Beretta Browning FN BDA 3 3/4” .380 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1989
SOLD FOR: $1,175.00
LSB#: WY250401NP011
Make: Browning Arms Company, Beretta
Model: BDA-380
Serial#: 425PR09749
Year of Manufacture: 1989 (PR Date Code)
Caliber: 380 ACP / 9mm Kurz.
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol, Exposed Hammer Single / Double Action with Detachable Magazines. This pistol utilizes a manual safety/de-cocker and magazine disconnect.
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q.”. The left side of the frame is marked “BDA-380 425PR09749”. The chamber is marked “CAL. 9 Short .380 AUTO”. The right side of the slide is marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL PB MADE IN ITALY”. The right side of the trigger guard is marked with several proofs. The bottom of the magazine is marked with “CAL. 9 SHORT/380 Auto”.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade machined into the slide. The rear sight is a square notch sight dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are a two piece smooth wood panels with brass medallions. The front and back straps of the metal frame are smooth. The grips have no chips or cracks and only show light surface scratches and handling wear. Overall the grips rate in Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This pistol includes two x 13rd magazines in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 99% of its original finish. There are faint handling marks throughout. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp and serviceable, the pins are undamaged. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide action is smooth. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. This pistol uses a manual safety/decocker and magazine disconnect. The mag release is reversible.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This pistol comes with its original cardboard box, two magazines.
Our Assessment: This Browning BDA-380 is a stylish and high-quality compact pistol produced in collaboration between Beretta and FN Herstal. Manufactured in 1989, it was imported by Browning Arms Company and marketed as the BDA-380 (Browning Double Action). Mechanically, it is based on the Beretta Model 84, sharing its alloy frame, exposed hammer, and double-stack magazine. Chambered in .380 ACP (9mm Kurz), the BDA-380 offers a blend of elegant styling, excellent ergonomics, and proven reliability—making it an ideal choice for concealed carry or recreational shooting. This example is in excellent condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original factory nickel finish with only faint handling marks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and minimal fouling, rating a strong 9.5/10. The two-piece wood grip panels with brass medallions are well preserved, showing only light surface wear and no cracks or chips. The pistol features a double/single-action trigger, reversible magazine release, manual safety/decocker, and magazine disconnect safety. It comes complete with two 13-round magazines and its original cardboard box.
For collectors of classic semi-autos or those looking for a high-quality, all-metal .380 pistol with vintage flair, this BDA-380 offers a fantastic combination of heritage, performance, and aesthetic appeal. With its roots in Beretta engineering, FN production, and Browning branding, it’s a standout example of international firearm collaboration and Cold War-era design. This is a practical shooter and a highly collectible piece in excellent condition. -R.E.
