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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Smith & Wesson introduced the first Model 66 in 1970. Labeled as a Combat Magnum, the revolver was chambered for the potent .357 Magnum. Built on the company’s K frame, the guns offered a balance of relatively lightweight and good durability. The gun was very similar to the popular Model 19, though with a stainless steel frame instead of one made of carbon steel. While the Model 19 remained a hot ticket with shooters and police departments, the Model 66 gained …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: When it comes to revolvers in the US, the “Big Three” of Colt, Smith and Wesson, and Ruger remain strong. However, in the 1970s, a new company emerged and attempted to challenge these three (Smith in particular) with an innovative new design. This company was Dan Wesson, and the Model 15 was that design. Founded in 1968 by Daniel B. Wesson II after the acquisition of his family company by conglomerate Bangor Punta, Wesson sought to create a company to continu …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Colt .22 Target Model is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle, built to compete with the popular Ruger Mk I-III series. Manufactured between 1995 and 1999, its relatively short production run makes the Colt .22 Target both scarce and highly collectible among firearm enthusiasts. This pistol is packed with standout features that set it apart. Its 6-inch bull barrel is equipped with a ventilated rib, enhancing both accuracy and cooling during extended sh …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Ruger Old Army is a black-powder percussion revolver introduced in 1972 by the Sturm, Ruger company and manufactured through 2008. Models were made with a 7.5" and a 5.5 inch barrel. The Ruger Old Army revolver is unusual in that, unlike most percussion revolvers on the market, it was not based on a historical design but was a modification of Ruger's Blackhawk model, which was itself based upon the cartridge-firing Colt Peacemaker. The Old Army revolver accordingly i …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Detonics Combat Master was the first truly small and compact 1911-pattern pistol to be produced in significant numbers. Its introduction marked a milestone in concealed carry firearms, quickly gaining popularity, especially among law enforcement, for its diminutive size, exceptional quality, and powerful .45 ACP chambering. The Combat Master received further fame when Don Johnson’s character, Sonny Crockett, was seen carrying one in a leg holster on Miami Vice, …