Browning / Sig Sauer BDA history
In 1976 Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG) introduced what would become the P220. It was manufactured by Sauer.
It was the first model of the classic "P" series Sigs. It was originally chambered in 9mm and then later in .45acp and .38 Super.
In 1977, Sig Sauer contracted with Browning to import the gun. It became known as the Browning Double Action or BDA. Browning imported these guns until 1980, when Sig decided to import them into the US on their own.
SIGARMS was established in the early 1980's, first in Tyson's Corner, Virginia and then a few years later in Herndon, Virginia. They moved their operations to Exeter, New Hampshire in 1990.
I've been looking for a clean BDA for sometime now and I was lucky enough to finally find one complete with the original box and papers.
It has a date code of "HJ" which makes it a 1978. It's chambered in .45acp and it looks to be fired very little (maybe only factory test fired). It is an interesting gun as it says "Browning Arms Co., Morgan Utah & Montreal PQ" on the left side of the slide, and "Sig Sauer System, Made in W. Germany" on the right side of the slide. Three countrys on one gun!
The gun is exactly the same as a P220, only the finish on the flats of the slide is much nicer.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/IMG_3666.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/IMG_3665.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/IMG_3659.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/IMG_3660.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/IMG_3661.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/IMG_3662.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/IMG_3668.jpg
Re: Browning / Sig Sauer BDA history
Wow ... great picture and a great story. I love reading about the history too.
Re: Browning / Sig Sauer BDA history
looks brand new !
nice find
Re: Browning / Sig Sauer BDA history
So is it listed as a browning or a sig? Either way pretty neat.
Re: Browning / Sig Sauer BDA history
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jay5oh
So is it listed as a browning or a sig? Either way pretty neat.
Thanks!
It is a Browning.
Re: Browning / Sig Sauer BDA history
You have found an excellent BDA w/European Magazine Release. She is
a "Keeper" for all time. Nice going
Re: Browning / Sig Sauer BDA history
shit, that's nice.
what did it run you?
eventually, I'm wanting to get a Browning hi-power...they shoot so sweet.
Re: Browning / Sig Sauer BDA history
Quote:
Originally Posted by
andrewjs18
shit, that's nice.
what did it run you?
eventually, I'm wanting to get a Browning hi-power...they shoot so sweet.
Thanks!
I traded a newer P226R PME for it.
The gun I traded was worth about $50-$75 more than the BDA, but I have been looking for one for a long time now. I didn't think I'd find one that nice again, so I did the deal.
I've been wanting to add a hi-power to my collection also. I'm waiting for the right deal.
Re: Browning / Sig Sauer BDA history
Nice Find! PM me when your ready to sell it!
Re: Browning / Sig Sauer BDA history
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Big D
Nice Find! PM me when your ready to sell it!
Thanks!
You are third in line - right behind my two sons.