Smith & Wesson’s History of Innovation
Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson stand among the titans of 19th century American gunmaking. They worked on early lever actions and the metallic rimfire...
Perazzi: The Gold Standard | Rock Island Auction
In terms of craftsmanship, artistry, and competitive shooting acumen, the Perazzi shotgun brand ranks among the elite. Born from humble beginnings in 1957, this...
Bolt Action vs Lever Action Showdown
The mid-19th century saw an explosion of arms innovation, including the birth of the modern bolt action and lever action rifle. Both platforms competed...
101 Ranch’s Frontier Six Shooters
The sprawling 101 Ranch, spread across four Oklahoma counties, was a place of innovation for farming, livestock and the film industry in the early...
The Benchmark Colts of George S. Lewis
At Rock Island Auction Company, we like to note “benchmark” examples of firearms when we see them. Guns that have earned this moniker of...
Randall Knives’ Practical Beauty | Rock Island Auction
As the story goes – and it’s posted on the Randall Made Knives’ website – W.D. “Bo” Randall was walking along the shore of...
250 Years of the American Infantry Rifle
Next year, the U.S. Army celebrates its 250th anniversary. In those two and a half centuries, the American infantry rifle has evolved countless times....
The 7 Most American Guns
Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and M16s. Firearms are an undeniable part of the American identity thanks to the Second Amendment and the nation’s...
Louis XIII’s Luxury Propels August Premier
From the opulence of French King Louis XIII to the carnage of World War 2, Rock Island Auction Company’s Aug. 23-25 Premier Auction offers...
The M1941 Johnson Rifle Goes to War
How did a prototype rifle designed by a lawyer with a gun hobby become a serious contender against the mighty M1 Garand? The M1941...
