The interesting thing, for me, with Ed Brown pistols is how differently the Brown family approaches the business as opposed to their competition. With Wilson, the focus is reminiscent of Lexus, the relentless pursuit of perfection. A Wilson gun from ten years ago is nothing like one made last month, and the difference is striking. Wilson also keeps enlarging the breath of their 1911 offerings. Les Baer focuses on barrel fitting and skimps on finishing, exemplified by the famous cardboard box. Baer also does not built a true Commander, using a five-inch frame with a trimmed dust cover. Wilson also does not build a Commander, believing that their four-inch gun is more reliable by design. SACS builds a gun much like Baer, only with more options for the consumer. If you want a new 10mm from Baer, no dice, but SACS will build you a Baer-like gun in 10mm.
Brown though has built very much the same gun with the only differences being limited traction and finish choices. Almost all have been in .45 ACP, with the few 9x19 guns selling out very quickly. Brown offers true Commanders and five-inch guns that are all very similar. Brown fit and finish has been very consistent and very nice. Not as nice as the upper Wilson Supergrade guns but very close. Brown guns also seem to run. The rear sight is usually a bit loose in the dovetail to allow the owner to perform final sight-in of the gun. I have encountered more than a few used Browns with the sight stiil loose, making me wonder if the previous owner ever fired it.