Browning 1911-380 Review

Browning is perhaps best known for its connection to John Moses Browning and, of course, his most famous design: the 1911. And although the 1911 is traditionally chambered in 45 ACP, it’s also made in other calibers. One example of a somewhat unexpected chambering is the Browning 1911-380 which is, as its model name suggests, chambered in 380 ACP. We’ve put in the trigger time on the Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion Pro to find out how the gun performs and to help you decide whether to add it to your collection.

Browning 1911-380 Background

Although the Browning 1911-380 didn’t hit the market until 2014, it’s a gun backed by centuries of success. Browning’s own heritage can be traced to 1869, when John Moses Browning assembled a slide rifle for his brother’s birthday out of random parts (he was 14 at the time). The 1911 itself is often seen as one of—if not the—most important design Browning ever created, and it’s certainly withstood the test of time and use. It was 1910 when Browning submitted the 1911 patent, and since then the number of 1911s that have been produced is astronomical.

The Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion Pro is a Commander-size pistol which means it’s not technically full-size but is a compact. That makes it easier to conceal and also makes it a better fit for shooters with smaller hands. Browning states that within their 1911-380 line of guns this model is full size, but if we’re talking strictly about 1911 classifications, it’s not. The fact that it’s chambered in 380 ACP does make it somewhat unique, especially since it’s a larger 1911 platform pistol. Often, 1911s chambered in this caliber are the much smaller Officer size or some other micro meant for deep concealment. But Browning didn’t make the 1911-380 out of necessity to squeeze a little more capacity into a micro, they made it for shooters who simply prefer both the 1911 and the 380 ACP.

Browning 1911 Features

1 Locked Breech

Tilting barrel and locked breach action

2 Trigger

Skeletonized trigger

3 Accessory Rail

Accessory rail in front of the trigger guard

4 Safety

Extended ambidextrous thumb safety

5 Grip

Extended beavertail grip safety.

6 Composite Frame

Durable composite frame with machined 7075 aluminum sub-frame

Other Models and Colors

Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion Pro—Our Take

The Browning 1911-380 largely adheres to the classic Commander dimensions with its 4.25-inch barrel and compact frame. It’s a bit heavier than some Commander-size 1911 handgun which is a good thing for the caliber. Smaller 380 ACPs can produce snappier live fire, and that isn’t a concern at all with this particular model. 

This is an exceptionally well-made pistol. Fitment is fantastic with no shifting at all of the various components—something that can happen in lesser-quality 1911s. The finish work is also beautiful, from the rosewood grips to the brushed stainless of the slide. While it isn’t imperative your carry gun be attractively designed, it’s certainly a bonus. 

Shootability

Thanks to the design and weight of the Browning 1911-380, it’s highly shootable. The size is a good fit for most hand sizes and it’s quite well-balanced. Felt recoil and muzzle rise are substantially less than many—if not most—380 ACP handguns of similar or smaller dimensions. It’s a flat-shooting pistol that’s manageable and has a great trigger right out of the box. It was a pleasant surprise to find out just how superior this gun is to many others.

Accuracy

The 1911-380 is a pistol that’s not only accurate, it’s precise. Thanks to the barrel length and overall design it maintains that precision out to 25 yards. At closer ranges, such as 5 yards, the gun is capable of consistently delivering single-hole, five-shot groups. Those groups do the expected widening at 10 yards and 25 yards, but they still remain tight enough to recommend it even if you aren’t a big fan of 380 ACP. It simply is a well-made gun that’s more than capable of being a reliable carry gun.

Ergonomics

Ergonomically, the 1911-380 simply feels like a properly made Commander should. Thanks to the rosewood grips, holding the gun is pleasant with just the right amount of texture so your hands won’t slip. Also, with the balance being so precise, there’s no feel of excess weight in either direction. It’s so well done you can almost balance the gun by putting your finger under the trigger guard. 

Value

This is a higher-end 1911 with a comparably higher price point. That said, you can find this gun for under $1k new or used with a little searching. When it comes to the 1911 you almost always get what you pay for—cliché though that is—and the 1911-380 from Browning is worth every penny. 

Browning 1911-380 Pros and Cons

Best Accessories for the Browning 1911-380

With the Browning 1911, there’s a whole bunch of different accessories you can mount and purchase depending on your style.

Tactical Light Crimson Trace CMR-207 Rail Master Pro Universal Red Laser Sight and Tactical Light		Check Pricing
Extra Magazine Browning 1911-380 Magazine		Check Pricing
Rosewood Grips Kimber Rosewood Double Diamond Logo Grips		Check Pricing

Taking Care of Your Browning 1911-380

Preferred Ammo

Without the right ammo, you really can’t get the most out of any gun. So, be sure to check out my preferred bullets below:

Important Links For Your Browning 1911-380

Looking more info on the Browning 1911-380? Here’s some resources to get you started:

• Browning 1911-380 Owner’s Manual