1969 Tunnel Gun new Pic

kwill1911 · #51 06-20-2011, 11:35 PM

I think this is a QSPR. Is it the same guy in the video clip?

Sebago Son · #52 06-20-2011, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 29-1

".... More later

"
Chuck

I really look forward to it Sir!

lawandorder · #53 06-21-2011, 08:35 AM

One of the most historical Smiths I have read about in a long time. Simply Excellent post & thread.

29-1 · #54 06-21-2011, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwill1911

I think this is a QSPR. Is it the same guy in the video clip?

Kevin, you are my hero! The History Channel folks will not sell their clips and my fear is that the clip I posted may be the only one still in existence that shows a QSPR and that it will be lost in cyberspace some day. Yes it is the same guy! Is there a link to the source for this picture?
regards
Chuck

kwill1911 · #55 06-21-2011, 04:10 PM

Chuck,

I just sent you an email with a couple of links that may help you.

Regards,
Kevin Williams

5Wire · #56 06-21-2011, 07:53 PM

Great post!

Here's the best I could do on a screen shot:

29-1 · #57 06-22-2011, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5Wire

Great post!

Here's the best I could do on a screen shot:

Bob, thanks very much. That is exactly the angle I was looking for.

Chuck

beagleye · #58 06-22-2011, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaxonPig

Obviously the gun is a very rare piece. But the project seems ludicrous to me. All that expense and bother? I'd rather stick in some ear plugs and take a 1911 into a tunnel.

Thanks for volunteering, we'll be right here when you get back.

dsink · #59 06-22-2011, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sebago Son

I really look forward to it Sir!

AMEN. I cant wait. Dont make us wait to long.....

29-1 · #60 06-22-2011, 06:30 PM

Thanks again to the many folks on this forum who provided info on this rare Model S&W. You know who you are and it is most appreciated. This will be ressurected in a more detailed article complete with original Army reports and soldier's accounts of using the TG in combat. Quite a story still to be told about the 44 Magnum that had such a short life.
Regards
Chuck

29-1 · #61 06-25-2011, 01:16 PM

BTT with Field and Stream reference.

pace40 · #62 06-25-2011, 08:13 PM

Just saw this, Chuck. Great job and great thread! Thanks...

boykinlp · #63 06-30-2011, 04:36 PM

There was a new show on the "Outdoor Channel" last night called Gun Stories. It was on in another room where I could only hear it. I heard them mention the tunnel rats. I did not get in the room qiick enough to see what they were talking about. May be worth checking out.

Sonny Crocket · #64 07-01-2011, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boykinlp

There was a new show on the "Outdoor Channel" last night called Gun Stories. It was on in another room where I could only hear it. I heard them mention the tunnel rats. I did not get in the room qiick enough to see what they were talking about. May be worth checking out.

That was all 1911, no revolvers pictured or mentioned. Pretty good show if you like the 1911 btw.

29-1 · #65 07-01-2011, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonny Crocket

That was all 1911, no revolvers pictured or mentioned. Pretty good show if you like the 1911 btw.

I'll have to go find this program. The 1911 was the standard tunnel gun because it was the standard issued side arm. It was just too loud and so the Army went looking for something quieter and more manageable. Too bad the TG and the Quiet Special Purpose Revolver that it evolved into never had the chance to ultimately prove itself.
Thanks for keeping this thread alive folks, because it really speaks to much more than a revolver/special ammunition. The QSPR story really is about the brave young soldiers of my and many of your's generation who fought and died in the tunnels of a country and in a war that they were drafted to fight in, yet they did so because it was their patriotic duty and their upbringing by the Greatest generation of soldiers before them. Think about these young men and women and those stuck in some hole on earth today while you are celebrating the 4th of July with your friends and family.
Chuck

29-1 · #66 07-04-2011, 09:24 AM

Here is a Pic Kevin sent of a soldier from the 25th ID wearing what was known as the Tunnel Exploration kit. I'll start another link on this interesting setup.

Chuck

29-1 · #67 07-16-2011, 07:41 AM

BTT for a friend.

