Browning BDA 380
- Thread starter rballi
- Start date
I have the beretta versions (the 84F and 85F). While not really small (maybe medium sized) I really like them a lot. Especially the 85F which is a single stack (8+1) and conceals for carry well (and I have several BHP's too that are my real favorites). I guess it depends what you are looking for (why, what use, and how it fits in your hand, etc). I prefer the beretta versions (mostly for cosmetic reasons: round hammer, checkered grips, better sights, slide/barrel look (just like a 92/96).
There was a thread a few days ago regarding the BDA 380 vs the BHP. Try the search option. There was a pic of one. As I recall, the 380 was a Beretta manufactured gun.
I looked at them in the late 80's when I bought my BHP. I thought they were quite large for a 380 and therefore did not pick one up. They do look nice. I guess it depends on whether you want a concealable weapon. The BDA 380 is pretty big to conceal easily.
I looked at them in the late 80's when I bought my BHP. I thought they were quite large for a 380 and therefore did not pick one up. They do look nice. I guess it depends on whether you want a concealable weapon. The BDA 380 is pretty big to conceal easily.
I prefer the Baretta 84 because of the way the safety works. Otherwise they are about the same gun. I've owned examples of both (still have the 84). Can say nothing but good things about them. A bit chubby though the grip for best concealed carry, but if you can acommodate that, then they are very fine guns.
Peter M. Eick
New member
I also prefer the MD84. It has never jammed to speak of and is pretty accurate. I find it is easy to shoot and very well made. I think the differences are mostly personal, so pick one and enjoy it. I have liked mine.
Great pistol.
Sold ours.
The primary reason was that my female companion had difficulty manipulating the slide during stoppage and clearance drills. We are making the transition to a semi-auto for her and the BDA .380 initially seemed like a good choice. Reasonably concealable and offered good capacity. She liked the grip, pointability, shot it well and made magazine changes handily. Can't clear a stoppage/jam? No-go.
Another reason for not keeping it was the size (as you have already identified). After we determined that it was not for her, it fell back into my lap. I had no need for a .380 the size of a comparable 9mm with .380 ammunition costing more than 9mm these days.
We found the BDA .380 to be finicky with JHP bullets even after a light polish of the feed ramp (although feed did improve noticeably). Just enough remaining failures to feed to give pause for concern. It was flawless with any and all FMJ ammunition, however. I tend to prefer FMJ in lesser calibers like the .380 but it is always preferable to be able to utilize both configurations.
I thought it was a beautiful piece and very well done throughout. The price is also quite attractive.
Beretta manufactures it, thus the appearance. Magazines are interchangeable between the BDA .380 and the Beretta Model 84. The two new normal capacity magazines we purchased came in the original Browning boxes yet bore Beretta stampings. We also purchased two 10 round Beretta packaged magazines for range use that were stamped identically.
I have not fired the Beretta Model 84, so I can offer no comparison. Handling the Beretta gave me the impression that it was somewhat larger but I am probably wrong (did not have the BDA .380 to do a side-by-side comparison with). Perhaps some of the Beretta Model 84 owners can offer some insight.
Sold ours.
The primary reason was that my female companion had difficulty manipulating the slide during stoppage and clearance drills. We are making the transition to a semi-auto for her and the BDA .380 initially seemed like a good choice. Reasonably concealable and offered good capacity. She liked the grip, pointability, shot it well and made magazine changes handily. Can't clear a stoppage/jam? No-go.
Another reason for not keeping it was the size (as you have already identified). After we determined that it was not for her, it fell back into my lap. I had no need for a .380 the size of a comparable 9mm with .380 ammunition costing more than 9mm these days.
We found the BDA .380 to be finicky with JHP bullets even after a light polish of the feed ramp (although feed did improve noticeably). Just enough remaining failures to feed to give pause for concern. It was flawless with any and all FMJ ammunition, however. I tend to prefer FMJ in lesser calibers like the .380 but it is always preferable to be able to utilize both configurations.
I thought it was a beautiful piece and very well done throughout. The price is also quite attractive.
Beretta manufactures it, thus the appearance. Magazines are interchangeable between the BDA .380 and the Beretta Model 84. The two new normal capacity magazines we purchased came in the original Browning boxes yet bore Beretta stampings. We also purchased two 10 round Beretta packaged magazines for range use that were stamped identically.
I have not fired the Beretta Model 84, so I can offer no comparison. Handling the Beretta gave me the impression that it was somewhat larger but I am probably wrong (did not have the BDA .380 to do a side-by-side comparison with). Perhaps some of the Beretta Model 84 owners can offer some insight.
thequickad
New member
It is a very high quality 380 made by Beretta and is about $100 cheaper than the Beretta 84. Good size pistol and I believed Guntest rated it equal to or higher than both the Sig 230 & the 84. Plus you can still get 13-rd mags for it. Overall an excellent buy because the BDA used to sell around $450-$500. 