does kill however , try it out on some wood it penetrates 3+ inches in hard wood! Thanks for the links to Peru. I see now the caliber of choice appears to be .380. and .22. down there. With .270 and 30-30 for rifles. Good luck , hope you don't have to shoot any Sendero Lumoso !

 

[Rogelio]

Hi there...I am sorry to dissapoint you, but .380 acp is not the caliber of choice, it is the LARGETS POSSIBLE CALIBER for any legally owned handgun.

And for my bad luck, my father works in the province of Junin, and Sendero luminoso´s fannatics always hang out by there...well, dad owns 2 Beretta 92FS (special license, businessman personal protection) so I guess he is ok with that...just wish the guy good luck..

 

[Watch-Six]

I have a Browning Baby 25 that I inherited from my father. It is a beautiful little pistol and it works fine with FMJ ammo. I don't carry it. A very feeble cartridge. Your purchase price would be a real bargain around here. Best of luck with your new Browning. Watch-Six