Browning 1911-22 Black Label Compact Pistol: Your Gateway to Classic Design and Affordable Shooting

Are you a new shooter seeking a forgiving yet engaging handgun? Perhaps an experienced enthusiast looking for a cost-effective way to hone your 1911 skills without the expense or recoil of centerfire ammunition? Or maybe you just want a reliable, fun, and visually striking rimfire pistol for plinking and recreational shooting? Look no further than the Browning 1911-22 Black Label Compact Frame .22 LR pistol, Model 051898490. This exceptional firearm offers the iconic feel and handling of the legendary 1911 design, meticulously scaled down to an approximately 85% size, perfectly optimized for the popular and economical .22 Long Rifle cartridge. It's a true testament to Browning's commitment to quality and innovation, providing an accessible entry point into the world of firearms or a superb companion to your existing 1911 collection.

Why Choose a .22 LR 1911-Style Pistol?

The enduring appeal of the 1911 platform is undeniable, celebrated for its superb ergonomics, crisp trigger, and proven track record. However, shooting its traditional .45 ACP caliber can be costly and generate significant recoil, which might be challenging for new shooters or prolonged training sessions. This is precisely where the .22 LR variant shines.

• Affordable Training: .22 LR ammunition is significantly less expensive than centerfire cartridges, allowing for extended practice sessions without breaking the bank. This makes the Browning 1911-22 an excellent choice for mastering fundamentals like grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control.
• Reduced Recoil: The minimal recoil of the .22 LR makes shooting incredibly comfortable and approachable, fostering confidence in beginners and reducing fatigue during long range days. It allows shooters to focus on technique rather than managing muzzle flip.
• Familiar Manual of Arms: For those who own or aspire to own a full-size 1911, the Browning 1911-22 offers an almost identical manual of arms. This means you can practice reloads, target acquisition, and safety manipulation on a pistol that feels remarkably similar to its larger counterpart, building muscle memory that directly translates to other 1911 platforms.
• Pure Shooting Fun: Beyond training, the low cost and pleasant shooting experience make the 1911-22 Black Label Compact an absolute joy for casual plinking, target shooting, and recreational range visits. It's the kind of pistol you can enjoy for hours on end.

Unpacking the Features of the Browning 1911-22 Black Label Compact

The Browning 1911-22 Black Label Compact is not just a scaled-down replica; it's a carefully engineered firearm designed for optimal performance and user satisfaction. Every detail, from its compact dimensions to its striking finish, contributes to a premium shooting experience.

Striking Aesthetics and Durable Finish

One of the most eye-catching aspects of this particular model is its unique Polar Blue Cerakote Serrated Slide. Cerakote is a polymer-ceramic composite coating known for its exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and distinctive appearance. The "Polar Blue" hue provides a modern, vibrant contrast to the traditional 1911 silhouette, making this pistol stand out on the range. The serrations on the slide ensure a positive grip for easy manipulation, even in challenging conditions. Complementing this, the Matte Stainless Steel Barrel offers both visual appeal and robust performance, ensuring longevity and consistent accuracy.

Ergonomics and Grip Comfort

The foundation of the pistol is its Matte Black Polymer Frame with Beavertail. While a full-size 1911 typically features a steel frame, the choice of polymer for this .22 LR compact model significantly reduces overall weight, bringing it down to a mere 13 ounces. This lightweight design enhances portability and makes the pistol exceptionally comfortable to hold and shoot, especially for extended periods. The integrated beavertail grip safety is a classic 1911 feature that protects the web of your hand from hammer bite and encourages a high, consistent grip for improved control and accuracy.

Further enhancing the ergonomics are the Black Laminate Wood Grips with Buckmark Logo. These stippled grips provide a secure, non-slip hold and add a touch of classic elegance to the pistol's modern aesthetic. The iconic Browning Buckmark logo subtly reminds you of the firearm's heritage and quality.

Reliable Performance and Capacity

This semi-automatic pistol features a 10+1 capacity, meaning it holds 10 rounds in its single-stack magazine and one in the chamber. This generous capacity for a compact rimfire pistol ensures ample shooting time between reloads, perfect for plinking or training drills. The reliable semi-automatic action provides consistent cycling with a wide variety of .22 LR ammunition.

