BROWNING 1911-380 BLACK LABEL

Posted Jun 14, 2023

MEDALLION

Introduction

The Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion is an elegant handgun with a classic aesthetic. Its sleek, black finish complements the intricate scroll engraving that is found on the slide, frame, and barrel. This handgun has been designed with the savvy shooter in mind, being a blend of old and new technologies that offer unprecedented performance and reliability in a small, lightweight package. This is a perfect choice for a concealed carry firearm or for a day at the range.

Background

The Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion is a semi-automatic pistol with a single action trigger and magazine capacity of eight .380 Auto rounds. It has a 3.625" barrel and weighs in at only 22 ounces. The pistol features a black blued finish, checkered walnut grips, and a medallion engraving. This firearm is considered a cut above most modern semi-automatics because of its low recoil, smooth trigger pull, and excellent accuracy. The Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion is an icon for American innovation and craftsmanship.

Design

The Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion is a compact and lightweight pistol that has been designed for ease of operation and maximum comfort. The ergonomic grip is made from checkered walnut and features the Browning logo on the side. The three grip panels angle inwards and have generous beveled edges for a secure grip. The magazine release is an extended paddle type at the base of the grip, making it ambidextrous. The slide is machined from steel and is equipped with a 3.625” barrel with an adjustable rear sight.

The trigger pull is smooth and light, making this pistols ideal for target shooting or self-defense. The Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion also features an ambidextrous safety lever that is located at the top of the slide, allowing for easy manipulation. The pistol is equipped with a full-length guide rod which aids in recoil management and helps absorb some of the muzzle flip.

Accuracy

The Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion offers excellent accuracy right out of the box. The target accuracy is impressive and the pistol is capable of groupings with only a few inches at 25 yards. We have found that the pistol shot best using the Hornady CD JHP and American Eagle FMJ rounds. The pistol feels comfortable and well balanced in the hand and the sights are very easy to acquire. The adjustable rear sight offers a precise level of windage and elevation adjustment, making it easy to make precise shots.

Reliability

Reliability is one aspect that shooters should not have to worry about and the Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion provides that in spades. This pistol offers flawless performance with no misfires or malfunctions encountered in hundreds of rounds of testing. This is thanks to a sophisticated recoil assembly which ensures reliable operation with a variety of .380 Auto rounds.

Price

The Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion is a high-end pistol and its price tag reflects that. It has an MSRP of over $900, although you can find it in the marketplace for about $800. This may seem pricey at first, but the quality and craftsmanship that went into making this pistol justifies the cost.

Conclusion

The Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion is an excellent pistol for both target shooting and self-defense. It is made from quality components and is incredibly accurate and reliable. The added features such as the three grip panels, adjustable rear sight, and ambidextrous safety make this an attractive option for shooters of all skill levels. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is evident in this classic handgun which is built with modern materials and technologies. While it may cost a bit more, the Browning 1911-380 Black Label Medallion is well worth the price.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

-Lightweight and comfortable for all-day carry

-Also reliable and powerful, making it suitable for defense

-Low recoil and muzzle flip, allowing for fast follow-up shots

-Features ambidextrous thumb safety, extended beavertail grip safety, a stainless steel match grade barrel, and rear serrations on the slide

-The Black Label models feature attractive anodized aluminum frames and Cerakote finishes for durability

Cons:

-Price is on the higher side, making it out of reach for some budget shooters

-Magazine capacity is limited to 6 rounds

-No manual safety, so must be engaged after racking the slide before firing

Who Should Buy

Those who should buy the BROWNING 1911-380 BLACK LABEL should be of legal age to own a handgun with a concealed carry license, have experience operating firearms, and be comfortable with the Browning 1911-380 design. Those who shouldn't buy this weapon should not have any experience operating handguns, do not have experience with 1911-style handguns, and may not be comfortable with the size or design of this Browning 1911-380.

Comparisons

	BROWNING 1911-380 BLACK LABEL	SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911	WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE	HECKLER & KOCH HK 416
Caliber	.380 ACP	.45 ACP	.45 ACP	5.56 x 45mm
Capacity	8+1 and 10+1	8+1	8+1	30+1
Barrel Length	4.25"	5.0"	5.0"	10.4"
Trigger Pull	5 - 6 lbs	4.5 - 5.5 lbs	4 - 5 lbs	11.4 - 12.3 lbs
Overall Length	7.6"	8.7"	8.7"	29.5"
Weight	20 oz	43.6 oz	36.8 oz	6.2 lbs

Features / Specs

• Caliber: .380 ACP

• Capacity: 8+1

• Length: 6.6’’

• Height: 4.9’’

• Width: 1.1’

• Weight: 22.5 oz

• Barrel Length: 3.62’’

• Sight Radius: 5.0”

• Sight: Fixed Low Profile

Popular Accessories

Extra magazines

Holster

Laser sights

Magazine Speed Loaders

Grips and Stocks

Magwells

Rail Systems

Trigger Kits

Sights and Optics

Recoil Buffers

Accuracy

The Browning 1911-380 Black Label is known for its precision and reliability. It comes with adjustable target sights for accuracy, a crisp 4- to 5-pound trigger with a short reset, a cold hammer forged barrel, and Novak-style rear sight. All components are machined to exact tolerances, making this pistol a great target shooter. The 1911-380 Black Label is incredibly accurate when using factory ammunition and is capable of lasting for many rounds without a single malfunction.