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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Following World War II, Colt was one of the first gun companies to begin making guns using new "Space Age" materials like aluminum. Colt's first entry in the field was with the aluminum-framed Colt Commander automatic in 1949. Their second entry was with an aluminum frame version of the Detective Special. Colt called this aluminum alloy "Coltalloy". This new model was named the Colt Cobra. This was the first time Colt named a gun after a snake, and it led to a series of …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Dan Wesson double-action revolver design, created by Karl R. Lewis, was a revolutionary advancement in firearm technology. Lewis, who had a history of innovative designs for various firearms, had previously developed an interchangeable barrel system for revolvers. This system was incorporated into the Dan Wesson prototype, marking a significant departure from traditional revolver construction. Unlike most revolvers, where the barrel is tightly screwed into the frame …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 624 Lew Horton Combat Special is a highly sought-after revolver that blends rugged performance with elegant design, crafted as a limited production run specifically tailored for the collector and serious shooter alike. Chambered in the classic .44 S&W Special, this stainless steel revolver was introduced in the mid-1980s as part of the “Model of 1985” lineup. Built on the robust N-frame, the 624 features a 3" barrel—uniq …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Reintroduced in 1983, the Smith & Wesson Model 24-3 is a double/single-action revolver chambered in the powerful .44 S&W Special cartridge. Built on the square-butt N-target frame with a three-screw configuration, it was offered in 4-inch and 6.5-inch barrel lengths, with rare examples also produced in 5-inch and 5.5-inch configurations. The Model 24-3 features a high-polish blue finish, a six-shot fluted cylinder with a nominal length of 1.57 inches, and a shrou …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 36 (also known as the Chief's Special) is a revolver chambered for .38 Special. It is one of several models of J-frame revolvers. It was introduced in 1950 and is still in production in the classic blued Model 36 and the stainless steel Model 60. The Model 36 was designed in the era just after World War II when Smith & Wesson stopped producing war materials and resumed normal production. For the Mod …