Make: Browning Arms Company / Beretta
Model: BDA-380
Serial Number: 425NT04343
Year of Manufacture: 1996 (NT Italian Date Code)
Caliber: .380 ACP (9mm Short)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Exposed Hammer, Double/Single Action with Detachable Magazine. This pistol features a manual safety/de-cocker and a magazine disconnect safety.
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 425NT04343.” 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 bears proof marks. The bottom of the magazine is marked “CAL. 9 SHORT/380 Auto.” There is an import mark on the trigger guard.
Barrel Length: 3 ¾”
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.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels with brass medallions. The front and back straps of the frame are smooth. The grips show moderate surface scratches and handling wear but remain structurally sound with no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 13-round .380 ACP magazine 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 visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its original nickel finish. The markings are crisp, the screwheads are sharp and serviceable, and the pins are undamaged. There are only the faintest handling marks, consistent with very light use. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide cycles smoothly, and the trigger is crisp. The manual safety/decocker and magazine disconnect operate properly. The magazine release is reversible. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with its original cardboard box and one magazine.
Our Assessment:
The Browning BDA 380 is an elegantly designed .380 ACP semi-automatic pistol that bridges European craftsmanship with American branding. Manufactured by Beretta in Italy for FN Herstal of Belgium and marketed in North America by Browning, the BDA 380 is a rare collaboration that combines design elements from both manufacturers.
Introduced in 1975, the BDA 380 takes inspiration from the FN Model 1922, yet it incorporates modernized features such as an exposed hammer, DA/SA trigger, ambidextrous decocker/safety, and a magazine disconnect. It also boasts a 13-round magazine, offering higher capacity than many competing .380 ACP pistols of its time.
This particular example, manufactured in 1996, is in Excellent condition, retaining 99% of its original nickel finish with only faint handling marks. The wood grip panels with brass medallions add to its classic appeal, and the bright bore with sharp rifling confirms minimal use. The inclusion of its original box and magazine further enhances its collectability.
For Browning collectors, European handgun enthusiasts, and those seeking a high-quality vintage .380 ACP pistol, the BDA 380 stands out as a durable, reliable, and historically significant firearm. Whether for personal defense, range use, or as a prized collector’s piece, this Italian-made Browning BDA 380 is a fantastic find.
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