By Kevin Reese
This review is part two(2) of a five(5) part series of new guns or interesting guns for 2016. Click the Next button at the bottom to read more. : Browning 1911 380 Black Label Pro Pistol. review.
USA – -(Ammoland.com)- I’m a sucker for 1911s. From the first time I picked one up as a young corporal in my beloved Marine Corps and qualified as sharpshooter with the pre-WWI-dated service pistol, I have had a certain undeniable affinity for them that hasn’t diminished one iota still today.
Simply stating they are battle proven systems seems grossly understated. Even so, I have never considered concealed-carrying a 1911 handgun.
The truth is, I’ve always preferred striker-fired for a carry gun. That said, if I were to pick a 1911 to carry in 2016, it most definitely would be the Browning 1911 380 Black Label Pro Pistol.
Browning 1911 380 Black Label Pro Pistol
I do own full-size 1911s and love and shoot them often, albeit, recreationally. 1911s can also be quite useful as personal defense handguns in the home or in the vehicle, and can be a great backup to your primary carry gun. I also like to carry one on occasions as a sidearm when hunting our wild and woolly Texas hogs. So why, if I were in a position to choose, would I pick the 1911-.380 Black Label Pro over other 1911s for recreational shooting, personal defense and, possibly, concealed carry?
A tagline like “The Best There Is” doesn’t happen, nor is it accepted, overnight. First and foremost, Browning’s reputation for unquestionable quality, performance and reliability has stood solidly for well over 130 years and is as strong as ever today. Of course, I have first-hand knowledge of Browning’s legendary quality; the brand has been a fixture in my home for as long as I can possibly remember… I mean, since I was knee-high to a grasshopper! Second, the Browning 1911-.380 Black Label Pro is 15% smaller than full-size 1911s – perfect for a guy like me with smaller hands.
So, if you’re wondering if I had a chance to shoot Browning’s 1911-.380 Black Label Pro, I did. I was fortunate to spend a little trigger time with it at SHOT Show’s recent Industry Day at the Range event. During my time on the firing line I was able expend two new types of Browning .380 ammunition just launched in January, 2016, the 95-gr BPT (Browning Performance Target) and 95-gr BXP (Personal Defense X-Point). Both come in black nickel-plated casings designed to improve reliable feed. The X-Point is a major step forward in personal defense ammunition where the “X” inside the hollow-point improves the bullet tip’s strength and integrity as it penetrates into a target’s mid-layers for deeper threat-ending expansion and damage. Both cartridges are available for .380 Auto, 9mm Luger, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.
Shots and cycling with both types of ammunition were certainly comparable and exceedingly comfortable, due in part by the tad-larger than compact design, including the longer grip and 8-round single-stack magazine. Sight alignment and target acquisition was easy with the standard combat dot-sights and quick re-acquisition during firing sequences was superb. The trigger felt roughly 5.5-lbs. and was quite comfortable throughout. The frame is comprised of a rugged, reliable matte composite while the barrel and slide are stainless steel and coated for wear and corrosion resistance. The barrel itself measures 4.25” while the 1911-.380’s full length measures 7.5”. Overall weight stands at a lightweight 1-lb. 2-oz. for extra comfortable carry.
The Browning 1911 380 Black Label Pro Pistol includes a rugged ABS case and two magazines. MSRP is $799.
About Kevin Reese:
Kevin is an award-winning outdoor writer, photographer, videographer, speaker, host of Global Outfitters TV Show’s GO Tips and a Marine Corps veteran. He owns and administers www.mainbeammedia.com and Main Beam Blog at blog.mainbeammedia.com. The Main Beam Blog offers great articles, press releases, outdoor industry news and reviews.
I personally just bought this pistol, it did have (no fires) but it was the ammos primer not seated right, (to low and angled) have a revolver in 38 special do the same with same brand,
It’s a great review
Basspro has them for $599.99 right now.
I believe that their owners claim ultimate reliability but were I reduced to them I’d need at least a couple of back-ups 🙂
I have this pistol and must say that it is a great gun. The balance is great and for those of us that don’t have bear paws, the grip size is perfect.
@MikeP – One for every day of the work week, right?
Why have a beautiful Browning Hi-Power when you could have 4 or 5 Hi-Points for the same money?
Well said.
Montie, to avoid confusion for other readers, it’s worth noting that this article was about a Browning compact 1911-380 single stack with 8+1 capacity, not 7. If you’re looking for content about a budget-focused, full-sized double stack, the SAR is an option, but this article is not about that. They are two completely different handguns. Thanks for reading.
What part of Browning “The Best There Is” don’t you understand! It is a phenomenal pistol and really fun to shoot! I could definitely understand why you would consider it for personal carry!
$800.00 dollars for a 7 shot .380 ?. Why when you can have a Sarslimaz K2 with an accessory rail and 17 rounds of 9MM with a poly frame and military grade for $360.00.