WHY CHOOSE ED BROWN
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The year 2018 marked our 50th year in business, and the second generation family leadership continues to evolve the 1911 with the release of the first model of the EVO series, the KC9. Optimized for 9mm, smaller, thinner, and lighter than the Kobra Carry, the KC9 was an instant best-seller. All of the Ed Brown quality we are known for, in a modern evolved 1911 platform, with a ground-breaking price tag, which shocked the custom gun industry. Our investments in technology, state-of-the-art equipment, complete vertical integration, a full line of 1911 parts of our own design, and 50 years of accumulated knowledge and expertise have made it possible.
We have bench-marked our business processes and customer service against the best companies in the world, and evolved our methods into the most efficient customer system in the industry. Our customers can now contact us 24/7 with any question or issue, and be instantly routed to the proper channel for the speediest resolution possible by a subject expert. Our custom build page allows the customer to spec out a custom gun and get fully educated on more than 100 options in the process, and then get a final exact price, and delivery estimate, in real time, and even place the order automatically if they choose. We also made the conversion to a LIVE online inventory system that always shows inventory levels in real time. Even though we are the ONLY custom gun company to offer a written warranty, we figured out how to top that by adding a Risk-free online purchase policy, a Trade-up program for your old firearm, and a Basic Service Package to make it easier than ever to return your firearm to the factory for service or retro options.
We have made major investments in 1911 magazines, working closely with the industry leader in stamping and tubing to produce a line of Ed Brown Performance magazines, which have been hugely successful and continue to grow. Over 50 years in the making, we have tested just about everything possible when it comes to magazine design and performance. You can take full advantage of all of our research, knowledge, and testing with the new Ed Brown line of proven performance magazines. All the components have been engineered and manufactured for maximum performance, and we have combined this with an unbeatable price, selection, and warranty. We are so confident that you will absolutely love our new line of Ed Brown Performance magazines, that we will take your old mag(s) on trade through our Magazine Exchange Program. With the success of the Ed Brown Performance magazine line, we have already branched out into M&P Shield magazines, and Glock magazines, with more to come.
After taking the 1911 and its accessories to the pinnacle of perfection, to include redesigning it around the 9mm cartridge with the popular EVO series, we decided to apply our expertise to new firearm platforms, and the Fueled series pistols and parts were created. The first choice for the Fueled series was the S&W M&P. Polymer, striker-fired, and high capacity, with a grip and pointing characteristics similar to the 1911, and a broad following, the M&P was the perfect choice. We started at the heart of the pistol by making our own custom accuracy rail block to replace the factory part, to allow for a perfect hand fit, and then replaced the slide, barrel, and most of the other critical parts, making for a complete, custom, high-end firearm. Almost all of all the custom parts are available to purchase separately should you choose to customize your own. We have also now become the primary source for factory OEM M&P components, such as C.O.R.E. slides, barrels, and magazines.
If you'd like to learn more, please watch the video, and look through some of company history, our manufacturing philosophy, and our leadership team below. You will see exactly why Ed Brown Products continues to "Evolve the 1911" and remains your "First Choice in Custom Handguns".
Our Customers
For over 50 years, Ed Brown Products has led the way in innovating the 1911.
Ed Brown was the first 1911 builder to offer fully machined pistols, and the first to offer a lifetime warranty.
We invented the Ed Brown Bobtail, the most copied feature for the 1911.
Ed Brown also developed a full line of 1911 parts of our own design that are widely used by other custom builders.
We've continually re-engineered the 1911 to raise the bar beyond everyone else.
We blend the perfect mix of state-of-the-art machining and skilled craftsman to build the best possible 1911 pistols on the market. All at a price far less than what you would expect to pay for our level of quality.
Best quality, best warranty, best value.
Professionals choose Ed Brown custom 1911's. So should you.
Ed Brown Products manufactures the world's finest custom 1911 handguns.
The Brown family directly supervises all aspects of production from engineering to final testing all to create the ultimate high-performance firearm.
It's a labor of love that began with one man's great esteem for the famed Colt 1911. The 1911 design remains to this day the finest fighting handgun the world has ever known.
For over 40 years, Ed Brown has been a world-renowned shooter,
tool and die maker, and gunsmith. That legacy provided him with all the skills he needed to redefine the manufacture of the modern custom firearm.
In 1988 he founded Ed Brown Products, and became recognized for his innovative designs, like the beaver tail grip safety, and Bobtail mainspring housing.
Today, the family-owned Ed Brown company manufactures a complete line of high grade firearms bearing his name.
My goal has always been to make the highest quality 1911 possible. That's what motivated me to begin making my own parts, and eventually, the complete gun.
Each firearm was originally conceived and designed to be a complete custom firearm, using CAD-CAM technology.
Every component on the firearm has been redesigned, enhanced, or more precisely machined, for one thing: performance.
We have the capability to take these raw forgings and turn them into finished handguns.
