The Browning firearm brand would be nothing without the man behind its name, John Moses Browning. Browning has been called a genius, an innovator, and arguably the world’s most important and prolific gun designer of all time.
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According to the website History.com, since Browning died in 1926, “there have been no further fundamental changes in the modern firearm industry.” Browning was a man before his time, and his creations have stood the test of time. Many have been in existence for over 100 years and continue to be used by military and sportsmen worldwide. Read on for more Browning history.
1855: Born
Browning was born on January 23 in Ogden, Utah to a gunsmith father who would get young John involved in making guns at a very young age.
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1879: First Patent
Browning filed for and was granted his first patent for his single shot rifle in 1879. This would be the first of 128 patents for 80 weapons that the company now owns,
according to Utah’s government website I Love History.
1880: Arms Factory Launched
Browning.com has a long timeline on their website detailing most of the business milestones for the Browning brand. In 1880, with help from his brothers, he started his first arms factory.
1883: Partnership with Winchester Forms
This partnership, according to Browning.com, “changed the course of firearms development forever,” and many in the industry agree. This partnership would last for 19 years, until “Browning designed and proposed a semi-automatic shotgun [and] proposed a change to the customary ‘single fee payment’ with licensing being given exclusively to Winchester.” He introduced a royalty fee system instead, and Winchester quickly rejected Browning’s proposal.
1897: Fabrique Nationale Partnership
Due to Winchester’s refusal, Browning sought out other suitors and found compatibility with Fabrique Nationale, located in Belgium.
1926: Browning Death
Browning passed away on November 26, 1926 at the age of 71. Up until the day he died, he never stopped being involved in the industry. He died of heart failure on-site at the Fabrique Nationale factory in his son’s office,
according to M1911.org.
1958: Browning Arms of Canada created
1965: Association with Miroku Firearms in Japan begins
2003: Browning Company Celebrates 125th anniversary
Many other important Browning milestones can be found at
Browning.com.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.
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