quote:

Originally posted by hjs157:
As you know, the BDA is a SIG Sauer P220. Other than wearing the Browning name and having high polished slide flats, they are identical. These guns are by no means scarce (in .45 auto) and show up regularly on the used market. Unless the gun is in mint condition with the box and manual, I would consider it a shooter grade pistol and pay accordingly based upon condition. In general, early shooter grade P220's with the Euro mag release bring less money than the later P220-1 with the more familiar American style magazine release. Factory grips for the BDA were fragile and are sometimes cracked. Original factory grips are next to impossible to locate though aftermarket replacements are available. Check to see if the lanyard ring in still installed. For some reason, many users removed the lanyard loop which makes the lower left grip panel even more susceptible to cracking. Lanyard rings are also next to impossible to locate. The BDA with its Euro mag release will accept any P220 magazine with a flat stamped steel base including P220-1 American mags with the cut-outs. Finally, I discourage +P loads in any P220 produced before serial number G 211300 (KD 1993) especially the very earliest imports which includes the BDA. In addition to the original P220 receiver being designed for standard loads, the early single strand recoil spring will not withstand hot loads. Replacement recoil springs for the BDA are difficult to locate and modern braided springs will not work in the early pistols. If you buy the pistol, be sure to keep it greased.