There are over 40 parts in a 1911 handgun, and nearly all of them are
manufactured in this facility.
Inside this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, you'll find the latest in CNC technology. Our process is dedicated to turning forgings and bar stock into some of the world's finest firearms.
Expert machinists operate 5-axis machining centers, Swiss type turning machines, precision broaching, fiber-optic lasers, fine polishing wheels, and precision inspection equipment.
We produce our parts using the tightest tolerances in the industry. That makes a huge difference in the quality and consistency of the final product.
Leading-edge technology is gracefully combined with traditional, old-world craftsmanship, under the direct
supervision of the Brown family.
Every part is hand fit to each individual gun by a master craftsman
Personal attention to detail continues to be a major component of the legendary quality of Ed Brown firearms.
The details make a difference. We have the highest standard for quality, and we make sure every piece meets those standards before we put the family name on it. I'm right there every day to make sure that happens
All the engineering, precision manufacturing, and hand craftsmanship, produces the supreme high-performance
1911. Each gun is carefully inspected and then extensively tested by a professional shooter for reliability and
accuracy.
When you fire an Ed Brown 1911, without question you will know you made the right investment.
At Ed Brown Products, we measure our success, not by how many guns we can make, but by how good we can make them.
Engineering excellence, precision manufacturing, hand craftsmanship, and ultimate performance, makes buying an Ed Brown, an easy decision.
From raw forgings, to the finest 1911's in the world, Ed Brown Products manufactures the world's finest custom 1911 handguns.
Company History
A lifetime of experience in engineering, manufacturing, and precision hand craftsmanship, combined with world championship combat shooting experience, were the key ingredients in the formation of Ed Brown Products, Inc. The company has evolved over 50 years from gunsmithing, to parts manufacturing, to firearms manufacturing, and managed a successful transition to the second generation. Throughout this process, we have never lost sight of our passion for making the world’s finest 1911 pistol.
Ed Brown received his FFL and began business as a part-time gunsmith in 1968 under the name "Brown's Gun Shop". For 20 years on evenings and weekends, he honed his skill, experience, and reputation as one of the world's finest pistol-smiths, while during the day he worked as a tool and die maker, CNC programmer, and CAD/CAM designer. Ed began shooting IPSC and Bianchi Cup in 1980, and was ranked in the Top 16 of the World as a championship combat shooter.
Frustrated by the second-rate quality of 1911 parts he had to work with, he envisioned a full line of quality aftermarket parts of superior designs, that met the needs of the modern combat shooter. On March 30, 1988, this vision became reality when he quit his day job as a tool and die maker to launch his parts business. Within months, the world's largest firearm components distributor, Brownell's, added Ed Brown's famous beavertail, magwell, and hammer to their catalog. Parts production began to take off, while demand for Ed's gunsmithing work continued to increase. His gunsmithing career peaked in 1991, and he was awarded "Pistolsmith of the Year" by his fellow Guild members, a prestigious honor which, at that time, was awarded only to those who have shown the highest degree of honesty and craftsmanship in their work. That same year, Ed announced he was changing his focus from gunsmithing to parts manufacturing exclusively, as time was too limited to effectively do both.
Ed Brown Products, Inc. incorporated June of 1992 to manufacture a complete line of 1911 components and accessories. Custom pistol work was no longer being accepted.
In 1998, after manufacturing all the major components of the 1911, Ed's two sons Travis and Wade joined the business full time. A new direction was established - the design and manufacture of a complete line of Ed Brown firearms. The next few years were invested in plant expansion and R&D for the design and manufacture of the Ed Brown 1911 frame and slide.
In 2001, the Brown family began to selectively establish an authorized dealer network across the country for Ed Brown firearms. Within a few short years, Ed Brown firearms were present in high-end retail establishments across the US, and in many foreign countries.
The presidential elections of 2008 and 2012, combined with the 100 year anniversary of the 1911, created an unprecedented demand for our 1911 product line, and years of explosive growth followed. Ed Brown retired from the business in 2010 at age 65, leaving the business operations in the hands of his two capable sons.
The year 2018 marked our 50th year in business, and the second generation leadership continues to "Evolve the 1911" with the release of the first model of the EVO series, the KC9. Optimized for 9mm, smaller, thinner, and lighter than the Kobra Carry, the KC9 was an instant best-seller. Our investments in technology, state-of-the-art equipment, complete vertical integration, and 50 years of accumulated knowledge and expertise have made it possible. This evolutionary leap was large enough to justify evolving the logo of the company itself, and the new EB logo was trademarked and made public.
