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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Winchester Model 1873 is often referred to as “the gun that won the west,” and while the huge numbers produced and the overall popularity of the model in the American West may suggest there is some truth in that statement, it is in all reality hyperbole. Introduced in 1873, the Model 1873 was a significant improvement on the earlier Winchester Model 1866. The primary improvements revolved around the introduction of a reloadable centerfire cartridge (the W …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: According to the included letters, My name is Bert DuVernay and I started as a Training Coordinator (staff instructor) at Smith & Wesson Academy on March 5, 1990. Prior to that time, I taught in a Police Science program at a technical college in Ohio, where I had been a police officer for 16 years. I am now the Chief of Police for New Braintree, a small town in central Massachusetts. When I began work at S&W, I learned of the soon-to-be-released .40 S&W cart …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Ruger No. 1 is a legendary single-shot rifle renowned for its unique Farquharson-style hammerless falling-block action. Manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Co. since 1967, the No. 1 combines rugged durability with classic design. The rifle's 26-inch blue barrel offers a balance of precision and stability, ideal for long-range shooting and big-game hunting. The action is operated by an underlever, which both lowers the breechblock for loading ammunition and cocks the r …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is a distinguished semi-automatic pistol designed specifically for competitive target shooting. Developed after World War II, the Model 41 was the result of years of refinement and testing, making it one of the most well-regarded pistols for precision shooting in its class. One of the key design features of the Model 41 is its 105-degree grip angle, which was intentionally matched to the angle of the Colt M1911 to provide a consistent grip …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The legacy of the Colt Government Model is well known. From the battlefields of Normandy to the jungles of Vietnam, this combat-proven firearm has tirelessly served our Armed Forces for more than a century. This pistol features the legendary Series 70 firing system, making it a faithful reproduction of Government Models manufactured prior to World War II. This pistol also features an arched steel mainspring housing and a short steel trigger. A standard safety lock, stand …