FN Browning BDA 380 Shooting Impressions

Published on November 19, 2022
Duration: 22:52

This video provides a comprehensive shooting impression of the FN Browning BDA 380 pistol. The reviewer highlights its beautiful blued finish and pleasant shooting characteristics, despite its older design. Key observations include the tiny sights, potential for hammer bite, and the need for careful grip to manage recoil and ensure proper cycling. The review also includes an 'What's For Dinner' test evaluating various 380 ACP ammunition types for reliability and slide lock.

Quick Summary

The FN Browning BDA 380 is a .380 ACP pistol appreciated for its classic blued finish and pleasant shooting experience. Key features include a DA/SA trigger, safety, and decocker. However, its tiny sights can be challenging, and some shooters may experience hammer bite. Ammunition testing revealed that magazine and load compatibility can affect slide lock reliability.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction: FN Browning BDA 380
  2. 00:31Cold Shots at 25 Yards
  3. 01:09Sight Observation
  4. 01:34Shooting Impressions: Pleasant Shooter
  5. 02:04Recoil and Double Action
  6. 02:43Direct Blowback Characteristics
  7. 03:03Mechanical Hiccup: Stuck in Double Action
  8. 03:26Hammer Bite Observation
  9. 03:42Full Mag Plus One Test Setup
  10. 04:44PMC Bronze Ammo Test
  11. 05:06Slide Lock Issues with PMC Bronze
  12. 05:48Ammunition vs. Magazine Theory
  13. 06:23Troubleshooting Slide Lock
  14. 06:58What's For Dinner Test Begins
  15. 07:33Winchester Silver Tip 85 Grain Test
  16. 08:13Norma MHP 85 Grain Test
  17. 08:50Remington 88 Grain JHP Test
  18. 09:20Hornady Critical Defense 90 Grain FTX Test
  19. 09:55Tula 91 Grain Steel Case Test
  20. 10:17Hammer Bite Intensifies with Tula
  21. 10:31PPU Defense Line 94 Grain Test
  22. 11:00Browning 95 Grain BPT Test
  23. 11:35Blazer 95 Grain Aluminum Test
  24. 12:26Federal HST 99 Grain Micro Test
  25. 13:15Remington Golden Saber 102 Grain Test
  26. 13:50Spinner Target Test Setup
  27. 14:04Spinner Test with Magtech Ammo
  28. 14:38Spinner Test Shooting Impressions
  29. 15:04Spinner Test Results & Energy Discussion
  30. 15:32Learnability of Mechanics and Sights
  31. 15:58Front Sight Post Detail
  32. 16:49Lighting and Aiming Influence
  33. 16:51Graham's 10 Rounds on Spinner
  34. 16:57Double Action Trigger Feel
  35. 17:19Single Action Trigger Feel
  36. 17:33Fast Shooting Potential
  37. 17:53Trigger Learnability Assessment
  38. 18:105 Shots from 7 Yards Accuracy Test
  39. 18:42Accuracy Test Results
  40. 19:50Overall Impressions: Hammer Bite & Hiccups
  41. 20:24Perk of Tiny Front Sight Post
  42. 20:43Conclusion: Nice Gun, Collector's Piece
  43. 21:17Purchase Motivation: Deal & Beauty
  44. 21:26Not Recommended for Carry
  45. 21:48Pleasant Gun with Craftsmanship
  46. 22:10Final Summary: DA/SA, Safety, Sights
  47. 22:38Thanks and Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the FN Browning BDA 380?

The FN Browning BDA 380 is a .380 ACP semi-automatic pistol known for its beautiful blued finish, double-action/single-action trigger, and integrated safety and decocker. It features a classic design but has very small sights, which can be a challenge for some shooters.

How does the FN Browning BDA 380 handle recoil and shooting comfort?

The BDA 380 is generally considered a pleasant shooter due to its .380 ACP caliber. However, some users may experience 'hammer bite' due to the grip ergonomics, especially during rapid firing or with certain ammunition types. Managing the grip is key to comfort and control.

What were the findings of the 'What's For Dinner' ammunition test for the BDA 380?

The test evaluated various 380 ACP loads for reliability. While some lighter loads and the original magazine experienced slide lock issues, heavier loads and a different magazine (Gerson MC14) generally provided more consistent cycling and slide lock, suggesting ammunition and magazine compatibility are important.

Are the sights on the FN Browning BDA 380 effective?

The sights on the BDA 380 are very small, with a tiny blade-style front sight. While the worn bluing can add some visibility, their small size makes precise aiming challenging. This can affect accuracy, especially at longer distances or under pressure.

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