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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Combining dynamic style with a host of performance-enhancing details, the Onyx Ultra II in 9mm and .45 ACP from the Kimber Custom Shop are striking personal defense pistols. Thin micarta grips and a short trigger ensure a perfect fit, even for shooters with smaller hands. Light 9mm recoil makes these pistols easy to handle and speeds sight recovery between shots; the .45 ACP offered in the Ultra-sized platform combines power with concealability. The highly-polished stain …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: According to the included letters, My name is Bert DuVernay and I started as a Training Coordinator (staff instructor) at Smith & Wesson Academy on March 5, 1990. Prior to that time, I taught in a Police Science program at a technical college in Ohio, where I had been a police officer for 16 years. I am now the Chief of Police for New Braintree, a small town in central Massachusetts. When I began work at S&W, I learned of the soon-to-be-released .40 S&W cart …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Ruger No. 1 is a legendary single-shot rifle renowned for its unique Farquharson-style hammerless falling-block action. Manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Co. since 1967, the No. 1 combines rugged durability with classic design. The rifle's 26-inch blue barrel offers a balance of precision and stability, ideal for long-range shooting and big-game hunting. The action is operated by an underlever, which both lowers the breechblock for loading ammunition and cocks the r …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: This versatile rifle is designed for modern performance and adaptability, featuring a forward-mounted Picatinny rail that supports the installation of intermediate eye relief scopes (not included) for "both eyes open" sighting and rapid target acquisition. Its built-in sighting system includes an adjustable ghost ring rear aperture and a non-glare, protected blade front sight for reliable accuracy. The detachable magazine, with a conveniently placed push-forward release …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 629 was introduced in 1978 as a stainless steel version of the Model 29. During its release, the Model 29 was considered the most powerful production handgun until it was surpassed by larger cartridges like the .454 Casull and .50 Action Express. The model gained popularity worldwide through its association with the fictional character "Dirty Harry" Callahan. The 629 model designation comes from Smith & Wesson's practice of adding a 6 in …