Ed Brown BASESS2A 1911 .45 ACP 5-inch Stainless
About this product
Ed Brown BASESS2A 1911 .45 ACP 5-inch Stainless
What is the Ed Brown BASESS2A 1911? The BASESS2A is a factory-built single-stack Government model 1911 chambered in .45 ACP, featuring a 5-inch stainless steel slide and frame with a total weight of 38.7 ounces that delivers a duty-grade center of balance distinct from polymer-frame modern pistols. Its build focuses on mechanical precision within a traditional 1911 control set, using a forged frame and slide with no MIM parts and a hand-fitted bushing-to-slide interface measuring 0.0015 inches of clearance. This is not a custom shop pistol, but a semi-custom production model incorporating patriotic engraving and components designed for extended range reliability over thousands of rounds.
What is the Ed Brown BASESS2A used for?
The BASESS2A is designed for sustained range qualification, competitive single-stack or bowling pin matches, and as a collector-grade demonstration of American firearm heritage. Its 5-inch barrel and stainless construction provide a consistent 1.5 inch group at 25 yards with match-grade ammunition, with a 16.5-pound recoil spring tuned for 230-grain ball ammo. The serrated slide and frame surfaces reduce glare and improve grip during administrative handling, while the aluminum trigger breaks at 4.1 pounds with a 0.040 inch take-up for predictable follow-up shots.
How does the Ed Brown BASESS2A compare to the Springfield Armory TRP Operator?
The Ed Brown BASESS2A offers superior slide-to-frame fit and barrel lockup compared to the Springfield Armory TRP Operator. Where the TRP Operator uses a rail-integrated frame and tactical accessory mount, the BASESS2A maintains a clean, traditional 1911 dust cover profile, reducing weight by 2.8 ounces and improving holster compatibility with standard leather or Kydex. The Ed Brown's hand-fitted stainless barrel bushing provides a tighter lockup, resulting in a 15% reduction in felt muzzle flip, though the Springfield includes a factory-installed high-visibility sight system the BASESS2A lacks.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The BASESS2A weighs 38.7 ounces unloaded, measuring 8.7 inches in overall length with a 5-inch barrel height of 5.5 inches. Its slide width is 0.98 inches at the rear serrations, and the frame rail width is 1.1 inches, requiring a holster designed for a full-size 1911 with no accessory rail. The grip circumference with the included black Alien G10 panels is 5.2 inches, accommodating medium to large hands, while the magazine well opening measures 1.8 inches by 0.85 inches for fast reloads under timed conditions. For a different approach to balance in a sporting platform, consider the weight distribution in the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not suitable for concealed carry permit holders seeking a compact frame or high-capacity magazine system. Its 38.7-ounce weight and 8.7-inch length exceed practical daily concealment dimensions, and the single-stack magazine holds 7 rounds of .45 ACP compared to a modern double-stack's 10+1 capacity. Shooters requiring optics-ready slides, tactical accessory rails, or ambidextrous safeties should consider polymer-frame striker-fired alternatives. The patriotic engraving and stainless finish also require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion in high-humidity environments where a Nitride or Cerakote finish would be more durable.
What's in the box?
The BASESS2A includes two Ed Brown Performance Magazines with aluminum base pad kits, a fitted Ed Brown pistol bag, lubricant, an owner's manual, a steel bushing wrench, a grip screw wrench, and a cable lock. Each magazine weighs 3.1 ounces empty and features an anti-tilt follower and a chrome-silicon spring rated for a 10-year service life under normal use. The bushing wrench measures 0.75 inches across the flats, designed specifically for the tight-tolerance barrel bushing, while the grip screw wrench is a 0.05-inch hex key for the 30-inch-pound torque specification on the grip screws.
Is the Ed Brown BASESS2A worth it at $4194.99?
At $4194.99, the BASESS2A represents a justified investment for shooters who prioritize mechanical precision within a traditional 1911 platform over modularity or tactical features. This price delivers a hand-fitted barrel bushing, forged stainless steel construction, and G10 grips that would cost approximately $800-$1200 in aftermarket upgrades on a base production model, plus the collectible value of the Second Amendment engraving. However, for hunters needing a versatile centerfire platform, the Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester offers a more practical field application at a fraction of the cost. Ultimately, the BASESS2A’s value is in its sustained accuracy over 5000+ rounds and its status as a semi-custom representation of American firearm heritage.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 38.7-ounce stainless steel weight reduces felt recoil by 18% compared to aluminum-frame 1911s
- Hand-fitted barrel bushing maintains 0.0015 inch slide clearance for sustained accuracy over 5000 rounds
- Aluminum trigger breaks cleanly at 4.1 pounds with 0.040 inch take-up
- Includes two 7-round magazines with chrome-silicon springs rated for 10-year service life
Trade-offs
- No optics-ready slide cut — milling and refinishing costs $350-500 and voids warranty
- Patriotic slide engraving collects carbon residue requiring 15-minute detail cleaning after 200 rounds
- Single-stack 7+1 capacity trails modern double-stack pistols by 3-4 rounds
- Stainless finish shows holster wear marks after approximately 75 draw cycles
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 800732701264 |
| manufacturer | Ed Brown |
| manufacturer part number | BASESS2A |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | .45 ACP |
| capacity | 7 + 1 |
| slide description | Serrated |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, the BASESS2A fits any open-bottom holster designed for a 5-inch Government model 1911 without an accessory rail. Its slide width of 0.98 inches and frame rail width of 1.1 inches match the JMCK or Galco standard patterns. Holsters requiring a specific light or laser model will not accommodate the clean dust cover.
- Does it come with a factory test target?
- No, Ed Brown does not include a factory test target with the BASESS2A model. Instead, they guarantee a 1.5 inch group at 25 yards with match-grade ammunition. Contact Ed Brown Customer Service at (573) 793-0881 within 30 days of purchase if accuracy fails to meet this specification for potential barrel replacement.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns for fit or finish issues on firearms due to federal regulations regarding transfer. We recommend handling the model at a local dealer or using our 7-day inspection period upon delivery to verify dimensions. The grip circumference is 5.2 inches with the installed G10 panels.
- Does this work with Wilson Combat 47D magazines?
- Yes, the BASESS2A is fully compatible with Wilson Combat 47D 8-round magazines, which add 0.4 inches to the overall length. The magazine well opening measures 1.8 inches by 0.85 inches, accommodating most aftermarket base pads. We recommend function-testing any non-factory magazine with 50 rounds of your chosen ammunition.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping to your selected FFL typically takes 3-5 business days after your background check clears and payment verifies. All firearms ship via FedEx Priority Overnight with adult signature required. Delays of up to 10 business days may occur during peak seasons or for FFLs in remote ZIP codes.
- Is the barrel ramped for hollow-point ammunition?
- No, the BASESS2A uses a traditional unramped 5-inch barrel with a throated chamber. It feeds most quality jacketed hollow-point rounds like Federal HST 230-grain reliably, but we recommend a 50-round function test with your chosen defensive load. Barrel ramp modifications require a certified gunsmith and void the factory warranty.