Chuck

DHENRY · #68 07-16-2011, 09:09 AM

Chuck,
Thanks for the most interesting topic I've seen in years!
You've really fleshed-out a historically mysterious weapons system.
Don

29-1 · #69 07-17-2011, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DHENRY

Chuck,
Thanks for the most interesting topic I've seen in years!
You've really fleshed-out a historically mysterious weapons system.
Don

Don, it's been a lot of fun, and I still have a few things more to report about the TG as soon as I get the documentation.
Chuck

MajorDude · #70 07-17-2011, 02:56 PM

I absolutely cannot imagine the cajones it took to be a tunnel rat. Thanks for an interesting read.

Lt JL · #71 07-18-2015, 10:42 PM

I can't find the reference right now, but I think the French suppressed a revolver by adding a shroud around the cylinder.

ostlund · #72 07-21-2015, 02:16 PM

now this is something you don't see everyday....thank you for sharing

Skeetr57 · #73 07-21-2015, 05:25 PM

I saw this gun demonstrated at Ft Bragg in 1971 at a symposium for new developments for Viet Nam. Another interesting item seen there was a silent M79 grenade launcher, or actually a silent round for the M79. It used a cartridge case with an accordion folded part of the case that contained all the propellant gasses when fired. I had already done my tour in VN, so don't know if either was ever used.

DWalt · #74 07-21-2015, 07:45 PM

Over 20 years ago, I had an employee who was a former tunnel rat (Marine or Army, I don't remember). He was not much for talking about his experiences, but told me once he used a .38 revolver. What kind, I don't know. He bought a ticket home by running over the edge of a cliff while fleeing a VC ambush and breaking his back. He was about what you'd expect as a tunnel rat, a small, wiry guy. The experience definitely had a lasting effect on his (unusual) personality.

S.B. · #75 06-11-2017, 10:00 AM

This is a very old thread, I realize but, why would BATF require the barrel plugged on a short barreled model 29? IE: Blauvelt Conversion to exact original specs but false/plugged barrel to meet BATF compliance.
Steve

ABPOS · #76 06-11-2017, 11:32 PM

Thank you for sharing OP!!!

Not the same revolver but gives an idea of the size of some tunnels they might have been in......

Another interesting revolver for what looks like the same mission / use... However you would say that properly.

29-1 · #77 06-12-2017, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S.B.

This is a very old thread, I realize but, why would BATF require the barrel plugged on a short barreled model 29? IE: Blauvelt Conversion to exact original specs but false/plugged barrel to meet BATF compliance.
Steve

Hi Steve, the original TG barrels were smooth bore and those are illegal to own unless the gun has been declared a C&R by the BATF. And since there are no known examples outside government hands, getting one declared a curio and a relic will be an effort for sure, if even possible.
Thanks for reviving this old post. It is certainly an interesting weapon but more importantly it brings back to mind those brave American soldiers who fought and died in Vietnam.
Chuck

jimmyj · #78 06-12-2017, 07:41 AM

Awesome article !

A question popped up -- If the cartridge was .526, why would a M29 cylinder used instead of a Model 25 cylinder ?

S.B. · #79 06-12-2017, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 29-1

Hi Steve, the original TG barrels were smooth bore and those are illegal to own unless the gun has been declared a C&R by the BATF. And since there are no known examples outside government hands, getting one declared a curio and a relic will be an effort for sure, if even possible.
Thanks for reviving this old post. It is certainly an interesting weapon but more importantly it brings back to mind those brave American soldiers who fought and died in Vietnam.
Chuck

Thanks, I thought I'd read entire thread but, didn't see it was a shotgun barrel.
Steve

29-1 · #80 06-12-2017, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyj

Awesome article !

A question popped up -- If the cartridge was .526, why would a M29 cylinder used instead of a Model 25 cylinder ?

I assume it had to do with the case hardening on the 44 Magnum components. Also remember the round itself was the actual weapon and the revolver was designed to accommodate the round. Good question.
Chuck