Browning BDA .38 manufacturers??
I am on the verge of purchasing a Browning BDA .380 and I believe the current iteration is manufactured by Beretta and that it is actually a Beretta 84 w/ a closed slide.
Was this model previously manufactured by FN or Sig for sale by Browning?
If there were other manufacturers which is the best one to buy?
Was this model previously manufactured by FN or Sig for sale by Browning?
If there were other manufacturers which is the best one to buy?
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I have a reference (A. B. Zhuk), who identifies the Belgian made pistol as the "Model 140-DA". He states that "This is a Belgian made version of the Beretta Model 80-series double action personal defence pistols".
This surprises me greatly, as I always believed all these pistols ( with and without the cut out slide) were made in Italy by Beretta, but those with the full slide were just marketed by FN?0 -
Back in 1978 FN ordered a new version of the Beretta Model 84 and marketed the pistol as the FN BDA. The BDA shares the same frame and magazine of the Model 84, but uses the enclosed slide which you mentioned as well as having a de-cocking rather than the Model 84's manual safety. I recall during a visit to Luxembbourg many years ago the gendarmerie were armed with FN BDA pistols. These BDA's were available in blued and nickel versions and the typical markings on the right of the slide would have the name FABRIQUE NATIONALE-HERSTAL over the PB Beretta logo and MADE IN ITALY. The left side would have the typical Browning Arms Company marking. I had a nickeled version of the BDA and thought it was a very good little pistol and mine had a very good trigger pull.
Snowman, I just pulled out my copy of the same book and saw #1398 on page 179 along with the line drawing on page 178. The pistol in question is refered to in Jane's Infantry Weapons, 1977 edition, as a new and un numbered model. The 1988 edition of Jane's does indeed list the FN pistol as the Model 140 and it is a spot on double for the BDA. The black plastic stocks have the FN logo. Jane's indicates the pistol was in production and service with Belgian and some foreign police forces. Perhaps FN chose to have Beretta produce this pistol as the BDA (the time frame matches) for commercial sales and intended the Model 140 strictly for police and military issue? An example of this Model 140 pistol would be a real collectors prize!
Mark T. Christian0 -
seb1999, CDNN of Abiline, Texas was selling the Browning BDA .380 pistols in nickel for $339.95 earlier this year. CDNN can be reached at 800-588-9500 and you can find out if these pistols are still in stock.
Mark T. Christian0 -
Very True MARK: And the CDNN BDA in Nickle is a knockout, beautiful piece and the price is excellent. I have seen some of the .380's by FN also the BDN 9mm.[;)]
Ronnie G. Perkins0
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