Browning BDA .380, Oddball in a Tactical World
- Thread starter Marko Kloos
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BDA 380
Just bought one recently, for all accounts, brand new, yes, the grips are smooth and slippery, but a piece of skateboard tape on the front strap and back takes care of that! Beautiful handgun, easy recoil, maybe they are not price wise in the sig catagory, but use mine for range time and many times to just admire. I got mine as i said, like new for 395.00 aND I WOULDN'T TAKE 600.00 FOR IT, elegant is not the word for it! Along with my BDA i also have a s.s. ppk/s that i love and an American Eagle luger 9mm in ss, none of the three are "tactical" but they do remind one of what real beauty is all about in a handgun!!
Just bought one recently, for all accounts, brand new, yes, the grips are smooth and slippery, but a piece of skateboard tape on the front strap and back takes care of that! Beautiful handgun, easy recoil, maybe they are not price wise in the sig catagory, but use mine for range time and many times to just admire. I got mine as i said, like new for 395.00 aND I WOULDN'T TAKE 600.00 FOR IT, elegant is not the word for it! Along with my BDA i also have a s.s. ppk/s that i love and an American Eagle luger 9mm in ss, none of the three are "tactical" but they do remind one of what real beauty is all about in a handgun!!
Gixerman1000
Member
They are very nice little pistols, I bought mine just because I like the way they look and it turned out to be a fine shooter.
Cliff47
Member
I picked up mine at a gun show a few years back. The seller was an older gentleman who threw in two boxes fo ammunition, and three 13-rd mags as part of the sale. Turns out, his arthritis was making it too painful to shoot comfortably.
I find the wood grips a bit on the smooth side, but the double-stack mags give you more reserve, should you need it. The sights are rudementary at best, but you are not working with an all-out target pistol. It's meant to be a backup in a moderate (if 9 m/m Short is moderate) chanbering. Good ergonomics, better than most in that chambering.
About three years ago, one of my co-workers brought his three daughters with him on a trip to the range. One daughter (the youngest) wanted to say that she had fired a pistol before going on to another pursuit. I showed her how to load the magazine, insert the mag in the pistol, and properly aim and fire the pistol. The first round left a hole in the target, and one whopping big smile on her face. Before long, she wanted to reload something, something BIG.
The next monday, her mother (another co-worker) informed me that all three girls agreed that I was 'cool'. That's still a good thing, right?
I find the wood grips a bit on the smooth side, but the double-stack mags give you more reserve, should you need it. The sights are rudementary at best, but you are not working with an all-out target pistol. It's meant to be a backup in a moderate (if 9 m/m Short is moderate) chanbering. Good ergonomics, better than most in that chambering.
About three years ago, one of my co-workers brought his three daughters with him on a trip to the range. One daughter (the youngest) wanted to say that she had fired a pistol before going on to another pursuit. I showed her how to load the magazine, insert the mag in the pistol, and properly aim and fire the pistol. The first round left a hole in the target, and one whopping big smile on her face. Before long, she wanted to reload something, something BIG.
The next monday, her mother (another co-worker) informed me that all three girls agreed that I was 'cool'. That's still a good thing, right?
shooter503
Member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2006
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- 440
I like the attitude here.
Rule 1 of my collection - it will be 380 (9mm Kurz).
Rule 2 : There will be no trigger guard grip.
Bernardelli 80.
Beretta 70S.
Walther PPKS.
Mauser HsC.
Looking for early Berreta's and Brownings. Gixerman that's beautiful.
Does anyone else feel the "open top" slides, as in Beretta are more reliable than the "port hole" style?
Rule 1 of my collection - it will be 380 (9mm Kurz).
Rule 2 : There will be no trigger guard grip.
Bernardelli 80.
Beretta 70S.
Walther PPKS.
Mauser HsC.
Looking for early Berreta's and Brownings. Gixerman that's beautiful.
Does anyone else feel the "open top" slides, as in Beretta are more reliable than the "port hole" style?
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robctwo
Member
I bought a Beretta 84FS about the time this thread was started. Got it used at a gun show for $300 with two 13 round mags. it was a trade-in from a LEO who had decided to move up. Very nice shooter. Totally reliable. I will never volunteer to stand down range from any .380 and take a few rounds to show how ineffective they are.
Sylvilagus Aquaticus
Member
I bought one for the ex wife years ago. My brother keeps a nice one as a backup/spare truck gun. They've always been a particular favorite of mine, although it's been years since I've owned or fired one. Currently the only .380 I own, which I've had for over 20 years now, is a mauser HsC.
I prefer the Browning/Beretta to Walthers because of the propensity of the Walther to slice the web of my hand. Same story on my HsC...it doesn't bite me back.
To me, the price difference is worth it over a Bersa, although I think Bersa makes a fine .380..I can afford better, though. If I couldn't, then it'd be Bersa all the way.
Real wood and steel make it a hands-down winner over the more readily concealable Kel-Tec P3AT, although in my limited experience that, too is fine for a pocket backup/nightstand pistol.
Regards,
Rabbit.
I prefer the Browning/Beretta to Walthers because of the propensity of the Walther to slice the web of my hand. Same story on my HsC...it doesn't bite me back.
To me, the price difference is worth it over a Bersa, although I think Bersa makes a fine .380..I can afford better, though. If I couldn't, then it'd be Bersa all the way.
Real wood and steel make it a hands-down winner over the more readily concealable Kel-Tec P3AT, although in my limited experience that, too is fine for a pocket backup/nightstand pistol.
Regards,
Rabbit.
