I just discovered this today and thought it was interesting. The girlfriend loves my 1911s but not the size and recoil. Does anyone have any experience with them?
The Browning 1911-380 combines two of John M. Browning’s most lasting innovations - the Model 1911 and the 380 ACP cartridge - into a modern, lightweight pistol. Unlike most of the modern “pocket pistols” that chamber the snappy 380 ACP cartridge, the 1911-380 is slightly larger to better manage recoil for improved control that makes follow-up shots faster and more accurate. The longer barrel increases bullet velocity for more downrange punch and improved acccuracy. The grip is compact, yet is long and wide enough to allow the shooting hand full purchase for added shooting comfort.
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?fid=035B&cid=051&tid=904
Very similar in concept to the colt government 380 from about 30 years ago. For the recoil sensitive who like the 1911 platform I imagine it would be ok, but a full size 1911 in 9mm will be more useful and recoil less. In addition if it is just for range practice a 22 conversion kit ( my choice is marvel) on your regular 1911 is a better option. My wife’s favorite is a 1911, she can tolerate a few mags of hardball but once the 22 conversion goes on she will shoot it all day.
Might be interesting. 680 retail could see 550 or less on the street.
If it’s straight blowback and not locked breech like its Grand Pa, then felt recoil will be significantly more pronounced. The website refers to the pistol’s size and weight as a the factor making it pleasant to shoot. Ruger’s LCP is manageable only because it uses a locked breech mechanism.
Does an 18 ounce .380 really kick that hard either way?
Yes. They can be a tad snappy. My experience here is based on shooting the larger Beretta and Browning .380 which were about the size of the new Browning and probably heavier. A blowback action limits the hand loader in that ammo should be within a narrow velocity range. For me this pistol would be a shooter with which to play and experiment, and my strong preference would be that it be locked breech. On the other hand, if it has a pinned to the frame barrel, its out of the box accuracy would be greater. Either way, I want one.
I kind of want one, too. Seems like a decent deal for the style of weapon.