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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The iconic bullpup-style Steyr AUG has been one of the most recognizable rifles in the world since its adoption by the Austrian army in 1977 and is now available for civilian use as the Steyr AUG A3 M1, an ambidextrous rifle platform with an adjustable short-stroke, gas-piston operation chambered for 5.56x45mm (.223 Remington). The multi-configurable M1 variant of the AUG A3 platform is the latest generation of the venerated bullpup platform. Utilizing an optics attachme …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Winchester wanted to make the ultimate lever-action, big game hunting rifle, and in the minds of many, they did just that with the Model 71. The 71 was based on the Model 1886's action, but along with a host of new features and small changes, was considered an "improved" version. One of the so-called improvements was a new stock design, already being incorporated on Winchester's Model 65. The Model 71 was also made out of "Winchester Proof Steel", a stronger steel than t …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Winchester Model 1894, also known as the Model 94, is a legendary lever-action repeating rifle designed by John Browning and introduced in 1894. Originally chambered for two black powder cartridges, the .32-40 Winchester and .38-55 Winchester, the Model 1894 made history in 1895 by becoming the first rifle to chamber a smokeless powder round, the .30 WCF (Winchester Center Fire), later known as the iconic .30-30 Winchester. Additionally, the Model 1894 was produced i …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Winchester Model 54, produced from 1925 until 1937, holds a significant place in the history of bolt-action sporting rifles as Winchester's first successful entry into the category. A sporterized version of the Mauser design, the Model 54 was an important step forward but lacked some of the refinements that many bolt-action hunters were seeking. When the Winchester Model 70 debuted in 1937, it set a new standard, offering a more robust action, better checkering, impr …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Browning Auto-5—commonly known as the A-5—is a landmark in firearms history and the first truly successful semi-automatic shotgun. Designed by the legendary John Browning and introduced in 1905, it revolutionized shotgun design and set the benchmark for autoloading performance for nearly a century, remaining in production until 1998. Its instantly recognizable “humpback” receiver not only gave it a distinct profile but also served a practical …