Somehow with all the revolvers I have been accumulating I find myself without a .45 1911. I need to rectify the situation and knock one off the bucket list at the same time. I have always wanted an Ed Brown Kobra Carry since I saw the first one in a magazine way back when. It was tops on the list until I ran across the Executive Carry. I am assuming that the difference between them is the checkering on the Executive and the Kobra having the “scale like” treatment. Anyone own one or both? Good and bad? Is it a big enough step above a Dan Wesson to justify the price?
EB Kobra Carry and Executive Carry
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11,991 Posts
Yes, it is, it's the most stunning steel gun ever made, simply beautiful, smooth silvery satin finish a different color than any other steel gun
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11,355 Posts
No arguments from me.
Especially not with @azguy1911
He has an unbelievable collection of treasure 1911s.
If he gives a semi-custom a solid review then take it seriously. He's has some gem custom guns in his hands and has likely picked up some knowledge along the way. 👍
Howdy @pacecars
You nailed it with the "bucket list" guns. Coming along I wasn't really bit too hard with the rifle or shotgun bug....but handguns...especially 1911s were what made it to my bucket list.
When a dealer acquired a new Kobra Carry .45 for stock, I jumped on it. Saved myself the order time. The sights weren't my preference but those will be changed.
I am not much for stainless 1911s. Never has been my preference.
I trusted in the comments I'd read here on Addicts from @tac45 , AZGuy1911 and other members.
Ed Brown truly does have a secret formula for stainless. If they can make it so I really like it.....then they have done something.
Super smooth. No telling how it will wear in. Time will tell.
My preference on my other 1911s is generally course checkering....usually 20 lpi.
I was skeptical about the bobbed configuration in my paws....and doubly skeptical over the lack of traditional checkering to provide that bite....that anchor.
The skepticism went away immediately upon shooting the gun.
Once you apply normal grip pressure the gun is very secure....both fore & aft.
The bobbed frame turned out to be fine, too.
I added a DW Guardian .38 Super after reading strong endorsements from members like @Dwe
Unfortunately it sat in the safe for a several months before I had time to get busy with it.
It had some initial issues with the extractor that I took care of.
It is now running well.
The controls on the Guardian feel great....on par with the Ed Brown. That KC has a stellar trigger feel...superclean break. The Guardian is right there with it. It feels better than any DW gun I own...and none of them have poor trigger feel.
There is a carry bevel on the Brown that feels great if you are a meat-fister like me who rides the thumb safety and has their support thumb in tight during firing. Smooth as silk....hold her as snug as you wish and fire away.
Sorta difficult to compare these two much beyond what I have due to the alloy frame on the Guardian and the different chamberings.
Hoping to get much more saddle time with each....and piles of rounds through them.
Is the Executive Carry on par with the Kobra Carry ?
Is the Brown worth the difference in cost ?
Especially not with @azguy1911
He has an unbelievable collection of treasure 1911s.
If he gives a semi-custom a solid review then take it seriously. He's has some gem custom guns in his hands and has likely picked up some knowledge along the way. 👍
Howdy @pacecars
You nailed it with the "bucket list" guns. Coming along I wasn't really bit too hard with the rifle or shotgun bug....but handguns...especially 1911s were what made it to my bucket list.
When a dealer acquired a new Kobra Carry .45 for stock, I jumped on it. Saved myself the order time. The sights weren't my preference but those will be changed.
I am not much for stainless 1911s. Never has been my preference.
I trusted in the comments I'd read here on Addicts from @tac45 , AZGuy1911 and other members.
Ed Brown truly does have a secret formula for stainless. If they can make it so I really like it.....then they have done something.
Super smooth. No telling how it will wear in. Time will tell.
My preference on my other 1911s is generally course checkering....usually 20 lpi.
I was skeptical about the bobbed configuration in my paws....and doubly skeptical over the lack of traditional checkering to provide that bite....that anchor.
The skepticism went away immediately upon shooting the gun.
Once you apply normal grip pressure the gun is very secure....both fore & aft.
The bobbed frame turned out to be fine, too.
I added a DW Guardian .38 Super after reading strong endorsements from members like @Dwe
Unfortunately it sat in the safe for a several months before I had time to get busy with it.
It had some initial issues with the extractor that I took care of.
It is now running well.
The controls on the Guardian feel great....on par with the Ed Brown. That KC has a stellar trigger feel...superclean break. The Guardian is right there with it. It feels better than any DW gun I own...and none of them have poor trigger feel.
There is a carry bevel on the Brown that feels great if you are a meat-fister like me who rides the thumb safety and has their support thumb in tight during firing. Smooth as silk....hold her as snug as you wish and fire away.
