[flugzeug]

I stumbled on a honey of a gun today at the local gun store, a Browning BDA 13 rd in blued. I realize that it's basically the same as the Beretta, but with a enclosed slide.
The only thing, for some reason, it looked like it was made just a bit better. Am I crazy?
Does anyone own one of these, and what do you think of it? Is it still a current model?
I'm seriously thinking about buying it, but would like your input.
Thanks

 

[roadster]

I bought a NIB BDA .380 back in the early 1980's. Very nicely made and finished pistol. As you have noted, it was made in Italy by Beretta and is basically a modified version of the Model 84 Cheetah with an enclosed slide and a slide mounted decocker/safety.

Mine was a very pleasant pistol to shoot. The broad frame grip helped spread the recoil over the palm of my hand and it didn't torgue like my little Walther PPK .380 did.

I currently own a new Beretta 84 Cheetah purchased just last year. Honestly, I can't tell any difference between it and the BDA when it comes to fit and finish. I ended up selling the BDA to a friend of mine who treasures it.

Beretta dropped the Browning BDA from production in the late 1990's as I recall. If you are serious about buying it, then check the pistol over if the gun store will let you field strip it. Look for wear on the alloy frame rails. Check for peening. If the pistol passes inspection, then it comes down to the price. I sold my BDA for only $300 to my friend. But I bought it when it sold new for about $400 or so.

Bottom line, if the BDA passes inspection and the price is right, then buy it. It is a classy little pistol and it will never be made again.


Roadster

 

[nralifemember]

The Browning 380 is an excellent pistol. I traded mine a few years ago and wish I hadn't.

I almost forgot all about it, until I was cleaning some of my stuff and I came across a Brand New Browning Basketweave Leather Holster made specifically for the pistol and sold by Browning. Too bad I have nothing to put into it..

 

[spikey614]

My wife calls the BDA 380 my gentelmans gun. I replaced the wood grips with a set of Pachmeyers because the little sucker would slip in my hand when I fired it. The wood was just too slick for me. I take it out now and then to shoot and it shoots fine. a very well made pistol. I've had mine for about 8 years now. I think it was $350.00 OTD

Plus it is a Browning and I seem to be collecting Brownings. I would like to get the BDA 45acp and the 38super made by Sig one day.

 

[flugzeug]

Thank you all for your comments and advise. I appreciate your input and it helps. I'm going to take another look at the Beretta, but the Browning BDA might very well win.

Thanks again all

 

[pff]

I traded into one last weekend.

According to the Browning page mine was made in 2004, if I'm reading it right. MW date code.

Located a few links pertaining to them:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=13110

http://www.notpurfect.com/main/BDA.html

http://www.browning.com/services/dategun/detail.asp?id=20

http://media.browning.com/pdf/om/04426_bda_om.pdf

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg75-e.htm

http://gunbelt.blogspot.com/2006/11/browning-bda-380-pistol.html

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/brbda38013bl1.html

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/brbda38013bl1.html

So far its run 100% with every load I've tried in it. From what I've been reading, this seems to be the norm.

Some regular ball UMC I had on hand, WinClean I keep for the 1908 Colt, and the USA 100 pack with the flat nosed bullets.

Need to pick up another magazine for it, and maybe a holster. Think I'll keep it

Regards,

Pat

[edited to add:]

The Italian proofmarks also support the 2004 date:

http://www.berettaweb.com/DL1.htm

So I guess they brought them back at least for a while.

 

[flugzeug]

OK, I spent the money on what was a NIB version.

Put a set of Pachmayrs on it, and a new set of Hogue hex grip screws.

Ordered a solid stainless steel guide rod from Steve Bedair.
I love this gun!!!!

What a great shoot'n piece.

pff, thanks for all the links.

 

[pff]

Welcomes!

I had them handy as I'd just swapped into one myself. They are amazing pieces.

Only wart so far is the decocker on them is STIFF. What does the guide rod do for it?


Regards,

Pat

 

[flugzeug]

Pat,
I came across this gentleman when someone suggested a replacement for the guide rod in my Beretta 96FS. The later ones are constructed out of plastic, but mine was an earlier version made out of what I thought to be solid metal. I was wrong.
The guide rod was actually a hollow tube, and the same is true with the BDA.
Replaced, it not only makes the gun look great, but because of the precise fit, the slide cycles like butter. It is also heavier because it's solid stainless steel, so it adds a little extra weight on the muzzle. It definately improved the balance. When you compare the difference between the stock guide rod and the replacement, it's amazing. The best $25 I've ever spent.
You can check out his website at www.guiderod.com
Thanks again for your help,
Bob

 

[pff]

Thanks Bob!

I just gave mine a looksee and it has what appears to be a solid metal guide rod.

Looking over Steve's webpage, I don't see one listed for the .380BDA, nor its Beretta parent. It does show some models I have some interest in so will be saving it.


Regards,

Pat

 

[flugzeug]

Pat,
I had Steve make it up special. He will probably get around to listing on his website soon.
If and when you decide, you wouldn't be disappointed.
Bob
PS My BDA Decocker is smooth. I checked it when you said yours was tight.
Bob

 

[pff]

Thanks Bob,

I always wonder if I've overlooked something obvious.

Takes two hands (or stronger fingers) to get mine off safe. If I carry it seriously I'll prolly leave the decocker up like I do the S&W.


Regards,

Pat