Blog

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:The Smith & Wesson Model 681 (No Dash) NYSP is a distinctive and historically significant revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. Crafted from stainless steel, this revolver is renowned for its ruggedness, accuracy, and elegance. Built on the robust L-frame, the Model 681 shares many similarities with the popular Model 686, but it is equipped with fixed sights, as opposed to the adjustable sights found on the 686. The 4-inch barrel length offers a balance of maneuverabilit …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:Smith & Wesson J-Frame revolvers were designed to be small and reliably fire a full power round while remaining simple and easy to use. This 360 model combines an 'Airweight' scandium alloy frame with an unfluted stainless steel cylinder to build a strong, lightweight, easy to carry .357 Magnum/38 Special +P revolver that delivers dependable power every time. It has an FDE synthetic grip with a black PVD metal finish, exposed hammer for single/double action, a 5-round …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:Caliber - .357 Magnum/.38 Special, double-action revolver built on the square butt K Target frame with 4-screws. Blue or nickel finish, originally available in 4" ribbed barrel only, with a 1/8" Baughman Quick Draw on a plain ramp base front sight with micrometer click adjustable rear sight, later production with a 2-1/2" or 6-inch pinned barrel with a Patridge front sight, (3-inch barrel lengths are scarce with Ist production thought to be serial number K544677 in 1965, …

Bryant Ridge's AnalysisBy the early 1980s, the buying public had made it clear that they preferred stainless steel revolvers, so in 1986, Colt upgraded the Trooper Mark V to stainless steel and changed the barrel to a full under-lug-shrouded type. Besides the barrel profile and use of stainless steel, the gun is the same as the Mark V. Colt named the new model, the King Cobra, which continues using snake-named revolvers. As a first for Colt, a Cobra head was part of the barrel stamp breaking wit …

Bryant Ridge's AnalysisThe Smith & Wesson Model 681 is a stainless steel revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, closely resembling the popular Model 686 except for its fixed sights, whereas the Model 686 features adjustable sights. Both models are built on the robust L frame and feature a full underlug. Renowned for their classic design, many enthusiasts consider these revolvers among the most aesthetically pleasing ever made. Produced primarily during the 1980s and early 1990s, the Model 681 wa …