Normally, its all the rage for 1911 companies to expand their SKUs in quick order. With so many 1911 fans and offerings in the market, companies find they often have to expand or die, with sales of the “standard” models being unable to keep companies going. Kimber and Wilson Combat are classic examples of SKU proliferation (though that does not mean quality has to suffer – Wilson makes excellent guns).

On the other hand, companies have opted to hone in on a few SKUs, instead focusing on utter perfection. Ed Brown is one of these, who’s offerings were typically below 20 SKUs, typically Commander or Full-Size offerings. One can argue that this was done to ensure reliable handguns (Officer’s models are quite picky), but Ed Brown held fast on the Officer.

As their press release touts, Ed Brown has listened to his customer base and has introduced a new SKU, the Compact, which while not a full “compact” in the traditional sense with both officer slide and frame, the Compact is a welcome hybrid – Officer’s frame with a Commander’s slide. If you ask me, this is the ideal 1911 carry sizing.

The Executive Compact starts are $2,695 for the stainless .45 ACP. Those wanting to step down to the 9mm will have a $100 upcharge. Base offerings are stainless frame with a stainless barrel. “Gen4” coloring is optional.

For more information, head on over to Ed Brown’s website. 

Details from Ed Brown:

• 4.25″ Commander model slide, single stack compact (Officer’s size) frame.
• Weight: approximately 37 ounces with an unloaded magazine inserted.
• 25 LPI checkering on forestrap and mainspring housing.
• Optional Gen4 coating for low glare, superior rust protection, and improved wear resistance.
• Matte finished slide for low glare, with traditional “square cut” serrations on rear of slide only.
• Fixed black rear sight, red fiber optic front sight.
• Order form
• Download Specifications