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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 12-3 Airweight is a versatile and lightweight double/single-action revolver chambered in .38 Special, designed for those seeking a combination of reliability and portability. Introduced in the early 1950s, the Model 12-3 is built on the round or square butt K alloy service frame, which is notably thinner than the standard K-frame by 0.080 inches, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry or as a service revolver. The revolver feature …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Browning BDA-380 is a sleek, semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP, with a history rooted in collaboration between Beretta of Italy and FN Herstal of Belgium. Originally produced under the FN 140DA designation, this model was marketed in the United States and Canada as the Browning BDA 380, offering an attractive combination of performance, reliability, and European craftsmanship. The BDA-380's design is heavily based on the Beretta Model 81 and Model 84, thoug …

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 AnalysisThe Ruger Old Army is a black-powder percussion revolver introduced in 1972 by the Sturm, Ruger company and manufactured through 2008. Models were made with a 7.5" and a 5.5 inch barrel. The Ruger Old Army revolver is unusual in that, unlike most percussion revolvers on the market, it was not based on a historical design but was a modification of Ruger's Blackhawk model, which was itself based upon the cartridge-firing Colt Peacemaker. The Old Army revolver accordingly inc …

Bryant Ridge's AnalysisIn 1982, Colt released an upgraded version of their successful Mark III series, known as the Mark V series. The new "V" frame model had several major changes from its predecessor. These changes included the replacement of the sintered steel hammer and trigger with cast steel, the introduction of Colt's first short action which resulted in a shorter hammer fall, the replacement of the mainspring, mainspring guide, and location of the mainspring seat with a longer spring and …