John Browning

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John Browning - firearms designer of the United States (1855-1926)

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03.04.25

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Early Life and Apprenticeship (1855-1879)

Main milestones

Collaboration with Winchester (1880-1902)

Commercial Impact and Legacy

Association with Fabrique Nationale (FN) (1902-1926)

Military Firearm Designs (1900-1926)

Cartridge Innovations

Personal Life and Family

Main Milestones

Birth in Ogden, Utah Territory

January 23, 1855

John Moses Browning was born in Ogden, Utah Territory, to Jonathan Browning, a Mormon gunsmith, and his wife Elizabeth Clark. Growing up in a gunsmithing family exposed him to the inner workings of firearms from a very young age, setting the stage for his future as a renowned inventor.

First Firearm Patent: The Single Shot Rifle

1878

At the age of 23, Browning received his first patent for a single-shot rifle design. This rifle, notable for its innovative falling-block action, caught the attention of Winchester Repeating Arms Company. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful, though sometimes contentious, partnership.

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Brief

Known For

Developing numerous military and civilian firearms, cartridges, and gun mechanisms, including the M1911 pistol, the Browning .50 caliber machine gun, and various shotgun and rifle designs. Many of his designs are still in widespread use.

Daily Chronicle

26 November, 1926

John Moses Browning died of heart failure on November 26, 1926, in Liège, Belgium, while working on a self-loading pistol design for Fabrique Nationale de Herstal (FN). His death marks the end of an era in firearms design, as he remained actively involved in innovation until his last day. The pistol he was working on, eventually completed as the Browning Hi-Power, became one of his most successful designs.

28 March, 1887

John Moses Browning began a two-year mission in Georgia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 28, 1887. This demonstrates his religious commitment and involvement in missionary work.

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John Browning

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