Finally a Browning BDA 380

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I had a PPK .380acp - great pistol but tore the hide off my thumbknuckle some. I replaced it with a BDA, much more comfortable to shoot and control.
just to derned nice to daily carry so replaced it with a Makarov.
my BDA is my BBQ gun now. classy sidearm and I've shot enough into wood pallet target stands to know it's plenty powerful enough.

 

[otomik]

+1 sometimes you just gotta own a gun because you want to, ballistic numbers be dammed.

yeah but why not go with a fun cartridge? Beretta 87 .22lr

So true.. I always have to double check which pistol we are talking about when some posts about a Browning BDA.

not to mention the FN HP-DA also branded a Browning BDA.

I've shot enough into wood pallet target stands to know it's plenty powerful enough.

so what? it's wood!
http://www.goldenloki.com/ammo/gel/380acp/gel380acp.htm
.380 is marginal
histortically the Beretta 1934 and Makarov made sense because militaries have agreed to use FMJ.

 

[huntsman]

yeah but why not go with a fun cartridge? Beretta 87 .22lr

ohh yeah I've been wanting one of those also, without the attachment.

 

[AJChenMPH]

Will you "caliber war" guys please knock it off and take it into another thread? Or hell, take it to PM. Just stop pissing on the OP's thread.

Ahem, back on topic...

Nice pickup -- for just over $400?!

Here's mine (a 1981 model inherited from my dad):



Shoots great and with virtually no recoil! Only problem I have is that for some reason the "beavertail" bites into my hand something fierce...I can only shoot about 50-75 rounds and then I have to put it away -- otherwise, it opens up a really nice wound on the webbing of my hand between my thumb and index finger...

 

[greyeyezz]

Regardless of caliber I'd be proud to own a fine pistol like that, very nice.

 

[DPris]

Dog,
I can't find the history of Browning showing FN ownership you mention.
There has been a longtime relationship between Browning Arms and FN, but to the best of my knowledge Browning did not become a wholly-owned subsidiary until much later than 1958. I'm not sure FN is marked on every .380 BDA ever made, and I've never heard that FN themselves contracted with Beretta for the BDA specs.
If I'm wrong, I'll apologize.
Denis

 

[makarovnik]

They are sexy beasts!

 

[BillH]

Very nice. Excellent photos. I have MX03033.

 

[bannockburn]

For some reason I prefer the Beretta Model 84 with a blued finish, while I think the Browning BDA looks best in nickel.

 

[Litlman]

Nice find. I am still on the look out for a BDA or 84 at the right price. Messed up on a BDA in Blue at $375, waited to long & it was gone. I did grab an 87 for $400 a while back. Nice gun. Enjoy your BDA!

 

[n5odj]

I agree that these are likely the most beautiful pistols ever made, anywhere. I don't have much use for a mid-sized 380, but have been tempted to buy one of these solely for their appearance. Beautiful. You should be proud of it.

Robert in the hills of Tennessee

 

[Marshall]

Congrats on your new BDA .380!

You'll really like it. I have a nickel model from the 80's, great feeling gun, beautiful, 13 rounds and lots of fun.

OH yea, mine doesn't like Hornady HP ammo but likes everything else I've shot through it.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I am new to the forum. And realize this is an older thread, but I want to add my 2 cents.

I bought my BDA 380 new in 1985.. It has been my primary carry weapon since then.

As mentioned it is the best made automatic I have owned.('cept for my Colt Woodsman Match Target) Beautiful and well balanced. Never has this gun failed in any way.

For those who think that the 9mm is a better round.. Load your own 380 and load 'em a little hot... Results will be nearly the same... and my question is this. How many times have they pulled their weapons and actually fired on someone..

My answer is never... But if I do it's 2 full clips of hot 380... 26 rounds will make almost anyone hamburger...

Thank you Browning for bringing great guns to the U.S.