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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 Diamondback revolver, introduced in 1966, was designed to be a premium, small-frame revolver resembling the highly regarded Colt Python but scaled down. Built on Colt's "D" frame, which was also used for models like the Detective Special, the Diamondback was equipped with high-quality features such as a long, grooved target hammer, target-style walnut grips, and the Colt Accro adjustable sight. Its barrel, inspired by the Python, was produced on the same machine …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Freedom Arms is a Freedom, Wyoming based firearm manufacturing company, known for producing powerful single-action revolvers. The company was founded in 1978 by Wayne Baker and Dick Casull to produce the Mini revolver then later a revolver chambered in Casull's powerful .454 Casull chambering. This 5-shot revolver was the Model 83. Freedom Arms currently makes a single-shot pistol in addition to their revolvers. Co-founder Dick Casull had been experimenting with several …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The 1883 Colt Burgess lever-action rifle, produced from 1883 to 1885, represents Colt's only foray into the lever-action rifle market, a market largely dominated by Winchester Repeating Arms Company at the time. With only 6,403 units produced before manufacturing ceased in early 1885, just 21 months after its introduction, the Burgess rifle is considered one of the rarest Colt firearms today, significantly enhancing its appeal among collectors. The rifle is named after i …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Model 20 pump-action shotgun stands as a prime example of American craftsmanship and innovation in the post-war era. Released in the 1940s and available in 12, 16, and 20 gauges, it was produced until the early 1960s, when Sears phased out the J.C. Higgins sporting goods line and replaced it with the Ted Williams brand in 1962. The Model 20 came in various configurations, offering different barrel lengths, at least one muzzle device option (the Power-Pak), and the th …