Blog

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Franchi SPAS-12 is a combat shotgun manufactured by the Italian firearms company Franchi from 1979 to 2000. The SPAS-12 is a dual-mode shotgun, adjustable for semi-automatic or pump-action operation. The SPAS-12 was sold to military and police users worldwide, as well as on the civilian market. The appearance and intended purpose of the SPAS-12 initially led to its "military" designation as a combat shotgun. The …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Whitney Wolverine is a unique and innovative semi-automatic .22 caliber pistol designed by Robert L. Hillberg, a research engineer at High Standard Manufacturing Company. Produced between 1956 and 1958, the Wolverine was groundbreaking for its time, with only 13,371 units manufactured during its brief production run. Hillberg, who had gained expertise in aluminum casting during World War II while working with aircraft guns, applied his knowledge to the Wolverine&rsqu …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 624 Lew Horton Combat Special is a highly sought-after revolver that blends rugged performance with elegant design, crafted as a limited production run specifically tailored for the collector and serious shooter alike. Chambered in the classic .44 S&W Special, this stainless steel revolver was introduced in the mid-1980s as part of the “Model of 1985” lineup. Built on the robust N-frame, the 624 features a 3" barrel—uniq …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Reintroduced in 1983, the Smith & Wesson Model 24-3 is a double/single-action revolver chambered in the powerful .44 S&W Special cartridge. Built on the square-butt N-target frame with a three-screw configuration, it was offered in 4-inch and 6.5-inch barrel lengths, with rare examples also produced in 5-inch and 5.5-inch configurations. The Model 24-3 features a high-polish blue finish, a six-shot fluted cylinder with a nominal length of 1.57 inches, and a shrou …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 36 (also known as the Chief's Special) is a revolver chambered for .38 Special. It is one of several models of J-frame revolvers. It was introduced in 1950 and is still in production in the classic blued Model 36 and the stainless steel Model 60. The Model 36 was designed in the era just after World War II when Smith & Wesson stopped producing war materials and resumed normal production. For the Mod …