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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Winchester Model 1200 was introduced in 1964 as a more affordable alternative to the iconic Winchester Model 12, a pump-action shotgun that had been in production since the early 20th century. The Model 1200 was designed to offer similar performance and reliability as the Model 12 but at a lower price point, making it accessible to a wider market. While the Model 1200 retained the classic pump-action design, it featured cost-cutting measures, such as a simpler const …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The AMT AutoMag II is a semi-automatic handgun that uses .22 WMR ammunition. It was manufactured by Arcadia Machine and Tool from 1987 to 1999 and is currently produced by High Standard. Designing a reliable autoloading .22 WMR handgun posed several engineering challenges, particularly with extraction. The slow-burning rifle powder of the .22 WMR cartridge creates a late peak pressure, which can cause the case mouth to expand and jam in the chamber when fired f …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:The Smith & Wesson Model 629-3 is a powerful and versatile revolver chambered in .44 Magnum, offering a refined stainless steel design that builds on the legacy of its iconic predecessor, the Model 29. Introduced in 1978, the Model 629 is essentially a stainless-steel version of the renowned Model 29, which was made famous by Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of "Dirty Harry" Callahan. The 629-3 variant, specifically, is part of the third iteration of this model, offering en …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:The 1851 Navy Black Powder revolver, produced from 1851 to 1872, was the most famous model of the cap-and-ball era for good reasons. This 6-shot offers perfect balance, precise aim, and functional dependability. The Uberti 1851 Navy Yank Sheriff is a fully functional reproduction of the original Model 1851 "Yank" single-action revolver carried by historical figures like Wild Bill Hickok during his lawman days. This Uberti 1851 Navy “Yank” Sheriff provides the classic feel …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 686 is a six or seven-shot double-action revolver manufactured by Smith & Wesson and chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge; it will also chamber and fire .38 Special cartridges. Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 686 in 1981 and has been a staple among Collectors and Shooting Enthusiasts ever since. The 686 has been available with 2.5,3,4,5,6,7 and 8 in barrel lengths as standard models and other barrel lengths either by special or …