Browning 1911-380 Black Label new pistols for 2017
The Browning Arms Company is expanding the popular 1911-380 line of semi-automatic pistols with the launch of five new full-size and compact entries
The Browning Arms Company first introduced the 1911-380 line of semi-automatic, locked-breech, single-action pistols back in 2014.
Rather than a run-of-the-mill 1911-type pistol scaled down to .380 caliber, the Browning 1911-380 layout has been rebuilt from the ground up around the ballistics of the .380 ACP cartridge.
The result was an 85% scale version of John Moses Browning's quintessential design, offering top performance in a caliber that is making a roaring comeback in terms of popularity thanks to the availability of improved effectiveness loads, made possible by the latest advancement in ammunition technology and manufacturing.
It's no wonder the Browning 1911-380 immediately took the self-defense handguns charts by storm, becoming a hit particularly among women, first-time gun buyers and younger shooters who want a defensive pistol that's economic to run, easy to operate, and practical to use also for training.
New for 2017, the Browning Arms Company is launching five new variants of the Black Label line, the top-grade series of 1911-380 pistols. With an MSRP ranging from $699.99 to $829.99, the Browning Black Label 1911-380 pistols are placed in the top bracket of the .380-caliber handguns market, but their price is definitely commensurate with their quality and performance levels.
1911-380 Black Label Medallion Pro
The new Browning Black Label 1911-380 Medallion Pro full-size semi-automatic pistol is built around as composite frame with machined aluminum subframe, and features a blackened stainless steel finish with silver polished flats and a pair of excellently checkered rosewood grip panels with gold Buckmark logos. The steel three-dot combat sights, dovetailed into the slide, are a fine finishing touch, but steel night sights are also available.
The Browning Buckmark Black Label 1911-380 Medallion Pro full-size pistol is 19 cm / 7.½" long overall, and comes with a 10,79 cm / 4.¼" barrel The pistol comes with two single-stack metal magazines holding eight rounds of .380 ACP ammunition and with an ambidextrous manual safety.
1911-380 Black Label Medallion Pro Compact
The Browning Black Label 1911-380 Medallion Pro Compact semi-automatic pistol is a shorter and lighter version of the full-size variant, with other features – both technical and cosmetic, from the construction all the way down the magazine capacity – remaining otherwise untouched.
At 17,14 cm / 6.7/8" of overall length, the 1911-380 Medallion Pro Compact pistol comes with a 3.5/8" barrel and weighs barely 16 ounces (510 grams), which makes it a great option for 24/7 concealed carry,
1911-380 Black Label Compact
The Browning Black Label 1911-380 Compact semi-automatic pistol boasts a high strength, lightweight composite compact-size frame at 85% of the original 1911; a machined steel slide; a target crown for the rust-resistant, 3.5/8" barrel; fixed combat sights; eight round magazines; an extended ambidextrous manual safety; and a skeletonized hammer and trigger.
Sold in an ABS carry case, the Browning Black Label 1911-380 Compact pistol also comes with black synthetic grip panels. The grip is compact, yet is long and wide enough to allow the shooting hand full purchase for added shooting comfort.
1911-380 Black Label Pro Compact
The Browning Black Label 1911-380 Pro Compact semi-automatic pistol offers custom-grade design and features, straight from the factory: machined layered G-10 side-slab grip panels and an extended beavertail grip safety; steel three-dot combat sights or night sights; an ambidextrous extended, frame-mounted, thumb-activated manual safety; a skeletonized trigger and bobbed Commander hammer; and textured front and back straps.
The Browning Black Label 1911-380 Pro Compact pistol is sold in an ABS carry case. Other features include two eight round magazines and a rust-proof, 3.5/8" barrel with a target crown.
1911-380 Black Label Pro Compact 3-Dot with Rail
The 1911-380 Black Label Pro Compact pistol is also available in a variant that comes with standard 3-Dot sights and a Picatinny rail for tactical accessories; the rails are manufactured out of machined 7075-T6 aluminum alloy for added stability, just like the sub-frame. The trigger guard is squared.
Given the success of the other variants, we can expect the new versions of the Black Label 1911-380 pistol to remain top sellers despite the manufacturer's suggested retail price – particularly given how the average street price is often lower than the MSRP.