As a professional shooter with a real passion for firearms, I had the chance to put two popular guns to the test: the Beretta 84FS Vs Browning BDA.
Both are chambered in .380 ACP, a popular choice for self-defense. My goal? To figure out which one stands out in the field.
In this article, I’ll share my hands-on experience, diving into the nitty-gritty of each gun’s features and performance.
| Specification | Beretta 84FS | Browning BDA |
| Caliber | .380 Auto | .380 ACP |
| Action | Blowback operated semi-auto | Semi-automatic, Blowback |
| Trigger | Double-action (DA/SA) | Double-action (DA/SA) |
| Safety | Frame mounted manual | Ambidextrous slide-mounted |
| Magazine Capacity | 13 rounds | 13+1 rounds |
| Frame | Aluminum alloy | Alloy |
| Sights | Fixed 3-dot | Fixed |
| Width | 1.4 inches | 1.38 inches |
| Length | 6.8 inches | 6.8 inches |
| Height | 4.8 inches | 4.8 inches |
| Barrel Length | 3.8 inches | 3.8 inches |
| Weight | 23.3 oz | 24.0 oz |
Overview of Beretta 84FS
The Beretta 84FS, also known as the “Cheetah”, is a sleek, blowback operated semi-auto pistol known for its reliability and style.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 Auto
- Action: Blowback operated semi-auto
- Trigger: Double-action (DA/SA)
- Safety: Frame mounted manual
- Magazine: 13-round
- Frame: Aluminum alloy
- Sights: Fixed 3-dot
- Width: 1.4 inches
- Length: 6.8 inches
- Height: 4.8 inches
- Barrel Length: 3.8 inches
- Weight: 23.3 oz
Overview of Browning BDA
The Browning BDA, a semi-automatic with a classic design, is renowned for its solid construction and comfortable handling.
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Capacity: 13+1 rounds
- Weight: 24.0 oz
- Length: 6.8 inches
- Height: 4.8 inches
- Width: 1.38 inches
- Barrel Length: 3.8 inches
- Sight Radius: 4.9 inches
- Operation: Semi-automatic, Blowback
- Trigger: DA/SA
- Frame: Alloy
- Sights: Fixed
- Safety: Ambidextrous slide-mounted manual
- Hammer: Solid
Features Comparison of Beretta 84FS Vs Browning BDA
1. Safety Mechanism
Beretta 84FS
The safety mechanism on the Beretta 84FS is a thoughtfully designed frame-mounted manual safety. In my extensive field tests, this feature stood out for its ease of use and quick accessibility.
The safety’s positioning on the frame allows for swift engagement and disengagement, which is crucial in high-stakes situations. This design not only offers a natural feel but also ensures quick response, a key factor when every second counts.
Browning BDA
The Browning BDA, with its ambidextrous slide-mounted manual safety, presents a different approach. During rigorous testing, I found that this design requires slightly more effort to operate, especially under pressure.
The slide-mounted safety, while being ambidextrous, is advantageous for left-handed shooters, offering equal ease of use.
Winner
Comparing the two, the Beretta 84FS’s safety mechanism is superior, especially under stress. Its frame-mounted design provides a more user-friendly experience and quicker accessibility than the slide-mounted safety of the Browning BDA, making it the clear winner in this category.
2. Trigger Design
Beretta 84FS
The Beretta 84FS features a double-action (DA/SA) trigger, which I thoroughly evaluated during target practice and tactical drills.
The trigger mechanism is designed to offer a smooth and consistent pull, which significantly enhances shooting accuracy and control. During tests, the trigger’s response was immediate and reliable, with a crisp break and a distinct reset point.
Browning BDA
On the Browning BDA, the DA/SA trigger mechanism also delivers a reliable performance. However, during my evaluation, I noticed the trigger pull to be slightly heavier compared to the Beretta.
This difference, while subtle, impacts the speed and ease of rapid follow-up shots. Although the trigger is robust and dependable, the additional effort required for each pull could be a deciding factor in situations where split-second reactions are crucial.