Sorta difficult to compare these two much beyond what I have due to the alloy frame on the Guardian and the different chamberings.
Hoping to get much more saddle time with each....and piles of rounds through them.
Is the Executive Carry on par with the Kobra Carry ?
- In my opinion, absolutely yes, on par. I'm sure they both will perform at high levels, neck and neck with each other.
- The Kobra Carry was the gun on my personal "bucket list" so that is the one I wanted to add. No regrets, either.
- Had I bought an Executive Carry, I likely would have still wanted the KC someday, too.
Is the Brown worth the difference in cost ?
- Since the KC was a "bucket list" gat....had to have it first.
- The Addict in me heard the praises of the Guardian being sung....so.....it happened. I am glad it did, too.
- The DW performs very well....sure there aren't quite as many refinements (mostly cosmetic ) it does come in a finish that'll hold up well to humid carry....everything except the DW hammer....those require frequent TLC to remain free of rust.
I’ve owned five 9mm DWs (Valkyries, Valors, and a Specialist) and the value they offer can’t be beat.
Based on price, is a new Brown almost twice as good as a DW? Not by any stretch - DWs certainly hold their own and more. Just comes down to personal preference and what fits your budget.
FWIW, having owned examples of Brown, Nighthawk, and Wilson, I prefer Brown based on aesthetics and price (at least what I’ve paid). In addition, my 5” 9mm has the best trigger and is more accurate than any other semi-custom I’ve owned.
I recently picked up a 9mm Kobra Carry off of the forum and if it’s half as good as my 5”, I’ll be quite pleased.
![Air gun Gun barrel Gun accessory Everyday carry Trigger]()
![Air gun Trigger Gun barrel Wood Gun accessory]()
Based on price, is a new Brown almost twice as good as a DW? Not by any stretch - DWs certainly hold their own and more. Just comes down to personal preference and what fits your budget.
FWIW, having owned examples of Brown, Nighthawk, and Wilson, I prefer Brown based on aesthetics and price (at least what I’ve paid). In addition, my 5” 9mm has the best trigger and is more accurate than any other semi-custom I’ve owned.
I recently picked up a 9mm Kobra Carry off of the forum and if it’s half as good as my 5”, I’ll be quite pleased.
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15,296 Posts
I believe the KC is a finally made pistol , the carry bevel is superlative,as you can see all straight lines are addressed ,producing a feel in hand you don’t always get in pistols two or three times the cost .
All edges are broken and smooth , a process that takes time and skill to accomplish, IMHO, Brown produces the finest stainless finish in the business bar none .
Hey , I certainly don’t claim to be the best shot in the world but I was shocked at the Browns accuracy,
The first round I fired from the pistol was dead center bullseye ( my jaw dropped and I had to walk away )
The pistol has continued to remain dead nuts accurate to this day and it’s my intention to keep it forever.
A high quality pistol at a very fair price for the work and attention to detail provided.
All edges are broken and smooth , a process that takes time and skill to accomplish, IMHO, Brown produces the finest stainless finish in the business bar none .
Hey , I certainly don’t claim to be the best shot in the world but I was shocked at the Browns accuracy,
The first round I fired from the pistol was dead center bullseye ( my jaw dropped and I had to walk away )
The pistol has continued to remain dead nuts accurate to this day and it’s my intention to keep it forever.
A high quality pistol at a very fair price for the work and attention to detail provided.
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141 Posts
I have an Executive Carry. It is beautiful and a great shooter. I also have Wilson’s andDan Wessons… no issues there. I personally feel Ed Brown Stainless is phenomenal
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1,597 Posts
Stainless Kobra Carry is a gun to buy and keep forever. Period.
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11,355 Posts
Well stated.
I approach all my 1911 buys as "keep forever".
Semi-customs and production off-the-rack models can all be customized down the road and made into perfect-for-me models.
Thanks for all the well thought out answers and explanations. I have owned several DWs (including a Guardian in .38 Super Dub) and they have all been great guns. Y’all are probably right about the Kobra Carry, if I got the Executive Carry I would still want the Kobra since it is on my bucket list. Thanks again for giving me a little nudge as to my choice. The Kobra Carry it is!
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1,597 Posts
I haven't had a 1911 specifically built for me, mine have all been purchased second hand or from family. That being said, I've made a mental note to keep my two Alchemy's forever. I'd like to order a Volkmann here around the turn of the year if I can swing it and that will be my grail gun. A Kobra Carry is on my list, eventually one will be added to the stable.
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33 Posts
I need to add one of these to the collection!
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1,034 Posts
I know I always say this, but this EB in satin is FOR ME, the sexiest commander carry 1911 on the market
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