Gun Digest
 

SHOT Show 2011: Browning Introduces 1911-22 L.R. Autoloading Pistol

Browning debuted its 1911-22 at SHOT Show 2011. Photo by Corey Graff
Browning debuted its 1911-22 at SHOT Show 2011. Photo by Corey Graff

When Browning set out to celebrate 100 years of John Browning's 1911 pistol, she certainly could have done the predictable thing and offered just a commemorative version in .45 ACP. Instead, we got a very nice, scaled-down 1911 A1 in .22LR. That means this is one 1911 you can afford to shoot — lots!

Browning's 1911-22 is scaled down to 85%, making it comfortable to hold. Photo by Corey Graff

Ideal for target practice and making training affordable, this one will be a classy addition to anyone's gun collection. Like I said, it's scaled down to 85% of the full-size 1911, which makes it a joy to hold.

Depending on which version you're talking about — the A1 sports a 4 1/4″ barrel; the Compact model a 3 5/8″ tube — the weight comes in between 15 or 15 1/2 ounces respectively. The barrel has a target crown and the slide is aluminum with a matte blued finish. I really liked the dark brown grips; they gave the pistol an old-fashioned golden-age charm.

All of the controls are standard 1911 — functioning grip safety, manual thumb safety, and the magazine holds ten rounds. The sights are fixed, nothing fancy there. The barrel block is a shiny stainless steel, which sets it apart from the blued slide.

Pistols shipped in 2011 will include a special first year of production collector’s certificate plus a free limited edition commemorative canvas and leather zippered pistol case with 1911-22 pistols shipped during 2011.

The Browning 1911-22 retails for $599.99.

For more information click here


Recommended 1911 Resources

New! Gun Digest Shooter's Guide to the 1911

1911: The First 100 Years

Massad Ayoob’s Greatest Handguns of the World

1911 Series Disassembly-Reassembly DVD

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