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Bryant Ridge's Analysis:The Smith & Wesson Model 629-3 is a powerful and versatile revolver chambered in .44 Magnum, offering a refined stainless steel design that builds on the legacy of its iconic predecessor, the Model 29. Introduced in 1978, the Model 629 is essentially a stainless-steel version of the renowned Model 29, which was made famous by Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of "Dirty Harry" Callahan. The 629-3 variant, specifically, is part of the third iteration of this model, offering en …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 686 is a six or seven-shot double-action revolver manufactured by Smith & Wesson and chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge; it will also chamber and fire .38 Special cartridges. Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 686 in 1981 and has been a staple among Collectors and Shooting Enthusiasts ever since. The 686 has been available with 2.5,3,4,5,6,7 and 8 in barrel lengths as standard models and other barrel lengths either by special or …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: By the early 1980s, the buying public had made it clear that they preferred stainless steel revolvers, so in 1986, Colt upgraded the Trooper Mark V to stainless steel and changed the barrel to a full under-lug-shrouded type. Other than the barrel profile and use of stainless, the gun is the same as the Mark V. Colt named the new model the King Cobra, continuing its use of snake-named revolvers. As a first for Colt, a Cobra head was part of the barrel stamp, breaking with …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:By the early 1980s, the buying public had made it clear that they preferred stainless steel revolvers, so in 1986, Colt upgraded the Trooper Mark V to stainless steel and changed the barrel to a full under-lug-shrouded type. Other than the barrel profile and use of stainless, the gun is the same as the Mark V. Colt named the new model the King Cobra, continuing its use of snake-named revolvers. As a first for Colt, a Cobra head was part of the barrel stamp, breaking with …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:The Smith & Wesson Model 681 (No Dash) NYSP is a distinctive and historically significant revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. Crafted from stainless steel, this revolver is renowned for its ruggedness, accuracy, and elegance. Built on the robust L-frame, the Model 681 shares many similarities with the popular Model 686, but it is equipped with fixed sights, as opposed to the adjustable sights found on the 686. The 4-inch barrel length offers a balance of maneuverabilit …