Designer Pietro Beretta S.p.A. Manufacturer Pietro Beretta S.p.A. Variants 9mm Kurz (.380 ACP) | Designed 1976 Produced 1977-1997 Weight 680 g (1.50 lb) | |
The Browning Arms Company BDA 380 handgun was produced in 1977 by Beretta in Italy for the Browning Arms company.
At the same time that Browning was offering their BDA large handguns in 9mm, .45 ACP, and 38 Super based on the SIG Sauer P220 they also offered the Browning BDA 380 which was made in Italy by Pietro Beretta S.p.A.. While very similar to the Beretta M84 the safety mechanism was different. The frame is aluminum but the slide is steel. The handgrips are wood. The BDA 380 like the larger versions features a double/single action trigger mechanism. The magazine capacity in .380 ACP is 13 rounds.
Browning Branding
This model was sold in the USA as the Browning BDA 380. On the right side of the slide is marked "Fabrique National Herstal" with the FN logo followed by "Made in Italy." In the same manner as the larger BDAs the left side of the slide is marked "Browning Arms Company Morgan Utah and Montreal, P.Q."