quote:

Originally posted by Udo:
Sadly this magazine page is undated, but I thought everyone might enjoy. Check the prices.

It's interesting to note the MSRP for the new BDA models was higher than that of the old school Hi-Power.

That ad appeared first in the November/December 1977 issue of American Handgunner, which would have been on magazine shelves the first week of October, 1977. Of course, the ad appeared in other gun periodicals as well, but the earliest I find it is in this issue of American Handgunner.





This same issue of American Handgunner included an article by Gorge C. Nonte, introducing the BDA. Notice the article header mentions "left and right side photos of the BDA" but these are two different pistols. The right side photo depicts the very early .45 ACP slide (notice the lack of slant cuts at the top rear of the slide. Compare this with the photo of blindref's .45 ACP pistol on page 1 of this thread), and the left side photo depicts the 9mm/38 Super slide.





The earliest American magazine article I can find which mentions the P-220 is the July, 1976 edition of Guns&Ammo







The absolute earliest mention I find of the P-220 in the American gun press is in the back of the 1975 edition Guns&Ammo Annual, which would have been on magazine shelves in late 1974. The .22 (LR) caliber listed was available only as a conversion kit, at least this was the case in the US market.

From the ad on the bottom: "all possible on one frame by exchanging parts."

It sounds as though as early as 1974 they were contemplating making conversion kits available so that one could shoot the gamut of the chamberings they offered on one frame, sort of like Dan Wesson revolvers at the time.

If that's true, then it's a pity that they didn't follow through on that a bit more aggressively.

I love those old ads. Thanks for taking the time to post them here.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
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The blued pistol below the Detonics in the top photo (1976 Guns & Ammo ) is a Thomas 45 ? Really rare, I would think.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: parabellum,

hjs157, No I've not seen any evidence of any excess wear with any of my Supers using the factory ammo I mentioned. I've also handloaded the Super to these levels, and sometimes beyond, for years. Using Colt, STI, and Kimber pistols, just nothing unusual to report.

quote:

Originally posted by rock185:
hjs157, No I've not seen any evidence of any excess wear with any of my Supers using the factory ammo I mentioned. I've also handloaded the Super to these levels, and sometimes beyond, for years. Using Colt, STI, and Kimber pistols, just nothing unusual to report.

Thanks! I've been wanting to experiment with the Buffalo Bore 124 gr. JHP's as a possible defense load option in my stainless 5" 1911.

Many thanks to 357p239 for the grips, they fit perfect and I'm glad to have them. This has been a very informative thread and I thank everyone who posted. The one thing that really stands out with the BDA is the beautiful finish. I've been buying 38 Super ammunition and found some interesting defense loads like the Corbon DPX and some Glaser Safety Slugs.