
Ed Brown Kobra Carry
Bottomline
The Ed Brown Cobra Carry is an exceptional firearm. It’s accurate, reliable, and downright gorgeous.

There’s something undeniably badass about holding a 1911, especially one that screams precision and power like the Ed Brown Cobra Carry. From the moment I picked it up, I knew this wasn’t just any gun. Ed Brown is legendary for their no-compromise approach to crafting firearms, and the Cobra Carry is proof of that. It’s sleek, it’s deadly accurate, and it’s built for those who demand top-tier performance. I’ve had the chance to put this beast through its paces, and I’m here to tell you what it’s really like to run this 1911—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Buckle up.
Table of Contents
Bottomline
The Ed Brown Cobra Carry is an exceptional firearm. It’s accurate, reliable, and downright gorgeous.
Pros
- Solid stainless steel build
- Exclusive snakeskin treatment on forestrap and Bobtail housing
- Hand-fitted slide
- High capacity
- Bobtail frame
- Light trigger pull (4 lbs)
- The trigger has zero creep and overtravel
- Compact
- Match-grade barrel
Cons
- Really expensive
- Too heavy for a carry pistol
- Limited capacity
What Customers Say
Purchased this 1911 after much research and am not disappointed with my choice. The quality of this product is very high, and the feel of the slide moving back and forth is extremely smooth. The trigger is just the right weight, consistency, and has the smooth travel you would expect at this level of manufacturing. Have fired just about every type of .45 through it and no failures after 600 rounds.
David A.
Ed Brown Kobra Carry Specs
Caliber | Capacity | BBL | OAL | Weight |
.45 ACP | 7+1 | 4.25″ | 7.75″ | 35 oz., empty |
A Little History
Ed Brown Products was founded in 1968, and from the beginning, their focus has been on creating the finest custom 1911s. Over the years, the company has become a household name among enthusiasts who appreciate quality craftsmanship. The Cobra Carry, in particular, was designed with concealed carry in mind. It’s essentially a compact version of their popular Executive Carry, offering all the same high-end features but in a smaller, more carry-friendly package.

First Impressions
Right out of the box, the fit and finish are impeccable, with every part blending seamlessly into the next. The gun is made from stainless steel, giving it a hefty, solid feel without being overly heavy. The most eye-catching feature, though, is the Cobra-style carry cuts on the slide. Not only do they look sleek, but they’re also practical, making holstering and unholstering smoother.
The bobtail frame is another standout feature. It’s designed to make concealed carry more comfortable by eliminating the sharp corners that can dig into your side. And let’s not forget about those beautiful G10 grips. They’re aggressive enough to provide a secure hold but not so rough that they’ll tear up your hands or clothing.
Key Features
- Barrel: The 4.25-inch match-grade barrel delivers incredible accuracy. It’s shorter than a full-size 1911, making it more compact without sacrificing performance.
- Slide: The Cobra Carry cuts and hand-fitted slide ensure smooth operation and a sleek profile.
- Grip Safety: The memory groove beavertail grip safety ensures a consistent grip every time.
- Sights: The fixed night sights are perfect for low-light conditions and are easy to pick up during the day.
- Trigger: The trigger is a dream. It breaks crisply at around 4 pounds, with zero creep or overtravel.
The Shooting Experience

Taking the Cobra Carry to the range was an absolute treat. The first thing you’ll notice is how smooth it feels. The slide glides effortlessly, and the recoil is surprisingly manageable for a smaller 1911. That’s partly thanks to the bobtail frame, which helps distribute the recoil more evenly.
The accuracy was spot on. At 15 yards, I was punching tight groups without even trying too hard. The trigger plays a big role here. It’s so crisp and predictable that it almost feels like the gun is reading your mind. The G10 grips, combined with the perfect balance of the gun, make it easy to stay on target shot after shot.
One downside, however, is the weight. At 35 ounces unloaded, it’s not exactly light. For a concealed carry pistol, this might be a dealbreaker for some. While the weight helps with recoil management, carrying it all day can feel like a bit of a chore, especially if you’re used to polymer-framed guns.
Further reading: Ultimate Gun Reviews
Final Thoughts
The Ed Brown Cobra Carry is an exceptional firearm. It’s accurate, reliable, and downright gorgeous. But it’s not for everyone. The high price tag and relatively heavy weight mean it’s better suited for someone who values craftsmanship and performance over affordability and convenience.
For me, the Cobra Carry is a keeper. It’s the kind of gun that makes you smile every time you pick it up, whether you’re heading to the range or strapping it on for daily carry. Sure, it has its quirks, but what masterpiece doesn’t? If you’ve ever considered stepping into the world of custom 1911s, the Cobra Carry is a fantastic place to start. Just be ready to fall in love, and maybe lighten your wallet a bit in the process.
Ed Brown Cobra Carry Score Card
Ergonomics | The snag-free gripping surface is Heaven-sent. | 1.25 |
Trigger | Light trigger pull. | 4.6 |
Accuracy | Impressive accuracy. | 4.5 |
Quality | Solid steel construction. | 5 |
Value | Get your bank account ready! | 1 |
Overall | The Ed Brown Cobra Carry is an exceptional firearm. It’s accurate, reliable, and downright gorgeous. | 3.27 |