Make: Ed Brown

Model: Special Forces Tactical

Serial Number: 17097

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 / 17097”. 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: 5.5" threaded barrel with knurled thread protector.

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 is Chainlink III metal treated. The mainspring housing is checkered. 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 99% of its original finish remaining. The balance of the stainless shows light signs of previous operation. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this pistol rates in about Excellent 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 Ed Brown extended bumper base in Excellent condition.

Our Assessment: This Ed Brown Special Forces Tactical dates to approximately 2012 and reflects Ed Brown’s performance driven approach to the modern Government length 1911. Built with a factory threaded 5.5 inch barrel and knurled thread protector, this configuration emphasizes practical capability while retaining the clean, disciplined aesthetics for which Ed Brown pistols are known. Chainlink III texturing on the front strap, night sights, and precise slide to frame fit underscore the brand’s focus on control, durability, and refined execution rather than cosmetic excess.

Chambered in .45 ACP, the platform remains closely tied to the cartridge’s long service history and enduring effectiveness. This example retains an excellent bore, strong original stainless finish, and crisp markings throughout, with only minimal signs of prior operation. Overall, it presents as a well preserved Special Forces Tactical that captures Ed Brown’s reputation for building purpose driven 1911 pistols with consistent quality and restraint.