Browning Model BDA-380 .380 ACP 3.75″ DA/SA Semi-Automatic Pistol MFD 1987
SOLD FOR: $2,025
LSB#: 200605GB33
Make: Made for FN by Beretta for Browning
Model: BDA-380
Serial Number: 425 PR 06392
Year of Manufacture: 1987 (AT Italian Date Code & PR Browning Date Code)
Caliber: .380 ACP (9mm Short)
Action Type: Single & Double Action, Semi-Auto Pistol With Decocker-Safety & Magazine Disconnect. Please note, no magazine is included.
Markings: The left of the slide is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY / MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q.”, the right is marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL”, “PB” in oval and “MADE IN ITALY”. The barrel is marked “CAL. 9 Short / 380 Auto” on the chamber and with an Italian proof on the right toward the muzzle. The left of the frame is marked “BDA-380 425 PR 06392” at the dust cover. The right side of the frame has the Italian date code at the very rear behind the grip panel and the bow of the trigger guard has two Italian proofs.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade integral to the front of the slide, the rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut with Browning Buck Mark medallions. The left panel has a couple of light compressions down towards the bottom. Both panels have some light scuffs. There are some tiny little spots of finish loss on the bottom edges. The most noticeable scuffs are on the right panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue with Black Alloy Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. The slide has some faint thinning on the edges at the front. The slide stop and safeties have become plum. The bottom edges of the grip frame have tiny spots of finish loss from standard use. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol has a magazine disconnect safety. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None. Please note, no magazine is included.
Our Assessment: Introduced in 1977, the Browning BDA-380 is a compact, high-capacity .380 semi-automatic pistol. It shares some features with the Beretta 80-series guns, but it has a full-slide instead of the open-top of the Beretta guns. Made for Fabrique Nationale in Italy by Beretta ultimately for Browning, the manufacture of these pistols certainly has an interesting story! This example has a blue finish and is in about Excellent condition, retaining about 98% of its finish with a great bore and strong mechanics. This would make for a great carry pistol, with advances in cartridges making .380 a quite serviceable defensive round and with 13 round capacity. That said, in its high condition, this pistol would appeal to Browning, FN and Beretta collectors, as well as those who just like a beautiful, well-made pistol. Please see our photos and good luck!