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Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Colt’s decision to release the M1911A1 as a civilian handgun under the name Colt Government Model marked a significant moment in the evolution of the iconic 1911 platform. While Colt had already been producing the M1911A1 for military use for many years, the transition to civilian sales allowed enthusiasts and collectors to experience the legendary pistol in a new, non-military context. However, Colt sought to improve upon the already proven design, which led to th …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Smith & Wesson’s dominance in the .357 Mag. market changed forever in 1955; however, when Colt introduced its first revolver chambered in .357 Mag., the Python. By all accounts, Colt executives also considered this to be the finest revolver the company produced at the time. No expense was spared in the manufacturing process, from the revolver’s timing and lock-up to its Royal Blue finish, this would be the pinnacle of Colt’s manufacturing prowess an …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: Samuel Colt is well known for his influence on firearms, especially in America. Recognition for that influence is well earned, but only scratches the surface of the man. His use of interchangeable parts allowed him to pioneer assembly-line production. He was innovative in marketing, having a flair for showmanship. He was an early adopter of “product placement” as well as using celebrity endorsements, even commissioning art to showcase his firearms. He also wo …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis In 1927, Colt rebranded the Army Special to the Official Police to better reflect its primary users, which included numerous police departments such as the New York City Police and Boston Police, and federal agencies like the FBI and Treasury Department. The Official Police became the standard-issue revolver for law enforcement. They remained highly favored by private guard services, industrial plant guards, and civilian owners seeking a robust and powerful firearm. Colt …

Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Colt Army Special, featuring a five-inch barrel and categorized as an "E" frame model, was introduced by Colt in 1908 as a replacement for the New Army and Navy models. This innovative revolver incorporated the superior action developed in the Colt New Pocket and New Service models, establishing a foundation for all medium-frame double-action revolvers produced by Colt up to the introduction of the Colt Python in 1955. Notably, the design remained remarkably consiste …