Brownells Retro BRN-1911

Published on March 18, 2019
Duration: 14:44

This expert review of the Brownells Retro BRN-1911, presented by Iraqveteran8888, highlights its classic 80s-inspired design and Series 70 action, developed with Ed Brown's custom shop. The firearm features a 416 stainless steel frame and carbon steel slide with Bo-Mar style sights, chambered in .45 ACP. The presenter, an expert shooter, details its impressive fit, finish, and accuracy, comparing it favorably to other high-end 1911s and demonstrating its reliability with various ammunition types and magazines.

Quick Summary

The Brownells Retro BRN-1911 is a Series 70-style .45 ACP pistol featuring a 416 stainless steel frame and carbon steel slide, developed with Ed Brown's custom shop. It boasts Bo-Mar style adjustable combat sights and demonstrated exceptional accuracy and reliability with various ammunition and magazines during expert testing.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Intro and New 1911
  2. 00:47Materials and Construction
  3. 01:24Feel and Trigger
  4. 01:38Testing Plan
  5. 01:50Caliber and Magazine Capacity
  6. 02:40Initial Shooting Impressions
  7. 02:51Hollow Point Test
  8. 03:55Winchester Defender Test
  9. 04:42Target Shooting Challenge
  10. 05:06Magazine Testing - Chip McCormick
  11. 05:24Barrel Lock-up Assessment
  12. 05:48Fitment and Accuracy
  13. 06:31Ammunition Versatility
  14. 06:42230 Grain Ball Ammunition
  15. 07:13Shooter Error vs. Gun Performance
  16. 07:30Accuracy Confirmation
  17. 08:17Overall 1911 Comparison
  18. 08:27Magazine Testing - Chip McCormick 8-Shot
  19. 09:06Longer Distance Shooting
  20. 09:3735 Yard Group
  21. 09:5175 Yard Shot
  22. 10:21Ruger Magazines Test
  23. 10:37Overall Reliability
  24. 10:40Pistol Application Discussion
  25. 11:29Ammunition and Magazine Feed
  26. 11:36Pistol Performance Summary
  27. 12:13Sight Acquisition Issues
  28. 12:26Combat Sighting System
  29. 12:36Fit, Finish, and Origin
  30. 12:52Grips and Aesthetics
  31. 13:25Versatility and Appeal
  32. 13:35Ed Brown Quality
  33. 13:39Driving Analogy
  34. 13:54Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Brownells Retro BRN-1911?

The Brownells Retro BRN-1911 features a classic 80s-inspired two-tone look, a Series 70 action developed with Ed Brown's custom shop, a 416 stainless steel frame, carbon steel slide, and Bo-Mar style adjustable combat sights. It is chambered in .45 ACP and ships with two 7-round Ed Brown magazines.

How accurate is the Brownells Retro BRN-1911?

The Brownells Retro BRN-1911 is described as a very accurate pistol, sighted in perfectly out of the box. Despite some shooter-induced vertical stringing, it demonstrated tight groups at 35 yards, indicating excellent inherent accuracy due to its precise fitment.

What kind of ammunition and magazines were tested with the BRN-1911?

The BRN-1911 was tested with various ammunition, including Freedom Munitions ball, Browning BXP hollow points, and Winchester Defender PDX. It reliably functioned with Ed Brown 7-round, Wilson Combat 10-round, Chip McCormick 10-round and 8-round, and Ruger magazines.

What is the overall assessment of the Brownells Retro BRN-1911?

The expert assessment is highly positive, calling the BRN-1911 a wonderfully fitted, extraordinarily well-made, and accurate pistol. It's praised for its classic appeal, reliability with diverse ammunition and magazines, and overall shooting experience, comparing favorably to high-end firearms.

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