The march toward public acceptance of sound suppressors continues in 2016 with more guns and ammunition being tailored to silencer use. Browning is a company that many shooters would consider a “traditional” gun company that is more oriented toward hunting and the outdoors than Gun Culture 2.0. So, when Browning introduces threaded barrel firearms that the company specifically positions as “suppressor ready,” I feel confident that progress toward decriminalizing hearing protection is building momentum.

For 2016, Browning is offering a pair of Black Label 1911-22 pistols that ship with threaded barrels. One is a full size pistol while the other is a compact version. Both guns follow the general pattern of the 1911 handgun but are chambered in .22 LR.

The full size pistol has a 4.875″ barrel, and the compact gun has a 4.25″ barrel. The thread pattern is 1/2″x28. Both barrels include a thread protector cap.

Both versions of the gun have:

• an ambidextrous thumb safety
• dovetailed sights
• an accessory rail
• black and gray G-10 grip panels
• beavertail grip safety
• an extended slide release
• a commander style hammer
• ships with an ABS hard plastic carrying case

The smaller of the two guns weighs 13 ounces, while the larger gun weighs in at one ounce more. Part of what makes the guns so light is their polymer (composite) frame. Both of the guns have a suggested retail price of $739.99.