Winner
In the trigger comparison, the Beretta 84FS takes the lead with its smoother and more consistent trigger pull.
This feature, compared to the Browning BDA, offers a more favorable experience for precision shooting, making the Beretta 84FS the winner in this category.
3. Sights
Beretta 84FS
The Beretta 84FS is equipped with fixed 3-dot sights, a feature I found highly effective during various shooting exercises. The design of the sights, particularly the flat surface facing the shooter, facilitates quicker and more intuitive target acquisition.
This aspect is vital in fast-paced shooting scenarios, where acquiring the target swiftly can make a significant difference. The clear and distinct sight picture provided by the Beretta enhances shooting accuracy, especially in rapid-fire or high-pressure situations.
Browning BDA
The fixed sights on the Browning BDA, while robust and reliable, offered a slightly different experience. The sight design, though effective, did not facilitate as quick target acquisition as the Beretta’s.
During testing, I observed a marginal delay in lining up the sights on target, which, in critical situations, can impact overall performance.
Winner
When it comes to the efficiency of sights, the Beretta 84FS outperforms the Browning BDA. The design of its 3-dot sights, particularly the flat surface facing the shooter, provides a quicker target acquisition and a more efficient aiming experience, making it the superior choice in this category.
4. Grip Comfort and Style
Beretta 84FS
The Beretta 84FS features a well-designed grip that fits comfortably in the hand. Its sleek aluminum alloy frame offers a solid yet lightweight feel, enhancing control during firing.
The grip contour and texture provide a secure hold, even in rapid-fire scenarios, making it quite user-friendly.
Browning BDA
The Browning BDA offers a choice between smooth wood and checkered polymer grips. The wood grip adds a classic touch and is comfortable, but the polymer provides a more modern feel with better traction. This choice allows for a personalized grip style, suiting different preferences.
Winner
In terms of grip comfort and style, the Browning BDA edges out the Beretta 84FS, particularly due to its customizable options.
The ability to choose between wood and polymer grips allows shooters to tailor the handgun to their liking, compared to the standard grip of the Beretta.
Pros & Cons of Beretta 84FS
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum alloy frame
- Intuitive frame-mounted manual safety
- Comfortable grip design
- Smooth and consistent trigger pull
- Easy-to-acquire 3-dot sights
Cons
- Limited grip customization options
Pros & Cons of Browning BDA
Pros
- Choice between wood and polymer grips
- Ambidextrous slide-mounted manual safety
- Solid build quality
- Classic aesthetic appeal
Cons
- Slide-mounted safety may be less intuitive
Similarities between Beretta 84FS & Browning BDA
- Both chambered in .380 ACP
- Semi-automatic, blowback operation
- Double-action (DA/SA) trigger mechanism
- Fixed sights for aiming
- Similar dimensions in length, height, and barrel length
Differences between Beretta 84FS & Browning BDA
- Beretta has frame-mounted safety; Browning has slide-mounted safety
- Beretta’s grip design is fixed; Browning offers wood or polymer options
- Beretta has a slightly lighter weight compared to Browning
- Beretta’s sights offer a flatter surface for easier target acquisition
- Browning’s safety is ambidextrous, catering to left-handed shooters
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and careful consideration of both the Beretta 84FS and the Browning BDA, it’s time to draw a conclusion.
Each firearm has its strengths and unique characteristics, making them both excellent choices in their own right. However, in most of the comparisons, the Beretta 84FS emerged as the winner. Its superior safety mechanism, smoother trigger, and more efficient sights, in particular, set it apart.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between Browning BDA 380 and Beretta 84?
The main differences are the safety mechanisms (slide-mounted on the Browning BDA and frame-mounted on the Beretta 84) and magazine capacity, with the Beretta holding an additional round.
What caliber is a Beretta 84?
The Beretta 84 is chambered in .380 ACP.
Is the Beretta 84FS worth it?
Yes, the Beretta 84FS Cheetah is a reliable, accurate, and high-quality personal defense weapon, known for its ease of carry and discretion.
