Italian Beretta Browning FN BDA .380 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 2 Mags, 1996
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: LSB260611JS038
Make: Beretta, Italy. Imported by Browning
Model: BDA-380
Serial#: 425 NT 05278
Year of Manufacture: 1996 (NT Date Code) / Modern
Caliber: 380 ACP, 9mm Kurz/Corto
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol, Exposed Hammer, Single / Double Action with Detachable Magazines. This pistol utilizes a manual safety/de-cocker and magazine disconnect.
Barrel Length: 3.75”
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 two piece smooth walnut panels with brass Browning medallions on either side. The front and back straps of the metal frame are smooth. There are faint scratches, pressure dents, and wear marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips rate Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This pistol includes two x 13rd magazine in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Polished 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 faint stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 99% of its original finish. There are minimal handling marks throughout. The action has light wear. 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. We did not fire this pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: Original box, paperwork, 2x magazines.
Our Assessment: The Browning BDA-380 is an elegant Italian-made compact service and defensive pistol produced for Browning from 1977 through 1997. Manufactured in Italy by Beretta for Browning, the BDA-380 combines a traditional blowback action with double-action/single-action lockwork, an exposed hammer, a slide-mounted safety/decocker, and an unusually generous 13-round magazine capacity for a .380 ACP pistol of its era. Browning’s serial system dates this example specifically to 1996, placing it near the end of BDA-380 production. This example is further distinguished by its polished nickel finish, smooth walnut grips with Browning medallions, and classic Italian styling, giving it a more refined presentation than the typical utilitarian pocket pistol. This pistol remains in Excellent condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original polished nickel finish. The exterior shows only minimal handling marks, while the action exhibits light operational wear. The screw heads remain sharp and serviceable, the pins are undamaged, and the markings remain clear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, though faint stubborn fouling remains present, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. The two-piece smooth walnut grip panels show faint scratches, pressure dents, and handling wear but remain free of chips or cracks and rate in Very Good condition. Both 13-round magazines remain in Excellent condition. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, and the pistol retains its factory safety/decocking system and magazine disconnect.
For collectors of Browning and Beretta pistols, the BDA-380 occupies an appealing niche because it combines Italian manufacture with Browning branding and a configuration distinct from Browning’s FN-produced pistols. The 13-round capacity, DA/SA action, walnut grips, polished nickel finish, and late-production 1996 date give this example especially strong visual and collector appeal. Its original box, paperwork, and pair of magazines further enhance the completeness of the package. With its excellent finish, strong bore, classic Italian manufacture, and desirable late-production configuration, this is a particularly attractive example of Browning’s long-running BDA-380. -R.E.