Make: Ed Brown

Model: Special Forces

Serial Number: 17055

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 2012 (Annual firearms manufacturing and export reports)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “SPECIAL FORCES”. The right side of the frame is marked “Ed Brown Products / Perry, MO USA / 17055”. The top of the barrel at the chamber is marked “ED BROWN 45 ACP”. The right side of the slide is marked “CUSTOM BY / Ed Brown”. The front face of the barrel bushing is marked “BROWN”.

Barrel Length: 5"

Sights / Optics: The pistol is installed with Trijicon night sights. The front sight is a blade with a tritium lamp and the rear sight is a square notch lo-mount style sight, both are dovetailed into the slide. The lamps are bright and easily acquired in low light.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered double-diamond black G10 panels. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The front strap and mainspring housing are Chainlink III metal treated. The grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Stainless Steel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its original finish remaining. The balance of the stainless shows light signs of previous operation. There is some rust freckling around the front end of the slide and dust cover. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this pistol rates in about Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. The slide is snug to the frame with no play. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One Ed Brown 7rd .45 ACP magazine with an extended bumper base in Excellent condition.

Our Assessment: This Ed Brown Special Forces Government model dates to the early 2010s and reflects Ed Brown’s philosophy of building purpose driven 1911 pistols with an emphasis on reliability, clean execution, and functional refinement. The Special Forces model blends traditional Government length proportions with modern enhancements such as Chainlink III texturing and low profile night sights, creating a pistol intended for hard use rather than display. Stainless construction and restrained markings underscore the brand’s disciplined, performance first approach.

Chambered in .45 ACP, the 1911 platform remains inseparable from the cartridge’s century long service legacy. This example retains a bright bore with sharp rifling and strong mechanical fit. Markings and quality components remain intact, presenting a genuine example of Ed Brown’s modern production that balances craftsmanship with practical intent.