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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The first Model 48, serial number K 348746, was produced on May 11, 1959, and was featured in the Smith & Wesson catalog by August of the same year, as documented by Roy Jinks in History of Smith & Wesson. Since its introduction, the Model 48 has been exclusively available in a blue finish, with barrel lengths of 4, 6, and 8 3/8 inches. Over the years, this revolver has undergone four revisions, each introducing significant changes to its design. The origina …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: When it comes to revolvers in the US, the “Big Three” of Colt, Smith and Wesson, and Ruger remain strong. However, in the 1970s, a new company emerged and attempted to challenge these three (Smith in particular) with an innovative new design. This company was Dan Wesson, and the Model 15 was that design. Founded in 1968 by Daniel B. Wesson II after the acquisition of his family company by conglomerate Bangor Punta, Wesson sought to create a company to continu …

Bryant RIdge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 39-2 is a historic and reliable semi-automatic pistol that continues to garner respect among gun enthusiasts and professionals alike. Developed in the wake of World War II, the U.S. military sought a modern 9mm service pistol to eventually replace the iconic Colt 1911. Smith & Wesson responded with the Model 39, which was designed in 1954 for the U.S. Army. However, despite its innovative features, it was not adopted by the military and i …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 39-2 is a historic and reliable semi-automatic pistol that continues to garner respect among gun enthusiasts and professionals alike. Developed in the wake of World War II, the U.S. military sought a modern 9mm service pistol to eventually replace the iconic Colt 1911. Smith & Wesson responded with the Model 39, which was designed in 1954 for the U.S. Army. However, despite its innovative features, it was not adopted by the military and i …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 639 is an upgraded version of the Model 39, a semi-automatic pistol that was initially used by military and law enforcement. Smith & Wesson's first-generation metal-frame semi-automatic pistols started with the Model 39, which was released to the civilian market in 1955. As more similar designs were created, the Model 39 became known as a "first generation" design. Second-generation models have three digits in their model number, while th …