John Browning, the most prolific and influential firearm designer of all time, died of heart failure on November 26, 1926, at the age of 71. He was working on a new pistol design in the workshop of his son Val A. Browning, in Liège, Belgium, when he collapsed and passed away. His death was a shock to the world of firearms, as he had created some of the most iconic and revolutionary guns in history.
Browning was born on January 23, 1855, in Ogden, Utah, to a Mormon family of gunsmiths. He learned the trade from his father Jonathan, and started inventing his own firearms at a young age. He patented his first single-shot rifle in 1879, and soon partnered with Winchester Repeating Arms Company, which bought the rights to many of his designs. He developed some of the most popular lever-action and pump-action rifles and shotguns of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as the Winchester Models 1886, 1892, 1894, and 1895, and the Winchester Models 1893 and 1897.
Browning also pioneered the development of semi-automatic and automatic firearms, using gas-operated, recoil-operated, and blowback mechanisms. He invented the first successful semi-automatic pistol, the Colt Model 1900, which was followed by the famous Colt Model 1911, the standard sidearm of the US military for over 70 years. He also designed the Browning Hi-Power, the first high-capacity 9mm pistol, which was completed by his son after his death. He also created some of the most widely used machine guns of both World Wars, such as the Colt-Browning Model 1895, the M1917, the M1919, and the M2.
Browning’s inventions influenced nearly every category of firearms design, and are still in use today by military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters around the world. He was awarded numerous patents, medals, and honors for his contributions to the field of firearms. He was also a devout Mormon, a loving husband and father, and a humble and generous man.
John Browning’s Legacy Lives On
Browning’s death was mourned by his family, friends, colleagues, and admirers. He was buried in the Ogden City Cemetery, in his hometown of Ogden, Utah. His grave is marked by a simple headstone, with his name, dates, and the inscription “Inventor of Firearms”.
Browning’s legacy lives on through his numerous designs, which are still manufactured, copied, and modified by various companies and countries. Some of his guns, such as the M1911, the Hi-Power, and the M2, are considered classics and have a loyal following among collectors and enthusiasts. His name is also attached to several brands and models of firearms, such as Browning Arms Company, Browning Automatic Rifle, and Browning Auto-5. He is widely regarded as the greatest gunsmith of all time, and a pioneer of modern firearms technology.
The Cause of John Browning’s Death Remains Unexplained
While the fact of Browning’s death is well-known and documented, the exact cause of his heart failure remains unexplained. There have been no reports of any pre-existing medical conditions, injuries, or illnesses that could have contributed to his death. There have also been no indications of any foul play, sabotage, or assassination involved in his death. It is possible that Browning died of natural causes, such as a heart attack, a stroke, or an aneurysm, but this is only speculation.
As of now, the cause of John Browning’s death remains a mystery, and it is unlikely that it will ever be revealed or confirmed. However, what is certain is that Browning was a genius and a legend who changed the history and future of firearms. He will be forever remembered and respected by his fans, peers, and successors. Rest in peace, John Browning.
