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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Trojan was first produced in 1912 and was Parker's attempt to get into the less expensive market at a sales price of $25.50. To keep the costs down, in an effort to appeal to the "average" man, no customer options were offered on the Trojan. This kept production costs down and made the factory processes easier; remember, production line processes were not mature at that time. The latching system was changed to reduce costs even further, and around 1920, the rib exten …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: In 1880, Daniel Myron Lefever patented the first commercially successful hammerless breach-loading shotgun. He had been involved in several unsuccessful firearms businesses after the Civil War, but his new shotgun design quickly became popular. Unfortunately, “Uncle Dan” lost control of the Lefever Arms Co. in 1883 after a fire. The founder was named Superintendent of the company bearing his name, but A. Ames Howlett became president. After years of success, …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Valmet 412 is a series of premium over-and-under shotguns that has earned a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, durability, and performance in both hunting and competitive shooting environments. Produced by the Finnish firearms manufacturer Valmet, the 412 shotguns were known for their robust, meticulously engineered design. Valmet 412 shotguns were built with a solid steel receiver that provides a stable base for its twin barrels, which are often made from hig …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Parker started production of the Grade 0 (zero) in 1869. Parker started its grade numbering system at zero to denote the lowest grade made at that time. As Parker introduced the named grades, they named Grade 0 guns R, S, T, U, and VH. Except for the VH, which describes all Grade 0 hammerless Parkers, the other names describe Grade 0 hammer guns based on various gauge and stock configurations. It had Decarbonized Steel barrels in the beginning and later used Plain Twist, …

Bryant RIdge's AnalysisBelgian-designed over-and-over shotgun introduced to the United States two years after the Great Depression, in 1931. Despite its original high cost, it was regarded as a fine and valuable weapon by both shooting competitors and hunters. The Superposed introduced a wide variety of innovations including the single select trigger and over-under design. This design was considered revolutionary in the 1930s, but Browning had patents on the design long before that, as far back …