First Look: Ed Brown Lightweight CCO 1911 Pistol

Ed Brown announced the launch of its Lightweight CCO 1911 pistol, bringing a new handgun that meets and exceeds the expectations of concealed-carry holders looking for a high-quality firearm for personal defense.

"We are just continuing to do what Ed Brown is known for, building the best custom 1911s you can buy," Ed Brown Sales and Marketing Director John May said. "While recognized most for traditional 1911s, keep in mind that Ed Brown invented some of the most innovative and highly imitated designs, such as the Bobtail Kobra Carry and Snakeskin , so producing cutting edge 1911s is in our DNA. Our 50th year is almost here, and we are going to remind you all of our history."

The new Ed Brown Lightweight CCO 1911 features an aluminum-allow frame that uses a steel-reinforced feed ramp that eliminates long-term wear issues commonly seen on aluminum-framed 1911 pistols that repeatedly feed hollow-point bullets used for personal defense. The aluminum frame is an Officer-size design and features a rounded mainspring housing and a beavertail designed for ideal carry.

The gun uses a 4.25-inch Commander-length slide that offers users the reliability and dependability they expect from a carry 1911, and the added length provides a lengthened sight radius while still keeping the gun at an overall size for comfortable carry. The slide features serrations located at the rear of the gun, and the serrations are cut in the company's Snakeskin metal treatment, which offers a less-aggressive cut than some serration techniques while still ensuring that users can solidly manipulate their firearm when needed. The Snakeskin treatment is continued on the front strap of the frame, giving users a secure grip on their gun.

Other features of the Ed Brown Lightweight CCO 1911 include a fixed rear sight and a high-visibility, red fiber-optic front sight for easy, intuitive targeting. The gun also includes a slide chamfer, recessed slide stop, rounded and streamlined carry cuts and a flush, reverse-crown barrel that protects the rifling and ensures match-grade accuracy.

Buyers can customize their own pistol with more than 100 different options, giving their gun a unique flavor designed to best fit their wants and needs. The starting price for the Lightweight CCO 1911 is $3,585.