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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Smith & Wesson has earned a legendary reputation over nearly 170 years as one of the most respected firearm manufacturers in the United States, known for producing high-quality firearms that span a wide range of designs. While the company is renowned today for its extensive collection of semi-automatic pistols and rifles, it is perhaps most famous for its revolvers, which are widely regarded as some of the finest handguns in the world. Among these, the Smith & We …

Bryant RIdge's Analysis: The American Western Arms Lightning pump-action rifle chambered in .45 Colt stands as a fine example of classic Western firearm craftsmanship, combining both utility and traditional aesthetics. The 20-inch barrel is complemented by a color case-hardened frame, while the blue barrel, magazine tube, and crescent buttplate add a distinctive vintage appeal. The use of a dovetail gold bead blade front sight paired with an elevator adjustable rear sight enhances accuracy, maki …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Model No. 3 Schofield .45 LC, 5" revolver was designed by Major George W. Schofield of the 10th Cavalry, who sought to improve upon Smith & Wesson's Model No. 3 "American." Produced by S&W from 1875 to 1877, nearly 8,000 units were ordered by the U.S. Army in the proprietary .45 Schofield cartridge. These revolvers saw extensive use in the Geronimo campaign by the 4th Cavalry, as well as with the buffalo soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry. Schofields w …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Colt Single Action Army (also known as the Model P, Peacemaker, M1873, Single Action Army, SAA, ) is a single-action revolver with a revolving cylinder holding six metallic cartridges. It was designed for the U.S. government service revolver trials of 1873 by Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company, today Colt’s Manufacturing Company, and adopted as the standard military service revolver until 1892. It is perhap …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Ruger New Model Blackhawk, introduced in 1973, is a significant evolution of the classic Blackhawk revolver, featuring enhanced safety and modernized mechanics. Unlike earlier models, the New Model Blackhawk incorporates a transfer bar safety mechanism, which prevents accidental discharge by ensuring that the hammer only strikes a chambered round when the trigger is fully pulled. This innovation eliminated the need for the hammer to be half-cocked during loading and …