Browning Firearms is one of the most recognized names in all of firearm history. The reason for this storied past goes no further than the master designer himself, John Moses Browning. One of the most recognized and iconic Browning designs is the Colt Model 1911.
This year at SHOT Show, Browning Firearms has introduced a compact 1911 pistol in a caliber that was also designed by John Browning – the .380 ACP. Being advertised as “The Right 380”, the new Browning pistol is officially the Browning Black Label 1911-380. Combining the proven 100-year old designs of the Model 1911 and the .380 cartridge, Browning adds the advantages of modern manufacturing techniques to produce a high quality, modern handgun that anyone can shoot.
Traditionally the Model 1911 was a slim, single stack, all-metal pistol in .45 ACP. However, the original design also called for a 5-inch barrel, with an overall length of 8.25 inches, making the pistol far from ideal for concealed carry. The new Browning 1911-380 is 85% of the original 1911 size, reducing measurements in overall length and height. The best thing about the Browning 1911-380 is that all of the original 1911 features remain. In effect, the shooter is getting a “minimized” 1911.
Browning 1911-380 Specifications:
- Action – Locked breech, recoil operated, semi-auto
- Slide material – Matte black steel
- Frame material – Black composite polymer
- Overall length – 7.39 inches
- Barrel length – 4.25 inches
- Width – 1.13 inches
- Weight – 1.08 lbs.
- Trigger pull – 5.5 lbs.
- Sight radius – 5.37 inches
- Sights – Fixed target
- Caliber – .380 ACP
- Capacity – 8+1 (2 steel magazines)
- Grips – Composite black
- Comes with custom fit ABS pistol case
- MSRP – $700.00
- Available – January, 2015.
The Browning Black Label brand was established a few years ago, and reserved for the best products Browning has to offer. The new Browning 1911-380 appears to be well-though out and engineered handgun. The fit and function were very smooth, as to be expected.
The BlueSheepDog crew was able to fire the Browning 1911-380 at the Industry Day at the Range this year. The pistol felt just like a 1911 in smaller form. The features were the same, and the composite frame helped keep the overall weight very reasonable. Despite simple metal target sights, the 1911-380 was quite capable of target acquisition during the daylight hours. Accuracy was very good on the short 15-yard range we were firing on, and recoil was very manageable.
Browning 1911-380 Features:
- Crisp trigger pull with no creep and manageable pull weight
- Natural grip angle famous of 1911 designs
- Low bore axis for increased control
- Extended, ambidextrous thumbs safety
- Beavertail grip safety that aligns shooting hand to proper grip
- Extended slide lock
- Allows for “Condition 1” carry
- Lightweight hammer and trigger
- Low profile combat-style sights
- Skeltonized trigger
- Mechanical parts are same size as full-size 1911
- Combat style enclosed loop hammer.
Overall the Browning Black Label 1911-380 was a joy to shoot. I’m not much of a .380 ACP fanboy, but there have definitely been some improvements in recent years with reliability and defensive ammunition options. The Browning Black Label 1911-380 could be a great back-up weapon for those already carrying full or commander sized 1911’s, or would make a nice off-duty or CCW handgun.
Do you use .380 ACP handguns? What do you think of the Browning 1911-380?
Dennis D says
Neat, but hardly a new idea. After all, Llama did it with the model III-A many years ago. They never were highly regarded from accounts that I have heard. I had one in the 1990’s, and found it decent to shoot but my Walther PPK/S was better in just about every respect and about the same size. This looks like a category of fun gun, but as far as practicality (and this is difficult for a 1911 fan to say), there are better options out there that with a firearm this size provides advantages over this one. If you are looking for something that is just neat to shoot, this would definitely fit that bill. But if you are looking for something for a carry gun, better can be had for half of that price tag. That being said, I will be looking for one available to me because I did find my Llama fun to shoot, and one that says “Browning” would be really cool.
Aaron says
Wow, I haven’t heard the name “Llama” in relation to firearms since … well, since the 1990’s. Great comments.
Rick Kelley says
For the last 20+ years I have carried a Astra A60 . From the looks of your pictures same size or smaller than the 1911-380 with 13+1 capacity. As Dennis said this is nothing new, I think just trying to cash in on the Browning name.
Aaron says
Thanks for commenting Rick. Although the Astra does have a greater capacity, and even smaller length, I really think the targeted “right” audience was for the Model 1911 lover. In that sense, I think the Browning 1911-380 hits its mark.
Pershing1A says
I have owned 12 different 1911’s (still have 4), so I like them. I often carry a Sig P238, so not a “the .380 won’t cut it” shooter. I handled a 1911-380 at a very accommodating gun shop yesterday, and here are my impressions:
1. Very nice fit, but finish was just average. Not a deal breaker, as it has the utilitarian look of a service 1911.
2. Rear sight is more than adequate for a close in pistol, and fits in the lower range for quality in a mid to long range pistol. Not a bad set up for carry, as not much to catch on clothing when drawing the pistol, or when re-holstering.
3. A quick look on the internet shows there are already options for hand grips (which were serviceable on the pistol I examined) now as the 1911-22 hand grips will fit this pistol.
4. The deal breaker (yesterday) on the pistol was the front sight set up. I like the ability to customize my sights (a bit older than some of you out there), and you cannot replace the front sights on this pistol. I am sure Browning did this to keep the cost on the initial pistol delivery down, but I don’t like it.
5. There are some ballistic advantages to this pistol over my P238, as the performance of expanding ammunition in the 4.25 inch barrel is much better than the 2″ barrel on the Sig and closes the gap considerably against my 9mm 3 inch barreled XDs.
Will I buy one eventually? Probably, but I am going to wait for Black Label’s response to my email on better sight offerings. I can do my own modification to the sight to get a better sight option against a dark background or low light, but would rather have something from the manufacturer.
Richard says
Great feedback on the pistol – thanks!
Aaron says
Great information Pershing! Thanks for taking the time to give our readers some experienced evaluation of this new pistol. I agree that Browning skimped on some of the features to keep the price tag down. Hopefully, they’ll offer an upgraded model that will allow more customization.
JD says
I have recently purchased a 1911-380, and they now make with replaceable front sights. I went with the Pro Medallion with night sights. I prefer three dot night sights and this has a horizontal bar on rear and dot on front. Not a deal breaker, and I likely won’t replace them. Have put roughly 150 rounds through it so far and love it. Once I find a holster I like, it’ll be replacing my M&P Bodyguard as my CCW.
Douglas Gaynor says
If necessary, note, there are rails on this weapon, that would allow you to clip on a laser sight. Not a big fan of lasers, but it sure makes nights sighting a whole lot easier. That said, I went ahead and shelled out the funds for the 1911-380, I got the black label medallion compact model. I switched out the Guide rod, and recoil spring plug. The shortened version with plastic cap was not my cup of tea. Solid weapon, easy to double tap and maintain, it’s a good ccw, or secondary weapon, to my P345 or 6906.
Charles Scarbrough says
I own the Browning 1911-380 and so far I have put about 100 rounds through it. There is nothing about this pistol that I don’t like and it has replaced by everyday carry. I carried a full size 1911 for years, and at the end of the day is when you really appreciate this lighter weight, easier to conceal firearm. Add in two extra mags and the difference is even more profound. Using some good self defense ammo will return sufficient ballistics to make this a viable option for self defense.
If I had anything to wish for it might be a full metal frame and more than one magazine. But then again the aluminum reinforced polymer frame is what lends to lighter weight. Not including more than one magazine is simply something that Browning needs to do better than the lower end guys.
Aaron E says
Good information to know Charles, thanks for posting.