Few people in the firearms industry have had as much impact as Ed Brown. For the last 56 years, The Legendary Ed Brown has crafted some of the finest pistols the world has known. Ed passed away at his home on September 15, 2024, after an intense battle with aggressive, untreatable liver cancer. He was born on December 13, 1946, and is survived by his wife, three children, and six grandchildren. The industry has truly lost a legend with the passing of Ed Brown.

The Legendary Ed Brown

His journey began in 1968 as a part-time gunsmith. The Legendary Ed Brown was also an exceptional shooter. Ed began shooting IPSC and Bianchi Cup in 1980 and was ranked in the Top 16 of the world as a championship combat shooter.

Ed Brown – Master Pistolsmith and Shooter

While the list of his innovations is lengthy, a few stand out. In 2000, the Kobra Carry was introduced. It was the first 1911 to be available in all stainless steel, with the snakeskin metal pattern, and was equipped with the Ed Brown Bobtail, designed and trademarked by Ed Brown earlier that year. The Ed Brown Bobtail was soon copied in some form by nearly every 1911 manufacturer in existence.

Industry Leader

The Legendary Ed Brown was world class pistosmith.

In 2001, the Brown family began to selectively establish an authorized dealer network nationwide for Ed Brown firearms. The Legendary Ed Brown’s firearms were present in high-end retail establishments across the US and many foreign countries within a few short years. With his sons taking care of the business, Ed pursued another path – the innovation and design of a new bolt action for hunting and sniper rifles, the M-702, and later, the M-704 controlled feed, which was the foundation of the newly created line of Ed Brown rifles.

Ed Brown retired from the business in 2010 at age 65, leaving the business operations in the hands of his two capable sons. The Legendary Ed Brown’s rifle company was later sold, as its capacity was too limited to produce pistols and rifles and maintain the highest quality level the Brown family demanded.

Special Collection

Since Ed’s retirement in 2010, the company has continued to thrive and innovate. Next year, in 2025, the company will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Ed Brown Kobra Carry, the most popular, longest-running, high-end custom 1911 handgun of all time.

His designs influenced the entire industry.

Over his lifetime, Ed Brown collected many fine firearms and one-of-a-kind pieces. Over the coming months the Brown family will selectively offer several firearms, ammunition, and other items from Ed’s personal collection. Each item will include a letter certifying it as an authentic piece from The Legendary Ed Brown’s personal collection. You can visit EdBrown.com for more information on taking part in this.

We at Athlon Outdoors offer our deepest condolences to both the family and employees of Ed Brown.