Blog

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: John Browning apparently began designing the Superposed (Over/Under) shotgun in 1922. It was his last firearm design and a labor of love. He conceived it as the last gun the government would ban from private ownership. Like most John Browning guns it is a complicated design. The great man never used one part when two or three could be made to work. On the other hand, those parts are lightly stressed and, like most Browning designs, Superposed shotguns are very reliable. …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Grade 2 production started in 1875 before the grading system was adopted, and it sold for $80 (80 Dollar grade). As Parker introduced the named grades, they named Grade 2 guns E, F, G, H, EH, and GH. The GH and EH describe Grade 2 hammerless Parkers, and the other names describe Grade 2 hammer guns. These names were based on various gauge and stock configurations. It was a popular gun for the owner who wanted a gun with more adornment than the average gun and was wil …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Beretta 686 Covey “20th Anniversary Quail Unlimited” Banquet Gun is a limited edition over-and-under shotgun celebrating the 20th anniversary of Quail Unlimited, a conservation organization dedicated to preserving quail habitats. Manufactured in 2000, this model (Serial Number: QU0182) is one of only 500 produced, making it a rare collector’s item. The shotgun is chambered in 28 gauge with a 2 ¾" chamber, offering a balance of lightweigh …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: A "Trade Brand Name" shotgun is one that was made by a major maker (and before 1940) for and was sold by a wholesale sporting goods dealer, a retail chain store or an independent retailer who chose the name to go on the gun. The Western Field brand was associated with Western Auto Supply Company, which sold a wide variety of products, including firearms, under the Western Field name. The Model 19 itself was likely produced during the mid-20th century, with most prod …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Browning Automatic 5, most often Auto-5 or simply A-5, is a recoil-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed by John Browning and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal. It was the first successful semi-automatic shotgun design and remained in production until 1998. The name of the shotgun designates that it is an autoloader with a capacity of five rounds, four in the magazine and one in the chamber. Reming …