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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Colt introduced the Python revolver in 1955: the same year Smith & Wesson introduced their own iconic Model 29 in .44 magnum: the 1950’s were a wonderful time for American cars and revolvers it seems.  While many a Smith & Wessons was returned barely used, the Python offered a “magnum” that could be fired without flinch inducing trauma.  Production ceased in 1999 with only custom orders available until 2005 when the last, the 50th …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Smith & Wesson’s dominance in the .357 Mag. market changed forever in 1955; however, when Colt introduced its first revolver chambered in .357 Mag.: the Python. By all accounts, this was also considered by Colt executives to be the finest revolver the company produced at the time. No expense was spared in the manufacturing process, from the revolver’s timing and lock-up to its Royal Blue finish, this would be the pinnacle of Colt’s manufac …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: In 1942 Colt discontinued its large frame double action revolver, the New Service. Colt would not build another large frame model until 1990 when it introduced the Colt Anaconda. The Anaconda was a stainless steel revolver based on the proven King Cobra revolver design, using a transfer bar ignition-safety action. The Anaconda was specifically designed for unlimited use of .44 Magnum ammo and had a massive forged frame and cylinder heat treated to provide maximum strengt …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Charter Arms Bulldog is a compact, five-shot traditional double-action revolver that has carved out a unique place in American firearms history. Originally designed by Doug McClenahan, the Bulldog was first introduced in 1973 by Charter Arms, and it quickly gained a reputation for being a powerful yet easily concealable handgun. It was developed with a specific goal in mind—to provide the firepower of a big-bore revolver in a compact, easily carried package. Th …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless or Smith & Wesson New Departure (nicknamed by collectors as the Lemon Squeezer) is a double-action revolver that was produced from 1887 to 1940 by Smith & Wesson. Based on the Smith & Wesson Model 2 double-action design, the revolver incorporated an internal hammer and an external grip safety on its back-strap. It was chambered in .32 S&W and .38 S&W calibers; these revolvers were discontinued prior to World Wa …