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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 27 is a six-shot, double-action revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge and manufactured by the United States company Smith & Wesson. It was the first purpose-built revolver to fire the .357 Magnum cartridge. Designed in 1935, it was commonly called the "Registered Magnum." The Model 27 replaced the Registered Magnum in 1939, which was the Registered Magnum but was standardized for economic reasons due to the ease of production. …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Colt’s decision to release the M1911A1 as a civilian handgun under the name Colt Government Model marked a significant moment in the evolution of the iconic 1911 platform. While Colt had already been producing the M1911A1 for military use for many years, the transition to civilian sales allowed enthusiasts and collectors to experience the legendary pistol in a new, non-military context. However, Colt sought to improve upon the already proven design, which led to th …

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, Colt executives also considered this 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 manufacturing prowess an …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 10-5 is a classic example of a time-honored revolver that has earned a reputation for reliability and accuracy over its extensive production run. Known as the Smith & Wesson Military & Police Model or the Victory Model during its early years, the Model 10 has been in continuous production since 1899, with over six million units produced, making it the most manufactured handgun of the 20th century. This particular version, the Model 10 …

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 …