Browning 1911 .22 & .380 grips
Browning 1911 .22 & .380 grips
The Browning 1911-22 was introduced in 2011 to celebrate the centennial of John Moses Browning's iconic Colt M1911 pistol (adopted March 29, 1911, chambered in .45 ACP)
Development began in March 2008 at Browning (under FN Herstal ownership since 1977), taking about 36 months from concept to production. Unlike many .22 LR 1911 clones or conversion kits, the 1911-22 was purpose-built as a dedicated rimfire handgun—85% scale of the original, with a lightweight alloy frame, steel slide and barrel, single-action trigger, and full 1911 controls (grip safety, thumb safety, slide stop) for authentic training and plinking
Key features include 10-round magazines, blowback operation (adapted for low-recoil .22 LR), fixed sights, and compatibility with most .22 ammo types. Unveiled at SHOT Show 2011, it hit shelves in mid-2011 (delayed slightly for a magazine safety addition), proudly made in the USA
Later variants added Black Label models with enhanced grips, rails, and compact options. The Browning 1911-22 blended historical homage with modern reliability, becoming a popular trainer, suppressor host, and fun shooter for 1911 enthusiasts