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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 39 is a semi-automatic pistol developed for the United States Army service pistol trials of 1954. After the Army abandoned its search for a new pistol, the Model 39 went on the civilian market in 1955 and was the first of Smith & Wesson's first-generation semi-automatic pistols. A modified version saw limited use with Naval Special Warfare units as the Mk 22 Mod 0. A modified version of the Model 39 …

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: The Model 1940 Light Rifle, designed by Smith & Wesson’s chief designer, Edward S. Pomeroy, was developed for the British military during World War II in response to the urgent need for a lightweight, semi-automatic carbine chambered in 9x19mm. While initially conceived as a rugged, reliable, and easily handled weapon, the rifle suffered from several critical design flaws that rendered it unsuitable for combat. One of the most significant issues was its in …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Colt released the .38 Super Automatic cartridge in 1929 as a hotter and heavier load than the .38 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) that it was modeled after. The .38 Super is in a twin case to its parent and designed for Colt’s semi-automatic, magazine-fed pistol in a 1911 style. The ammo features a bullet of the same size and weight, a .356-inch lead projectile with a standard weight of 130 grain (gr), loaded into a semi-rimmed (and sometimes rimless), straight-wa …

Bryant Ridge's Anaysis: Designed by gunsmith Bill Grover of Texas Longhorn Arms as an homage to and improvement upon famed six-gun shooter and gunsmith Elmer Keith's #5 SAA revolver, the "Improved Number Five" featured a limited production run of approximately 1,200 units produced. Grover’s design was characterized by a unique grip frame, combining a modified Colt Bisley backstrap with a Single Action Army frontstrap, resulting in a distinctive shape. The revolver was engineered speci …