We've Got Your Six!

We've Got Your Six!

Bryant Ridge's Analysis

The Colt AR-15 is a lightweight, magazine-fed, gas-operated semi-automatic rifle. It is a semi-automatic version of the M16 rifle that is sold for the civilian and law enforcement markets in the United States. The AR in AR-15 stands for ArmaLite rifle, after the company that developed it in the 1950s. Due to financial problems, and limitations in terms of manpower and production capacity, ArmaLite sold the AR-15 design and the AR-15 trademark along with the ArmaLite AR-10 to Colt's Manufacturing Company in 1959. Colt started selling the semi-automatic version of the M16 rifle as the Colt AR-15 in 1964. The first mass production version was the Colt AR-15 Sporter, in .223 Remington, with a 20-inch barrel, issued with 5-round magazines. Colt has since made many different models of AR-15 rifle and carbine models, including the AR-15, AR-15A2, AR-15A3, AR-15A4, and others. The sale of new AR-15s in the USA was banned by the Federal Assault Weapons Ban from 1994 to 2004. Colt and others continued to sell legally compliant versions during that period. On September 20, 2019, Colt announced that it would no longer produce the AR-15 for private use, due to market saturation.

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Bryant Ridge's Analysis

The Czechoslovakian "SHE" Carbine, renowned as the primary military rifle of the early 1950s for the Czechoslovakian military, represents a blend of robust design and unique features. Bearing a striking resemblance to the Russian SKS externally, it distinguishes itself through a distinct semi-automatic action and innovative design elements. Combining elements from the German MG42 action and the trigger group of the US M1 Garand, it exemplifies a fusion of proven military technologies. Chambered for the Czechoslovakian 7.62 x 45 cartridge, which boasts a muzzle velocity of 2440 feet per second, the "SHE" Carbine delivers reliable performance suitable for military use. Notably, it features a side-folding bayonet for close-quarters combat and is equipped with a detachable 10-round magazine, enhancing its versatility and ease of use in the field. Known colloquially as the "SHE" Carbine due to the coding of the main arsenal where it was produced, this rifle was historically rare in the United States until recent times, adding to its allure among firearms enthusiasts and collectors. As a testament to its unusual yet effective design, the "SHE" Carbine stands out as a unique example of military firearm innovation, blending functionality with distinctive Czechoslovakian engineering.

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Bryant Ridge's Analysis

The SKS was widely exported and was also produced by some former Eastern Bloc nations as well as China, where it was designated the "Type 56", East Germany as the Karabiner S, and North Korea as the "Type 63". The SKS is currently popular in the civilian surplus market in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. It was one of the first weapons chambered for the 7.62×39mm M43 round, which was also used later in the AK-47.

The SKS has a conventional layout, with a wooden stock and rifle grip. The SKS is a gas-operated weapon that has a spring-loaded bolt carrier and a gas piston rod that work the action via gas pressure pushing against them. Also, it has a "tilting bolt" action locking system. The SKS is shorter and less powerful than the semi-automatic rifles that preceded it, such as the Soviet SVT-40. However, the SKS has a 4-inch longer barrel than AK-series rifles, which replaced it; as a result, it has a slightly higher muzzle velocity.

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