RANT: Browning 1911 .380 issues!

Fana

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Mar 24, 2019
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So, I've owned the Browning 1911 .380 for over a year now.

Taking it to the range it's been constant stoved pipes. I tried to use 2 other different magazines to ensure it wasn't the case.
I used various types of ammo from Winchester and blazer brass, no hot self defense rounds.

Originally this was purchased for my wife, to use for self defense, but with these type of issues I'm not so sure.

Browning has been unresponsive via email - so I need to call them. I'm thinking of just getting it fixed, and selling it. I want reliability, not having to worry if something were to happen.

Has anyone had these types of issues? Did you get the corrected?
 

Krunchnik

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Feb 21, 2019
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I would have the extractor tension checked-may be too tight-I think they are just a downsize 1911-so possibly the extractor could be checked the same way.Just an idea
 

Bender

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Meh.........
Most of these pint size "1911s" that have stovepipe issues are one of two things. The most common is magazine issues. Feedlips are spaced too wide causing cartridge retention issues. Secondly is extractor tension and clocking.
 

azpoolguy

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"Most fire arm trainers do not believe the .380 to be an effective self defense round. "

Still beats strong words or a sharp stick. Sometimes, if you hold your mouth right.
Not if it is unreliable and under powered.

She may be better off with a sharp stick depending on how well placed the one shot is she gets before the gun won't cycle.:p
 

Ken Holder

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Aug 16, 2018
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So, I've owned the Browning 1911 .380 for over a year now.

Taking it to the range it's been constant stoved pipes. I tried to use 2 other different magazines to ensure it wasn't the case.
I used various types of ammo from Winchester and blazer brass, no hot self defense rounds.

Originally this was purchased for my wife, to use for self defense, but with these type of issues I'm not so sure.

Browning has been unresponsive via email - so I need to call them. I'm thinking of just getting it fixed, and selling it. I want reliability, not having to worry if something were to happen.

Has anyone had these types of issues? Did you get the corrected?
My wife shoots the Browning 1911 380 , the first 200 rounds had some stove pipes and a couple fail to feeds, they slowed down after the break in, I widened the mag lips and they stopped all together, 2 years later now and bought 2 more mags and no problems with these with no adjustment.
 

Jerre

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Feb 6, 2019
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I also bought a Browning 1911 .380 and had terrible issues with it. I talked to Browning and they wanted the gun back. After examining the gun they got back with me and said that they were going to send me a new gun. The new gun run fine for 400-500 rounds then the same old jamming issues started again. Just like the Springfield 911, I've had 2 guns of each brand and they were both "lemons" ! Got rid of the Browning's and Springfield's and bought a Glock 42 and have had no issues what so ever with it. Get rid of the Browning and get a Glock 42 ! !
 

thewoods868

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Dec 26, 2018
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Try the rock Island baby rock. Or a lcp2. I have both and they run 100%. Of course the baby rock is much easier to shoot.
 

Jerre

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Yes, I have a Ruger LCPll also. Great little gun and haven't had any issues with it either. The Glock 42 is just a little bigger and can get a better grip on the handle......and with extended mag has a capacity of 8 + 1 .
 

Bender

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Meh.........
There's a fine line when it comes to shootability and dependability of these little mini mouse guns. The issue lies in the fact that some of these guys are so damn small it is nearly impossible for one to get a good grip. This lack of proper grip reduces accuracy and precision, and can also induce jams commonly called limp wristing.

Everyone has different desires, needs, and wishes when it comes to what they prefer to carry. In my opinion, there is no wrong answer there is just the answer of what will work best for you.

For me, if I must carry the smallest gun I own, in a .380, I'll stick with the g42.
 

Jerre

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Yes, you're so right, Bender ! I'm 73 yrs old and have been shooting since Dad bought me my first b.b. gun at age 5. I was also in the sporting goods business for over 35 yrs and sold / handled all makes and models of handguns & long guns. Age, arthritis, health issues, etc., now have me where I have had to "drop back" to smaller guns and caliber's. I loved the Browning 1911 .380 and SA 911, but had so damn many problems I got rid of them. Browning and SA both took my first guns back and sent me brand new guns, but also had problems with both of them too. That's 4 guns that were "lemons" ! I'm not going to carry something that you can't trust. Since getting the G 42, I've not had an issue of any kind. I also bought the new G 43X and love it also.
 

Pandaz3

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Feb 27, 2019
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I have a ton of 380's, most pocket sized, but have a Browning BDA, which is a disguised Beretta 84. I bought the BDA new in '88. I have a new SA 911 on order, might show tomorrow. I own a Colt Mustang XSP, called a Lite in today's catalog, Not the most accurate, but very pleasant and reliable. My wife does not like an external safety, do she won't like the 911 either. We have Ruger LCP, LCP Custom, LCP II, and LC-380 (again a hated external safety), Remington RM-380, Kahr CW-380, S&W Sigma 380, Taurus Spectrum, and two Glock 42's

My wife won't allow me to touch her G-42, so I needed one to play with. The G-42 is my largest 380 that will fit concealed in my front pocket. It shoots all and is accurate for me, but I just don't carry it, the wife does.

I carry either the LCP Custom, LCP II, or CW-380. Rugers kick hard. Kahr is picky with ammo. It likes Hornady XTP (no polymer tip) and Underwood with XTP's. The Kahr is the smallest.

I have not shot the LC-380 or Taurus enough to recommend but they are both promising. I hope my new 911 fairs well.

OP good luck, they have already poisoned the well it seems.
 

Ceapea

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I've got both the 1911-380 and an LCP II. I did read about some magazine issues with the Browning. I personally have had ZERO issues with either gun. I have approximately 750 rd thru the 1911-380 and 250 thru the LCP II. Both have been 100% I guess that I got lucky. I bought six extra mags for the Browning and all function correctly. I did have a chance to fire the G42 and G43. Both are nice. But I can shoot the Browning a lot better, easier. While I too bought it for my wife (turns out she prefers my 4" Smith 64-5), it now pulls fun gun duty on the range with me. I have shot 4" groups with it at 70'. Again, 100% trouble free. Other than the expense, I would, and have, recommended it to others. As a matter of fact, after taking it to my club just one time, three other members there bought one. None of them have had any problems. It must be an isolated few that do.
 

Bender

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Meh.........
If you are going to carry a .380, research the ammo you think you want to use. Most is poor at best. Corbon, Underwood, and a few others are loaded well and are proved penetrators.
 
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