in the image of the McCashland-customized Model of 1917 shown on page 105 of Elmer Keith's "Sixguns." My old .45 has a cylinder that's been milled to 1.125" and an aftermarket barrel that measures 6.625" overall, with only 5.250" of it's length projecting forward of the frame.

I lettered it (Mr. Jinks said it shipped to California Hardware in Los Angeles in the early '50s), laid it back, and basically neglected it for years, then tested various charges of Trail Boss behind a couple of short bullets. With its preferred charge and a 160 grain cast RN, it's my most accurate revolver.

I posted my questions in the Gunsmithing section and was advised to move it here.....Does anyone know if there was a specific shooting sport for which these heavily-modified S&Ws were intended?.....Was there a 'smith on the West Coast that may have specialized in this modification?.....Seems like I failed in my effort to determine if California Hardware records still exist. Anyone have a clue?