Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics
o

Notices

Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics Post Your General Gun Topics and Non-S&W Gun and Blade Topics Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-23-2020, 02:48 PM
mikerjf mikerjf is offline
Member
Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 2,232
Liked 2,929 Times in 1,090 Posts
Default Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald

A Memorial Day shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald, father of the snubnose revolver.

"I believe I am the pioneer butcher of revolvers for quick draw..."

Been reading _Shooting_, and was surprised that there was more subtlety in Fitz's designs than generally shown.

The 2" barrel - obviously clears leather fast, and handles better inside a vehicle. He also reasoned that when another man is trying to take your gun away, a short barrel gives him less leverage. Plus, the ammunition of the time was subject to squib due to oil contamination, etc. Fitz said most squibs he saw the bullet made it from 2-1/4" to 3-1/4" down the barrel. With a 2" barrel, it would fall out and the gun was still usable.

Shortened ejector rod so it wouldn't hang up and wouldn't make a hole in your pocket.

Bobbed hammers for no-snag draws, checkering the top for single-action if desired.

Rounded butt so it would slide into your hand smoother.

Cutting the trigger guard, for more finger room even with gloves. Fitz thought the big 45 had enough room, but still liked his cut anyway. Faster trigger access too. He doesn't mention it in the modifications chapter, but in his "tricks" chapter he details a number of ways to disarm an opponent, most of which involve twisting the gun and breaking their trigger finger. The cut guard keeps that from happening to you!

The trigger itself? Straightened as far as the guard will permit, cut shorter for clearance if needed, for a flatter surface. Lighter springs, so long as you still have reliable ignition.

You can tell he liked both pocket carry and crossdraw. He details how to draw from a crossdraw holster with your weak hand, holding the butt with your first two fingers and using your ring finger on the trigger - gun upside down!!! (Does Mas teach that?

And before the "New York Reload" was even a thing, he was a Two-Gun Man. Twice as dangerous. Not primary and backup, but he liked to buy two matching revolvers; one would be shot only with his right hand, one only with his left.

Happy Memorial Day, all you snub lovers!
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 05-23-2020, 04:08 PM
153's Avatar
153 153 is offline
Member
Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 905
Likes: 1,356
Liked 2,347 Times in 461 Posts
Default

I have an old 1917 Colt with a bulged barrel and sanded finish that I hope to someday make into a “Fitz” special. In the meantime how about some pictures?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 05-23-2020, 06:21 PM
mikerjf mikerjf is offline
Member
Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 2,232
Liked 2,929 Times in 1,090 Posts
Default

Here's a basic 1917 Smith I like.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg SW1917a.jpg (18.3 KB, 44 views)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-23-2020, 09:55 PM
JayFramer JayFramer is offline
Banned
Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald Memorial shoutout to J H Fitz Gerald  
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,596
Likes: 6,989
Liked 9,331 Times in 2,759 Posts
Default

A snubbed-nosed revolver isn’t a bad carry weapon, even today. Although they’ve fallen out of favor in recent years there are a select few enthusiasts out there still carrying the “old wheel gun” of yesteryear. Nice guns!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
USS GERALD R. FORD OLDNAVYMCPO The Lounge 40 07-28-2017 01:23 PM
My new Model 66-1: To Fitz or Not to Fitz. That is the question Triathloncoach S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 30 01-18-2016 05:08 PM
Fitz Fulton Memorial Quick10 The Lounge 1 03-01-2015 04:08 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:47 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)