I have the Beretta 84F and I agree that these are beautiful pistols. I can pretty much turn 13+1 into 1 ragged hole at 21 feet.
Not to step on the Browning, because it is a great piece, but I definitely prefer the Beretta's frame-mounted safety which clicks down like a 1911.
Not to step on the Browning, because it is a great piece, but I definitely prefer the Beretta's frame-mounted safety which clicks down like a 1911.
badfirefighter43
Member
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2007
- Messages
- 1
I just purchased a Browning BDA .380 used. Looks like at least 98%. I bought it for the balance and the Browning Quality and History. If you can't bring down a man with 13 bullets then you should'nt own a hand gun. Smiles
hemiram
Member
I had both the BDA and the Beretta 84 in blue. I sold them both when I needed cash. I regretted selling either of them. They are on my list of guns I hope to repurchase some day. I see them locally once in a while, but the prices are just plain crazy.
HammerBite
Member
You know the BDA 380 must be a great gun when people have been praising it in the same thread for over 4 years! I agree with everything positive that's been said.
Marlin 45 carbine
Member
I consider mine to be too valuable to use as a carry gun (truck/motorcycle) so relagated it the safe and got a Makarov. would not break my heart if i had to pitch or ditch it. I had a PPK/s and a CZ, the BDA outshoots and outclasses them and about any handgun I've come across. and 14 shots - well, I load Rem. Golden Sabers with power pistol, packs a wallop.
anyone know the manufacturing dates and serial #/ date ID of these fine pistols? If memory serves they were produced for 10 years - '85 thru '95, the last few of which not many were made.
anyone know the manufacturing dates and serial #/ date ID of these fine pistols? If memory serves they were produced for 10 years - '85 thru '95, the last few of which not many were made.A good friend of mine has a BDA380. I love that gun. He loves it more; won't sell it! I found out that they make 30 round mags for it
https://www.dkmags.com/Browning.html
w00t w00t, ya think 30 rounds of .380ACP is enough?
https://www.dkmags.com/Browning.html
w00t w00t, ya think 30 rounds of .380ACP is enough?
Fer
Member
It still Lives!!!
Wooha,
Found this thread again!. Its been almost 10 years and I still have my BDA!! as I mentioned before it is a keeper!. Still not a malfunction or misfeed in 10 years. How many of the posters from 2 years ago still have their BDAs? has any of you that praised the BDA then changed their mind?.
As I also have a .38 snub and alternate with the BDA, yesterday I took the BDA out with me, and I never get tired of admire this pistol. I keep it on perfect condition and I do take care of it. I still have not found a .380 that I like more than the BDA, it still is number 1 and going strong.
Regards,
Wooha,
Found this thread again!. Its been almost 10 years and I still have my BDA!! as I mentioned before it is a keeper!. Still not a malfunction or misfeed in 10 years. How many of the posters from 2 years ago still have their BDAs? has any of you that praised the BDA then changed their mind?.
As I also have a .38 snub and alternate with the BDA, yesterday I took the BDA out with me, and I never get tired of admire this pistol. I keep it on perfect condition and I do take care of it. I still have not found a .380 that I like more than the BDA, it still is number 1 and going strong.
Regards,
The BDA is one of the most beautiful pistols out there!! I made the mistake of selling my first one 13 years ago and picked up another one about 3 years ago and will never sell it!! Great shooter - Its not my most expensive handgun in the safe - but my favorite!!!
I just purchased a used Browning BDA that looks pretty much like Mike's in the post above from Dec. 9, 2006. However, mine is missing one of the grip medallions. Does anyone know where I can find a replacement?
I have easily located current medallions with the Browning Buck mark, but mine has the "B" mark like Mike's. These seem difficult to locate.
Other than that, I am a proud new owner of this beautiful piece of work, and anxious to put some rounds through it!
Thanks for any guidance.
I have easily located current medallions with the Browning Buck mark, but mine has the "B" mark like Mike's. These seem difficult to locate.
Other than that, I am a proud new owner of this beautiful piece of work, and anxious to put some rounds through it!
Thanks for any guidance.
The Lone Haranguer
Member
Not every handgun need be "tactical."
XDKingslayer
member
Damn, you just added another gun to my wish list...
I seem to be collecting .380s for some reason.
I seem to be collecting .380s for some reason.
Browning/FN BDA380
In 1983 while stationed in West Germany I purchased my first handgun a BDA380, which I still have to this day. Its still one of my most accurate and reliable guns I own. Only change I made to her was to put on a set of Beretta 84 plastic grips. Those really slimed her down. If I was allowed to only have one semi-auto handgun she would be it. With 13rnds on board and a few spares, she can keep up with the best of them out there!
In 1983 while stationed in West Germany I purchased my first handgun a BDA380, which I still have to this day. Its still one of my most accurate and reliable guns I own. Only change I made to her was to put on a set of Beretta 84 plastic grips. Those really slimed her down. If I was allowed to only have one semi-auto handgun she would be it. With 13rnds on board and a few spares, she can keep up with the best of them out there!
Still no luck finding that medallion for my grip, but I'll keep searching. I'd like to get it back to it's original condition. I did learn that mine was manufactured in 1979. Amazing considering that it still looks pretty fine!
ldp4570, you've got me wondering. I wasn't aware you could put Beretta grips on the Browning. Doesn't the frame safety lever on the Beretta 84 interfere with installation? I thought there was a cutout on the Beretta grips for that.
ldp4570, you've got me wondering. I wasn't aware you could put Beretta grips on the Browning. Doesn't the frame safety lever on the Beretta 84 interfere with installation? I thought there was a cutout on the Beretta grips for that.
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