Browning BDA in .45

[cjkgt97]

I just won one on GunMakeMeBroker for a good price, at least if you compare it to other BDAs and West German Sig P220s.

Understand it is a Sig P220 at its core. But I have a couple of questions:

1. Are there any major differences, like grips, magazines, etc. that make it non-interchangeable with P220 parts? I like wood grips on my all steel guns. Certainly more selection if I just grab some 220 grips.

2. Any experience with the durability or reliability of these? I assume there is a reason that they rarely go for less than $1,000. The W. German stamp is probably not the least of these reasons.

3. Any general love or hate reviews?

Thanks!

 

[Mr. Bggs]

I believe battery oaks Billy just spoke on have one. I don't want to speak for him. But he has a wealth of knowledge on handguns. Maybe he can help you on this one.

 

[Landric]

IIRC the BDA uses a heel clip magazine release. Given that, the original SIG 7-round mags should work but the newer 8 round mags probably won't because they have a thicker baseplate. I suspect the grips are also different from more current P220s because there is no cut out for the mag release. Other than that, it should be basically a P220.

 

[wvsig]

The Browning BDA came in 3 calibers. 9mm, 45 ACP and 38 Super. They were imported between 1977-1980. The Browning BDA in 45 ACP was basically a US version of the P220 in 45 ACP. The P220 was originally a 9mm single stack which replaced the P210. As others have stated they have the European heal mag release. The came with Browning Import marks and Browning labeled grips. The P220 in 45 ACP was a gun made for the US market because we love the caliber. The rest of the world not so much. The BDA was the test run of that platform in calibers beyond 9mm. I believe at the time Sig did not have an import office in the US so they used secondary importers. In 1980ish they established an office in VA and imported them themselves.

IIRC the mags and the grips are not compatible with other US P220 variants. The rest of the parts should interchange with P220s built on the stamped carbon steel slides with internal extractors. That said people like Hogue make wood grips that will work. You have to look for European heel release grips like these.

SIG Sauer P220 Goncalo European Model Checkered

P220 model manufactured in Europe with a bottom magazine release • Will fit Browning BDA in .45 cal. • Will NOT fit the Browning BDA .380

www.hogueinc.com

 

[BatteryOaksBilly]

I believe battery oaks Billy just spoke on have one. I don't want to speak for him. But he has a wealth of knowledge on handguns. Maybe he can help you on this one.

Thanks Pard, I'm late to the party. He got some good info. What I will say is I have shot several thousands of rounds through the .45 variant. That might turn out to be the best info you have gotten, They work. Enjoy it.

 

[ulflyer]

Nice gun. I have a Sig 220, West Ger made, Tyson Corners Va importer, about '83 or '84 I believe. It came with wood grips made in Europe I think because inside each grip has a 3 digit number one of which is a 7 slashed like they do there. Could never find any confirmation of the maker. The gun was originally purchased by a N.C. County sheriff who later traded it and I bought it off consignment at Cherry's in Greensboro. Great guns, well made.

 

[wvsig]

Nice gun. I have a Sig 220, West Ger made, Tyson Corners Va importer, about '83 or '84 I believe. It came with wood grips made in Europe I think because inside each grip has a 3 digit number one of which is a 7 slashed like they do there. Could never find any confirmation of the maker. The gun was originally purchased by a N.C. County sheriff who later traded it and I bought it off consignment at Cherry's in Greensboro. Great guns, well made.

The 2 letter date code on the underside of the front of the slide will tell you when the gun was manufactured.

 

[ulflyer]

Mine is JH......1987. Thanks for date code.

I think Tysons Corner VA was the first location for the imported Sigs wasn't it? They later moved to another VA location before going on to NH. Any idea when Tysons Corner was first opened? All this before the two Germany's united in 1990 and the "Made in W. Ger" was changed.