After taking the 1911 and its accessories to the pinnacle of perfection, to include redesigning it around the 9mm cartridge with the popular EVO series, we decided to apply our expertise to new firearm platforms, and the Fueled series pistols and parts were created. The first choice for the Fueled series was the S&W M&P. Polymer, striker-fired, and high capacity, with a grip and pointing characteristics similar to the 1911, and a broad following, the M&P was the perfect choice. We started at the heart of the pistol by making our own custom accuracy rail block to replace the factory part, to allow for a perfect hand fit, and then replaced the slide, barrel, and most of the other critical parts, making for a complete, custom, high-end firearm. Almost all of all the custom parts are available to purchase separately should you choose to customize your own. We have also now become the primary source for factory OEM M&P components, such as slides, barrels, and magazines.
Today, Ed Brown Products, Inc. operates in a state-of-the-art 20,000+ square foot, Missouri-based facility. We have invested over $25 million dollars in the latest, high-tech CNC equipment which turns forgings and bar stock steel into some of the world's finest firearms. Leading edge technology is gracefully combined with traditional, old-world craftsmanship under the direct supervision of the Brown family. Our track record now spans over 50 years of success, and our complete line of innovative 1911 parts, and 1911 handguns, represent the pinnacle of engineering, hand craftsmanship, and performance. Our goal as a family-owned and family-operated business is to sustain our competitive advantage into the future, as we remain focused on the needs of our customers, and continue to invest in new manufacturing methods and technology, to raise the bar for high-end custom firearm excellence.
The Ed Brown Way
Ed Brown firearms are engineered, machined, and handcrafted for performance under the direct supervision of the Brown family. We continually strive to make the very best high grade, high performance, custom firearms, at a reasonable price and delivery, using our own innovative designs, superior components, and old-fashion hand-craftsmanship. All backed by a lifetime written warranty and excellent customer service. Our firearm manufacturing philosophy rests on 3 pillars, upon which we have built our nearly 50 years of success.
- Engineered for performance
We started with the original 1911 prints, and then CAD/CAM redesigned the entire firearm to take full advantage of modern manufacturing technology. We re-toleranced all the parts, and left extra stock in the critical areas, so every part could be precision fit correctly, the first time, by a master craftsman. Only the finest materials are called for to meet our engineering specifications, which in most cases means forgings, or pre-heat treated steel for precision machining. We incorporated all the proven “better mousetrap” aftermarket parts seamlessly into the original 1911 design, in a tasteful and elegant way. Every part has been redesigned, enhanced, or more closely toleranced for one thing: Performance. - Precision machined in America
All of the main components in our firearms are manufactured in-house under the direct supervision of the Brown family. This means that we have virtually complete control over the quality and delivery of the final product. We have invested over 25 million dollars in state-of-the-art CNC manufacturing technology specifically for the firearms industry. This is what it takes to truly make your own components in-house. Inside our 20,000+ square foot, Missouri-based facility, you will find the latest in 5-axis machining centers, swiss type turning machines, precision broaching, surface grinders, fine polishing equipment, fiber lasers, and coordinate measuring machines. It is this investment of resources that has made us the leader in the field, and will keep us at the leading edge in the future. - Hand-crafted to perfection
In addition to all the high tech inspection methods and equipment we use, every part on every gun is carefully hand-fitted by a master craftsman, under direct supervision of the Brown family. The instant you pick up an Ed Brown 1911, you can see and feel the quality, in all the details. We go that extra mile by putting more hand fitting and finishing into our firearms than any other manufacturer, resulting in some of the most attractive firearms available anywhere at any price.
Our Customers
Ed Brown products are used by enthusiasts and professionals around the world, from discriminating collectors of fine firearms, to executives who can afford the best, to elite military operators whose lives depend upon their equipment. Regardless of their background, they all share our passion for the 1911 handgun. Whether for competition, carry, duty, home protection, or just a fun day on the range, we have a full selection of custom options to meet your needs. Our customers prefer the unmatched 100+ year track record of the 1911, are serious about performance, and appreciate the highest quality money can buy. They view a firearm as an investment in a quality piece of craftsmanship that they can stake their lives on if necessary. They want the real deal, not marketing sizzle, propaganda, or gimmicks. This is why a high percentage of our clients are military, law enforcement professionals, government agencies, and industry experts. They want the highest quality guns, built by real engineers with shooting experience, with full control over their own production methods and quality control. They also need the product quickly, built to their custom configuration, at competitive prices, and backed by a company with an outstanding track record who will stand behind their product. Our customers own many firearms, and are convinced that Ed Brown makes the finest, most consistent, quality custom firearms and accessories available anywhere, from anyone, at any price.
Those in the industry know and choose Ed Brown as their first choice. The top firearms dealers stock and recommend Ed Brown. Cabela's chose us as their first high-end 1911 for their famous gun library. Jeff Cooper's family chose Ed Brown to manufacture the Jeff Cooper pistol to commemorate his legacy. The majority of reputable gunsmiths have used Ed Brown parts for many years. Many manufacturers both large and small outsource their OEM production to Ed Brown. We receive sales and market share data from the major parts distributors, and Ed Brown continues to be #1, year after year.
Read what industry experts and our valued customers have to say about our products