At the very top level of semi-custom 1911 pistols, the name Ed Brown has been famous for a quarter century. There are still several excellent gunsmiths that do full custom 1911 work for those willing to pay for it. For off-the-shelf excellence at generally less cost, Ed Brown Products, Wilson Combat, Les Baer and Nighthawk are the four largest makers with more or less standardized custom grade handgun models from their catalogs in regular production. The Kobra Carry, introduced in 2000, was Ed Brown’s first production custom 1911.Then and now, it’s really impossible for me to find any fault with this sensibly understated, superbly built, accurate, and reliable self-defense pistol. All its major parts are made in-house, using the finest materials, under tight quality control standards and fitted, assembled and finished with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail, even where you can’t see it. It’s a second generation family business now and every pistol has passed through the hands of someone with the last name Brown.
The Kobra Carry is made for everyday concealed carry. With the exception of the springs, sights and aluminum trigger, all major parts are made from stainless steel down to the extractor and ejector. It has an even matte finish, thorough dehorning (for comfortable handling, smooth drawing and easier re-holstering), a non-protruding muzzle with a deep protective crown, steel combat sights (including a Trijicon HD XR (green tritium vial and orange ring) front night sight, Ed Brown extended lever manual safety, beavertail grip safety, skeletonized overtravel adjustable lightweight three-hole trigger, skeletonized hammer, full length recoil spring guide rod with long-life, flat coil, recoil spring, recessed pin slide lock release, snakeskin gripping surfaces on the slide, front strap and mainspring housing, trademarked Ed Brown Bobtail grip frame for easier concealment, cocobolo double-diamond checkered EB logo grips, two Ed Brown 7 round magazines with optional floorplate bumpers, an EB logo soft case and a lifetime warranty. The MSRP is $3,295 There are a lot of very good 1911s out there that cost a lot less, but if you understand the difference between good and perfect, you’ll understand why an Ed Brown cost what it does. For more information on Ed Brown firearms and parts visit www.EdBrown.com.
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