John Moses Browning was born in Ogden, Utah Territory, to Jonathan Browning, a Mormon pioneer and gunsmith, and his third wife, Elizabeth Clark. Growing up in a large family in a frontier environment profoundly influenced his early interest in firearms.

By age 10, John was actively working in his father's gun shop, learning the fundamentals of firearm repair, maintenance, and design. This hands-on experience provided an invaluable foundation for his future career.

John Browning received his first patent, for a single-shot rifle. This marked the beginning of his independent design career and demonstrated his innovative approach to firearm mechanisms. The rifle would later be licensed and manufactured by Winchester.