The Evolution series is thinner and lighter than standard 1911s. (Photo: Ed Brown)
Ed Brown, one of the best 1911 custom shops in the world, has been tinkering with a new take on the 1911 specifically optimized for 9mm Luger. They’re rolling it out using a new batch manufacturing process that delivers guns at a much lower price, too.
The new guns, based on the Commander-size Kobra Carry Gen 4 design, make up the Evolution series, starting with the KC9. These guns are built for everyday carry and concealed carry, weighing less than standard 1911s with a smaller footprint. They do use standard 1911 magazines and have a 9+1 capacity.
Some weight is shaved by going with a 4-inch slide and barrel and bob-cutting the grip, but most of the weight loss is thanks to a narrower slide built for 9mm ammo. Unloaded with a magazine Evo pistols weigh 34 ounces. Another slimming touch is a redesigned, recessed slide stop for a snag-free draw.
The KC9 costs over $1,000 less than similar Kobra Carry guns! (Photo: Ed Brown)
In addition to the extremely popular Bobtail grip, the Evo series includes many modern 1911 improvements. The guns feature external extractors, high-visibility machined U-notch night sights and a flat wire recoil assembly. The barrel has a bull profile and a recessed, target crown.
The “7-Top” contoured slide has front and rear slide serrations and the grip frame has deep “Snakeskin” scalloping on the frontstrap and mainspring housing for a positive grip. Helping with that are Ed Brown’s Labyrinth Grips which not only improve handling, they give these guns a very unique look.
“We have made it our goal to make Ed Brown the first choice in custom 1911s,” said marketing director John May. “Why settle for less, when you can own the best. This is another step to make sure that our customers have the best quality product, at the best possible price. Just one more reason – if you have not looked at Ed Brown in a while – it is time to look again.”
See Also: Meet the New Executive Commander from Ed Brown
Because these are semi-custom guns made in batches with a fixed feature set Ed Brown can deliver them at a significantly reduced price point. The retail price for these is $1,895. That’s about 30 percent less than a fully custom Ed Brown. Delivery is expected in 90 days.
Right now the KC9 is available with a black finish but Ed Brown is teasing a stainless pattern to follow. The only major option right now is an ambidextrous safety, which pushes the price just over $2,000. Still, that’s a far cry from the original Kobra Carry line which runs in the mid $3,000 range.
If you’re looking for the best in 1911s for everyday carry or just for barbecues, it’s hard to beat Ed Brown for top quality and fantastic fit and finish. We look forward to what’s next in the semi-custom Evolution series.
The question is really not whether most gun owners can afford a gun of this quality, reliability, shootability, and accuracy. Most can, if they’re willing to part with a few guns in their safe that are collecting dust. It’s really a matter of preference. Some folks just have an emotional connection to their collection. I got over mine, and I now own a KC9- the finest carry gun that I’ve ever had, and it’s one that I actually enjoy holding and shooting.
Sure, I would like to own/carry a Brown or Wilson pistol. But when some of you comment that you do not see the big deal when it comes to price that tells me that you are out of touch with the regular folks. No, not everyone pays $70K for a vehicle. Personally I have never pair over $30K. Yes, I have spent some good money on a couple of my guns, but $2 grand is still a little out of my range. There are plenty of guns on the market that shoot great, are reliable, and do not break the average person\’s bank account. You do not need to pay that kind of money to defend your life. And most people cannot. It is great if you can afford it. For you, congratulations. For the rest of us, most of the manufacturers have recognized that the vast majority of the market needs a good EDC in the $500+- range and have met the challenge.
Sure, I would like to own/carry a Brown or Wilson pistol. But when some of you comment that you do not see the big deal when it comes to price that tells me that you are out of touch with the regular folks. No, not everyone pays $70K for a vehicle. Personally I have never pair over $30K. Yes, I have spent some good money on a couple of my guns, but $2 grand is still a little out of my range. There are plenty of guns on the market that shoot great, are reliable, and do not break the average person’s bank account. You do not need to pay that kind of money to defend your life. And most people cannot. It is great if you can afford it. For you, congratulations. For the rest of us, most of the manufacturers have recognized that the vast majority of the market needs a good EDC in the $500+- range and have met the challenge.
I carry a CZ 75B Compact. The all steel model, designed as a 9mm from the get-go. Don’t mind the extra ounces. Low recoil, shoot it well. I paid $540.00 three years ago. Have yet to experience a FTF or FTE.
I’d pay 2k for a carry gun. dont know why thats a big deal. In all likelyhood you’ll never need it. So why not carry one that makes ya happy?
I dont see whey the price point is a problem.
I don’t know ANYONE willing to pay $2000 for a EDC gun.
The expensive part is not surprising, given the manufacturer, and the gun has some admirable attributes, such as the ever popular bob tail job, and the impressively thin slide. But the gun is still too heavy for a 9 mm. There are a number of aluminum framed commander sized 1911s on the market that weigh 27 or 28 oz., as well as the 9 mm Springfield EMP. I also have to wonder, given the statement that it takes 1911 sized mags, if the gun was reengineered for 9 mm or is a straight caliber conversion, other versions of which have feeding issues.
I’d take a Springfield EMP over this, which despite its slightly shorter grip is 9+1 also and 7 oz lighter.
The comments on price always makes me laugh. Folks have no problem dropping $70k on a vehicle, but $2k on a gun is out of the question…lol. yeah, MY LIFE is worth way more than $2k. My edc is a cz shadow 2. I don’t mind the weight. I shoot it well and trust it. How well do you trust your tiny little carry piece? How well do you shoot that tiny thing? I guess some Folks’ lives are worth more than others. Good luck with that.