Perhaps Gordon initially leased his archery business to Browning in 1961-62, but didn’t actually sell until the until the early 1970’s when Browning did close down the San Diego production plant and move bow building to Browning HQ in Morgan Utah. It is generally believed that Wing built later Brownings, but there is no written proof of that assumption. Some believe that Harry Drake had some sort of design/consulting agreement with Browning early on, and there are Drake designs and models of Gordon bows before Gordon sold the bow operation to Browning. Their first archery catalog introducing Browning Archery Equipment was printed in 1962. Not a lot has been published about the Browning Company’s Archery Division. John’s family heirs continued this business strategy of other companies producing Browning labeled products, and with a quality dealer network and a “best quality” reputation, the company prospered, sometimes venturing into fishing gear and archery.
Browning would shop his designs to US and European manufacturers in return for royalties or to produce the product with the Browning name.
A prolific gun designer, but unable to produce products in any quantity, Mr. John Moses Browning and family operated a shop and rifle making works in Utah during the latter 19th century.
