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

smith & wesson performance center model 19 carry comp moss
smith & wesson performance center model 19 carry comp moss

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 2025

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

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Army Announces Type Classification Of New Infantry Rifle, Machine Gun

In May 2025, the U.S. Army’s Soldier Lethality Project at the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey announced the official type classification of SIG Sauer’s M7 rifle and M250 automatic rifle, previously known as the XM7 and the XM250, respectively.

RXR22: Savage Arms Redefines The Budget Rimfire Rifle

Savage Arms has a long history of producing affordable and accurate rimfire rifles, but with its RXR22, the company is bringing a new level of affordability and modularity to rimfire rifle fans.

SARCO: A Lifetime Covered Up With Surplus Firearm Parts

When it comes to selling gun parts and gun-related military surplus, Charles “Cholly” Steen has been at it for longer than almost anyone. It all started when, as a 5-year-old, he began stashing odds and ends in the drawers of his clothes dresser.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.