A legacy of Innovation

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Stacy Glaus
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE --  Jan. 24 was marked as John M. Browning Day through a resolution presented by Gov. Gary R. Herbert, one day after Browning's 156th birthday. John M. Browning, a Utah native and famous gunmaker during the 1900s, paved the way for the future of all gunmakers through his innovative and creative designs.

"This is a landmark on many levels," said Herbert on the steps of the Utah State Capitol. "This day recognizes the start of a new legislative session as well as entrepreneurship in our state. The Browning Co. has been creating economic opportunity for 100 years."

Chris Browning, great grandson of John M. Browning, accepted the declaration from the governor. "One thing many people don't know about (John) was he loved his country," he said. "No one has contributed this much to the U.S. military."

Browning guns can be found on the ground and in the air, according to Col. Scott Zobrist, 388th Fighter Wing commander.

"The M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun was so effective that it was used on almost every combat aircraft in World War II," he said. "This weapon formed the backbone of offensive and defensive guns for American aircraft."

"The impact that Browning has had on our Air Force cannot be overstated," Zobrist added.

Browning guns have outfitted Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines in every war since World War I, said Maj. Gen. Brian L. Tarbet, Utah Army National Guard commander.

He said Browning's continued innovation and work has assisted with many U.S. Armed Forces victories.

"When we went to war with Browning arms, we went with the best," Tarbet said.

In addition to the resolution, the ceremony introduced a new piece of legislation to make the Browning M-1911 pistol the official state gun. 2011 marks the 100 year anniversary of the creation of Browning's famous M-1911 pistol.

State Rep. Carl Wimmer (District 52) said the pistol was the "most proficient handgun and most copied in WWI, WWII, and every war since."

State Sen. Mark Madsen (District 13) ran the bill to declare Jan. 24 as John M. Browning Day.

"I don't know if I would have the freedoms I have today if it wasn't for his patriotism and inspiration," Madsen said.

Browning was a descendant of a gunmaker. His father owned a gunshop in Ogden where he learned the tricks of the trade. After his father's death, Browning and his brothers continued to experiment with gun designs. In 1879 Browning patented his first gun, the breech-loading single shot rifle.

After going to market, demand for the single shot rifle began to increase exponentially. Soon after, Browning started to experiment with many other kinds of guns. Browning created guns for many companies worldwide. During his life, he obtained a total of 128 patents on his inventions.

Browning designed more firearms than any other gunmaker in the history of the world.