Advanced Safety Features

Safety is paramount, and the Browning 1911-22 Black Label Compact incorporates the proven safety mechanisms of the 1911 platform. It features an extended ambidextrous manual safety, allowing both left and right-handed shooters to easily engage and disengage the safety. Coupled with the classic beavertail grip safety, which requires a proper grip to disengage, these features provide multiple layers of protection against unintended firing. The skeletonized hammer and skeletonized trigger not only contribute to the pistol's sleek appearance but also offer a crisp, clean trigger pull essential for accurate shooting.

Who Is This Pistol For?

This Browning 1911-22 is highly versatile and caters to a broad spectrum of shooters:

• First-Time Gun Owners: Its low recoil, manageable size, and affordable ammunition make it an excellent choice for learning the fundamentals of pistol shooting in a comfortable, non-intimidating environment.
• Experienced 1911 Owners: If you love the 1911 platform, this compact .22 LR version is an indispensable training tool. It allows you to practice your draw, sight picture, and trigger control with the same feel as your larger caliber 1911s, but at a fraction of the cost per round.
• Plinking Enthusiasts: For those who simply enjoy spending time at the range, sending rounds downrange for fun, the Browning 1911-22 offers endless entertainment with minimal expense.
• Collectors: The unique Polar Blue Cerakote finish and compact design make this a distinctive piece for any Browning or 1911 collector.

Maintaining Your Browning 1911-22 Black Label Compact

Like any firearm, proper maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and reliable performance of your Browning 1911-22. Regular cleaning of the barrel, slide, and frame, along with appropriate lubrication, will keep your pistol running smoothly for years to come. Given its .22 LR caliber, which can sometimes be "dirtier" burning than centerfire, consistent cleaning after each range session is highly recommended. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on field stripping and cleaning.

Where to Find Your Browning 1911-22 Black Label Compact

The Browning 1911-22 Black Label Compact with its distinctive Polar Blue Cerakote slide (Model 051898490, UPC 023614857631) is a popular choice among shooters for its blend of classic design, modern features, and economical operation. For a wide selection of firearms and accessories, including this exceptional Browning model, explore the extensive inventory available at DEGuns. DEGuns offers competitive pricing and a commitment to customer satisfaction, making it a trusted source for your shooting needs.

Whether you're looking to introduce someone to the shooting sports, maintain proficiency with the iconic 1911 design, or simply enjoy hours of affordable fun at the range, the Browning 1911-22 Black Label Compact is an outstanding choice. Its combination of compact size, robust construction, and striking aesthetics, all chambered in the versatile .22 LR cartridge, ensures it will be a cherished part of your firearms collection.

Browning 1911-22 Black Label Compact Specifications

Feature	Specification	Detail / Benefit
Series	Black Label	Browning's distinct line of firearms
Model	1911	Iconic, scaled-down 1911 platform
Caliber	.22 LR	Economical, low-recoil, versatile rimfire cartridge
Barrel Length	3.63"	Compact and maneuverable
Barrel Material	Steel	Durable and precise
Barrel Finish	Matte Stainless	Resists corrosion, sleek appearance
Capacity	10+1	Ample rounds for training and recreation
Action	Semi-Auto	Reliable and fast follow-up shots
Frame Material	Polymer	Lightweight and durable
Frame Finish	Matte Black	Discreet and professional
Frame Size	Compact	Ideal for easy handling and portability
Frame Description	Polymer Frame w/Beavertail	Comfortable high grip, hammer bite protection
OAL (Overall Length)	6.88"	Manageable size for various shooters
Weight	13 oz	Extremely lightweight for comfortable shooting
Slide Material	Aluminum	Contributes to light weight
Slide Finish	Polar Blue Cerakote	Unique, durable, corrosion-resistant, eye-catching
Slide Description	Serrated	Ensures positive grip for slide manipulation
Grips	Black Laminate Wood	Classic look, ergonomic, secure hold
Sight Style	Combat	Rugged and practical for quick aiming
Sight Configuration	3-Dot	Standard, easy-to-acquire sight picture
Safety	Ambidextrous Thumb / Grip	Enhanced safety for both left and right-handed shooters
Hammer Style	Skeletonized	Reduced weight, aesthetic appeal
Trigger	Skeletonized	Crisp, clean pull for improved accuracy
Magazine Type	Single Stack	Slim profile, common 1911 magazine design
Includes	Magazine / Pistol Rug	Ready to use out of the box, convenient storage
MPN	051898490	Manufacturer's Part Number
UPC	023614857631	Universal Product Code