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

New Taurus Judge 1
New Taurus Judge 1

Gun of the Week: The New Taurus Judge

For 2026, Taurus USA took a fresh look at one of its most popular platforms, the Judge revolver, and updated it with a new feature set while retaining the versatility that made it popular in the first place.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 18, 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.

This Maryland County Moved to Disarm Jews and Others in the Face of Evil

Even given the unconscionable history of gun control, the law banning concealed carry in and within 100 yards of houses of worship and other public assemblies in Montgomery County, Md., is particularly disturbing.

Review: Ruger American Gen II Patrol

Ruger's American rifle line represents a good balance between cost and performance, and the latest generation offers many welcome upgrades, as seen on this Gen II Patrol model in 5.56 NATO.

SOG Knives Celebrates 40 Years in Business

SOG Knives, which was established by Spencer Frazer in 1986, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026.

The History of Repeating Arms Gun-Control Groups Don’t Want the Courts to Know

This episode of NRA’s The Armed Citizen Podcast refutes one of the biggest false claims gun-control groups and the politicians they support repeat ad nauseam by asserting that the Founding Fathers could not have imagined the AR-15.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.