The year 2000 was supposed to be defined by the "Y2K bug" and the collapse of civilization. Instead, whilst the computers stayed on, and the dotcom bubble burst, the 1911 world received a more permanent upgrade. Ed Brown Products introduced the Kobra Carry, a handgun that didn't just enter the market; it redefined the architecture of the concealed carry pistol. Twenty-five years later, it remains the benchmark for a platform that has seen more innovations than a Silicon Valley startup, yet few as enduring as the Bobtail.

The Kobra Carry’s claim to fame wasn't just its sleek lines, but its introduction of the Ed Brown Bobtail housing. By rounding off the heel of the frame, Brown solved a century-old problem: the "pointy bit" of the 1911 grip that invariably pokes through a suit jacket. It was a simple, elegant solution that made a full-sized grip feel like a sub-compact in the waistband. Naturally, the industry took notice, and the Bobtail has since been "borrowed" by nearly every manufacturer with a CNC machine and a dream.

Then there is the Snakeskin treatment. Eschewing the traditional sharp checkering that tends to turn a shooter's palms into sandpaper during long sessions, the Snakeskin pattern offers a unique texture that provides a secure grip without the abrasive bite. It appeared on the fore strap and the slide, giving the pistol an organic, menacing aesthetic that lived up to its reptilian namesake. This wasn't just a styling choice; it was a functional shift in how we think about firearm ergonomics.

In an industry where "custom" often means "we added a different color of paint," the Kobra Carry was the first to arrive in all-stainless steel, offering a level of corrosion resistance and durability that set it apart from the blued relics of the past. It was built for the holster, not just the safe. This durability, combined with the 4.25-inch Commander-length slide, created a balance of weight and sight radius that many enthusiasts argue is the "Gold MacDonald" of the 1911 world—just right.

To celebrate this milestone, Ed Brown released the 25th Anniversary Edition, a model that serves as a mechanical retrospective. It features "25th Anniversary" engraving on the frame and a return to the roots with exotic Cocobolo wood double-diamond checkered grips. These grips, emblazoned with the EB logo, are a direct nod to the original year-2000 release, proving that while tastes in tactical gear change, class remains remarkably consistent.

The anniversary model isn't just a paint job, however. It incorporates modern refinements like a flat wire recoil spring system and a hex head magazine catch lock. For the purists, the stainless version includes a stainless extractor and ejector, ensuring a monochromatic look that would satisfy even the most obsessive-compulsive collector. For those who prefer the shadows, it was also offered in the rugged black Gen4 coating, providing a stealthy alternative to the classic shine.

Mechanically, the 25th Anniversary edition maintains the standards that kept the Kobra Carry at the top of the sales charts for two and a half decades. It includes a recessed slide stop and a flush-cut barrel with a recessed crown—details that often cost extra elsewhere but are standard fare here. Weighing in at roughly 35 ounces, it provides enough heft to soak up the recoil of the .45 ACP cartridge while remaining light enough for daily carry.

The window to join this party has, alas, closed. Ed Brown Products accepted orders for this limited-run anniversary edition for a single year, with the final curtain falling on December 31, 2025. Those who managed to get their names on the list are now awaiting a piece of history that comes packaged with a pistol bag, two Performance Magazines, and the requisite tools to keep the "snake" running for another quarter-century.

As we move further into the 2020s, the Kobra Carry stands as a reminder that good design doesn't need to be loud to be effective. It didn't need a dozen rails or an integrated espresso maker to stay relevant; it just needed to work well and look better. Ed Brown’s creation has been flattered by endless imitations, but as any owner will tell you, there is a distinct difference between a copy and the original Kobra.