Blog

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Pioneer Arms Sporter is a semi-automatic civilian version of the classic Polish AK-47, originally manufactured in Radom, Poland by Pioneer Arms and completed in the United States by Pioneer Arms U.S.A. Built around a military-spec Polish receiver and barrel, the rifle maintains the rugged durability and functional reliability expected from Eastern Bloc firearms. The matte parkerized finish offers corrosion resistance and a utilitarian look in keeping with its militar …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Ruger Mark I is a historically significant semi-automatic rimfire pistol, forming the foundation of one of the most successful .22 caliber handgun lineages in history. Introduced in the early 1950s, the Mark I was a refined evolution of the original 1949 Standard Model, featuring enhancements aimed at target shooters and sportsmen. With its longer 6.875-inch barrel (and later variants such as the rarer 5.25-inch version) and upgraded target sights, the Mark I Target …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The HK USP Compact is a reduced-size variant of the renowned USP series, engineered to deliver powerful performance in a more concealable package. Available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, it maintains the capability to handle potent calibers while offering the enhanced portability demanded by concealed carriers and professionals alike. Derived from the full-size USP, the Compact model strikes an ideal balance between size and performance. It is noticeably smaller and …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Beretta S50 series is available only in 12- and 20-bore. The basic model was the S55B, a boxlock which featured a single selective trigger (some examples appear to have been made with double triggers), plain extractors and a checkered pistol-grip stock and fore-end. They were offered with barrels of varying lengths topped with a ventilated 6mm rib. The chokes are fixed, most commonly at quarter and half but with some variations, especially in those chambered for …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Volquartsen Custom Scorpion is a premium rimfire pistol that combines competition-grade performance with extensive factory customization. Built around a lightweight CNC-machined aluminum Target Frame and a match-grade stainless-steel barrel—available wide range of different barrel lengths—the Scorpion delivers outstanding accuracy, capable of sub-1/2-inch groups at 25 yards. Depending on the configuration, it weighs between approximately 1 lb 12 oz and 2 …