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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Pioneer Arms Sporter is a semi-automatic civilian version of the classic Polish AK-47, originally manufactured in Radom, Poland by Pioneer Arms and completed in the United States by Pioneer Arms U.S.A. Built around a military-spec Polish receiver and barrel, the rifle maintains the rugged durability and functional reliability expected from Eastern Bloc firearms. The matte parkerized finish offers corrosion resistance and a utilitarian look in keeping with its militar …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Ruger Mark I is a historically significant semi-automatic rimfire pistol, forming the foundation of one of the most successful .22 caliber handgun lineages in history. Introduced in the early 1950s, the Mark I was a refined evolution of the original 1949 Standard Model, featuring enhancements aimed at target shooters and sportsmen. With its longer 6.875-inch barrel (and later variants such as the rarer 5.25-inch version) and upgraded target sights, the Mark I Target …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Argentine Small Arms Commission approached Mauser to replace their aging Remington Rolling Block rifles, resulting in an order for approximately 220,000 rifles and carbines chambered in 7.65x53mm Argentine. These weapons, designated Mauser Modelo 1891, were produced by the Ludwig Loewe Company and Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) in Berlin. The rifles featured a 29-inch barrel, straight bolt handle, and full-length military-type stock. At the same time, th …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The HK USP Compact is a reduced-size variant of the renowned USP series, engineered to deliver powerful performance in a more concealable package. Available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, it maintains the capability to handle potent calibers while offering the enhanced portability demanded by concealed carriers and professionals alike. Derived from the full-size USP, the Compact model strikes an ideal balance between size and performance. It is noticeably smaller and …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Beretta S50 series is available only in 12- and 20-bore. The basic model was the S55B, a boxlock which featured a single selective trigger (some examples appear to have been made with double triggers), plain extractors and a checkered pistol-grip stock and fore-end. They were offered with barrels of varying lengths topped with a ventilated 6mm rib. The chokes are fixed, most commonly at quarter and half but with some variations, especially in those chambered for …