ARTV—IHTOG: Browning BDA

Published on October 22, 2019
Duration: 6:06

This video details the history and technical aspects of the Browning BDA pistol. It highlights the pistol's origins as the SIG P220, its manufacturing by JP Sauer and Son, and its marketing by Browning. The discussion covers its double-action/single-action trigger, magazine release, slide construction, and caliber options, noting its reliability and quality despite limited commercial success under the Browning name.

Quick Summary

The Browning BDA pistol, imported from 1977 to 1980, is a double-action/single-action firearm based on the SIG P220 design. Manufactured by JP Sauer and Son, it featured a unique sheet metal slide construction and was primarily chambered in .45 ACP, known for its reliability and quality finish.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Browning's Handgun History & The BDA Need
  2. 00:20SIG P220 Origin & JP Sauer Manufacturing
  3. 01:01Browning BDA: Double Action & Single Action
  4. 01:13Calibers and Magazine Capacity
  5. 01:21Heel Mounted Magazine Release
  6. 01:30Sheet Metal Slide Manufacturing Process
  7. 01:52Browning's Deal with SIG Sauer
  8. 02:17John Moses Browning vs. Other Designs
  9. 02:35Browning BDA Import Years & Calibers
  10. 02:54JP Sauer's Polishing Technique
  11. 03:23Design Shortcomings: Detail Stripping
  12. 03:54The Confusing 'Other' BDA Models
  13. 04:10Beretta-Made BDA 380
  14. 04:17Reliability and Performance
  15. 04:41Commercial Success and Discontinuation
  16. 05:03Evolution to SIG P220 Import
  17. 05:46Finding and Aesthetics of the BDA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the Browning BDA pistol?

The Browning BDA pistol is based on the SIG P220 design, which was developed by Swiss engineer Eduard von Beck around 1975. Due to Swiss export laws, SIG partnered with JP Sauer and Son in Germany for manufacturing.

What calibers were available for the Browning BDA?

The Browning BDA was primarily imported in .45 ACP. It was also offered in 9mm Luger, with approximately 2700 units produced, and a smaller number in .38 Super.

What was unique about the Browning BDA's slide construction?

The slides were manufactured using an efficient sheet metal folding process, resulting in a very flat and optically polished finish with no visible polish marks, a technique developed by JP Sauer.

What were the main advantages and disadvantages of the Browning BDA?

The BDA was praised for its reliability, solid functionality, and excellent trigger pull. Its main drawback was the difficulty in detail stripping the slide and frame.

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