NRA Gun of the Week: Browning Black Label 1911 .380

by
posted on November 7, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Browning has taken the same basic platform as its M1911-22 85-percent size pistol to the next level by building it as a locked-breech center-fire pistol chambered in .380 ACP. The new 1911-380 is a marriage between classic form and modern engineering, incorporating a polymer frame and all the features of a full-size pistol. Bilateral safety levers, a beavertail grip safety with memory pad and a drift-adjustable rear sight are just a few of its standout features. Low recoil from the .380 ACP cartridge and a longer-than-typical sight radius make it an easy handgun to shoot well. Additionally, the longer barrel maximizes the little cartridge’s potential—especially when utilizing modern defensive loads. Check out this "NRA Gun of the Week" video as Senior Executive Editor Brian Sheetz walks through all of the features of the Browning M1911-380. For more information, visit browning.com.

Specifications
Manufacturer: Browning
Model: Black Label 1911-380
Action: recoil-operated, center-fire, semi-automatic pistol
Caliber: .380 ACP
Slide: steel, matte blue
Frame: aluminum-reinforced polymer
Sights: combat-style, post front, ramped rear
Barrel: 4.25”
Trigger: single-action; 5-lb., 10-oz. pull
Overall Length: 7.25”
Weight: 17.5 ozs., empty
Capacity: eight-round, detachable box
Accessories: owner’s manual, hard case, lock
MSRP: $670

For more on the Browning M1911-380, please enjoy the following articles:

New! Browning 1911 .380 ACP

Latest

Hk G36 22Lr 1
Hk G36 22Lr 1

Gun of the Week: Heckler & Koch G36 .22 LR

Due to Germany's strict firearm-export laws, along with U.S. firearm import laws, the closest any HK fan could get to owning a real G36 was in the form of the HK SL8. Now, though, Heckler & Koch has introduced its G36 .22 LR, which, profile-wise, is a G36 in all but chambering.

The Armed Citizen® July 17, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

A Visit to the New Smith & Wesson Academy

Let the training (re)commence at Smith & Wesson's new Academy in Tennessee.

New for 2026: Leupold LCO Pro F2 Red-Dot Sight

The optic giant has updated its flagship red-dot sight with a host of upgraded features.

Rifleman Review: Heckler & Koch CC9

When Heckler & Koch USA launched its micro-compact CC9, it proved to be one of the most robustly built micro-compact handguns yet made.

Beyond the Headlines on Armed Citizen Stories

Concealed carriers in the U.S. commit almost no crimes with their lawfully owned firearms. Armed citizens do, however, stop a lot of crimes.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.