European American Armory (EAA), located in Cocoa, Florida, imports firearms manufactured in Turkey and Germany. In operation since 1990, EAA provides the shooting public with a wide variety of affordable handguns, rifles and shotguns. Currently specializing in handguns and shotguns for sporting and tactical use, companies under the EAA banner include Akkar, Weirauch and Girsan. Girsan is a Turkish manufacturer of firearms, producing first-rate guns, as is common with Turkish producers.
With handgun designs based mostly off the 1911 or various Beretta models, Girsan gives new life to guns that often have a limited availability. Once such example is the Girsan MC14 BDA .380 semi-automatic, based on the Browning BDA .380 that was produced by FN and Browning from 1976 to 1997.
About the Girsan MC14 BDA
Having owned a 13-round double-stack Browning BDA in the early 90’s, I was glad to see EAA breathe new life into the classic design. Girsan also offers the MC14 G84, an updated version of the Beretta 84, which was Beretta’s model of the Browning BDA.
MC14 BDA Specifications
Magazine capacity: 13+1, one magazine included
Operating system: Blowback
Frame: Forged aluminum/grooved front strap and back strap
Slide/barrel: Machined steel
Finish as tested: Two-tone
Trigger: DA/SA — No De-cocker
DA – 7 pounds, 3.6 ounces
SA – 3 pounds, 5 ounces
Weight: Approximately 23 ounces
Safeties: Ambidextrous/manual 1911-style thumb safety/automatic firing pin block
Hammer: Rowel
Sights: Fixed white three dot
Disassembly: Right-side takedown latch
Grips: Molded composite with thumb indentations, diagonal grooves and inset Girsan medallion
MSRP: $305.99
Running the MC14 BDA
Unlike the Glock-style triggers of this polymer pistol era with articulating or lever type safeties built in, the MC14 utilizes the best safety features of previous pistol generations. One such safety feature is the double-action/single-action system. The first shot is a longer and heavier double-action trigger pull, like the triggers of double-action revolvers, reducing the chances of an accidental discharge. Girsan’s MC14 also uses ambidextrous manual safeties, which disengage the trigger and lock the slide, preventing the gun from firing. However, the handgun can be carried cocked and locked, like a 1911 .45, and ready to fire.
Flicking the safety off allows the MC14 to be fired single-action, with a shorter and lighter 3-pound, 5-ounce trigger pull. This double-action/single-action operating system was once very common from major manufacturers like Beretta and Smith & Wesson, but it was pushed to the curb when the polymer pistol revolution began in 1988.
To better understand DA/SA trigger system operation, the steps for loading, carrying and firing the MC14BDA and MC1484 are provided below.
Making the MC14 BDA Ready for Carry or Home Defense
From an empty gun with hammer down and slide forward
- With ambidextrous safety off, retract the slide and check the chamber. Safety must be off or the slide cannot be retracted. Hammer is now cocked.
- Due to the relatively short height of the slide’s rear grasping grooves, those with hand-strength issues may find it difficult to fully retract the slide to charge the weapon. Girsan’s MC14T Tip Up may be a good alternative option. It’s tip-up barrel design allows users to load the first round directly into the chamber and close the barrel without retracting the slide.
- Insert loaded magazine.
- Hit slide release lever to drop slide forward, chambering the first round.
- If you will be carrying the gun cocked and locked, engage the manual safety by pushing it upward. The MC14 is now ready for carry in single-action mode.
If you prefer to carry the MC14 with the hammer down to fire the first shot double-action, first point the pistol in a safe direction. Place your support-hand thumb in-between the cocked hammer and frame and your shooting-hand thumb on the hammer to control its descent of the hammer down to the frame. Pull the trigger with your shooting-hand finger until you feel the hammer release. Take your finger off the trigger and lower the hammer down as you move your support hand thumb out of the way. Note that firing the first shot from the MC14 will result in the slide cocking the hammer, automatically placing it in single-action mode for any remaining shots. Make sure you either apply the manual safety or return the MC14 to double-action firing mode when you are done or paused in shooting.
The pistol is now ready for carry or home defense use. For additional security, you can engage the manual safety while the MC14 is in the double action mode.
This is the same process you would use to lower the hammer of a double-action revolver or 1911 semi-auto as well. If you are not familiar with this type of hammer-lowering procedure, practice with an unloaded MC14 before carrying it.
Shooting the Girsan .380
Unfortunately, my local gun shop didn’t have self-defense dedicated hollow-point ammunition available. I tested the Girsan MC14 BDA with a box of Magtech .380 95-grain FMJ ammunition. The muzzle velocity is listed at 951 feet per second, which delivers 191 foot-pounds of energy.
With 10 rounds in the magazine, I set up a B27 PROS silhouette target at 25 feet and placed the MC14 into double-action firing mode. Acquiring my shooting grip, I noticed the extended magazine floorplate enhanced grip comfort significantly. It was a welcome feature not often seen on handguns anymore. Shooting the Girsan MC14BDA was a very pleasant experience. Between the mild manners of the .380 ACP cartridge, the Girsan’s hand-fitting grip and smooth trigger, muzzle blast was light.
All 10 rounds cycled smoothly and ejected smartly to the right. The slide locked back on the last shot. The shots landed within the ten-ring of the B27, with three rounds in the X-ring. I fired another 10 rounds from 35 feet, focusing more on the target than the sights and missing three rounds. Though the magazine was initially stiff to load, I was able to break it in by the end of shooting so that cartridges were easier to insert.
Girsan MC14 BDA Handgun: Excellence Within Budget
The Girsan MC14 BDA is an excellent compact, high-capacity .380 pistol. Its subdued two-tone finish and upscale grips remind me of Wilson Combat pistols. Its extra safety features add additional peace of mind, especially in a household with young children. It would also make a good starter/training pistol for familiarizing a new shooter with centerfire handguns. Plus, its $305.99 price tag is ideal for those on a budget.
Sources:
EAA: EAACorp.com
Magtech: MagtechAmmunition.com
