Roscoe, the Triple-lock, has arrived

[.357magger]

While I've never been a fan of "Fitz-ing" in removing the front of the trigger guard, I don't share the abhorrence of many here who decry almost any alteration from factory original specifications.

Long before most of us were born, people were using the guns we now collect.
Professional gun carriers in particular will modify to suit their needs, always have. I don't think anything is wrong with that as long as the work is done by an accomplished gunsmith. Just adds to the flavor for me and I seek out guns so modified, at a minimum to study.

Congrats on your "Roscoe ". I'd love to see some more detailed pics when available and any other information you manage to uncover about previous owner(s).

Thanks for sharing it.

 

[.357magger]

Repeat. Sorry.

 

[Modified]

Odd, to me.
Is a King Super Target with short action and doublecockeyed hammer and a widened, checkered trigger and checkered gripstraps horrifying? It's a heavily modified gun......

Oh no, I should be clear.

I am not horrified at the the historical, period modification. In fact, I adore such things, even the Fitz jobs when done well.

My horror is purely from a safety perspective. I can't help but cringe every time I look at, or pick up, a Fitz'd gun. I think it's just about how I was originally taught gun safety.

In fact, I think the only period thing I own that gives me the same feeling of horror is my spring loaded Saftey Speed Holster, where you press a button with your trigger finger and your gun is now free of the holster with a violence that has to be felt to be understood.

I think I made a video on it a long time ago, but turned it off because I kept being berated for being wrong about the holster. The thing still scares me.

 

[crsides]

When someone looks at one of my fitzed guns and declares it the most unsafe thing they have ever seen, I ask if they feel the same about a Rem O/U derringer. I guess if you push your revolvers into your holster (or pants pocket) with 10lbs of pressure, it could be an issue.

I like the OP's gun, although I find the knuckle trimming a little weird.

My chopped up triple lock, long gone. I take no credit or blame except for the grips.

 

[Truckman]

My chopped up triple lock, long gone. I take no credit or blame except for the grips.

That one has a lot of character...I like it......Ben

 

[Modified]

When someone looks at one of my fitzed guns and declares it the most unsafe thing they have ever seen, I ask if they feel the same about a Rem O/U derringer. I guess if you push your revolvers into your holster (or pants pocket) with 10lbs of pressure, it could be an issue.

Those aren't Double Action though are they?

 

[mikerjf]

Ok, the Hi-Standard derringer then.

 

[sigp220.45]

I love it, chopped trigger guard and all.

 

[Kurusu]

Oh Lordy!

I never thought I could ever dislike a TL. I was dead wrong.

And hate the butchers so much.

May the Lord forgive me in my wrath.

 

[Bob L]

I for one, like it. Would I do it to a gun that I own, no but to acquire the gun and take ti to the range, yes. As it has been pointed out, someone had it modified to be what they wanted and until you shoot it, how would you know if it was good or not. It is sure to bring out conversations at the range. Speaking fo which, would love to hear a range report once you have it in hand.

 

[Modified]

Ok, the Hi-Standard derringer then.

That thing looks kind of dangerous.

I for one, like it. Would I do it to a gun that I own, no but to acquire the gun and take ti to the range, yes. As it has been pointed out, someone had it modified to be what they wanted and until you shoot it, how would you know if it was good or not. It is sure to bring out conversations at the range. Speaking fo which, would love to hear a range report once you have it in hand.

Will do.

I don't get out shooting much any more, but I've got lighting in my basement range, so I'll try to finish it up enough that I can use it a bit. Should be fine for shooting this.

 

[Eddie Southgate]

Well, I have finally been shown a Triple Lock that I would not own .

 

[Keith Brown]

Right when I saw this article I knew Sixgun would like it, can't wait to see his display at some future Symposium, what an interesting and discussed grouping it will be ! Butchered, I don't know, looks like the man had an idea and altered the gun to fit his want/need. Would have been better to have not used a triple lock, but in that era it was not held up as such a cherished thing by so many. I wouldn't do it but it's done and over with and can now be enjoyed or scorned at our pleasure. I think the back strap alteration may be an attempt to replicate the feel of the earlier big bore top break guns. If this was done in 35 and say the fella was 40 or so the number 3s and the like might have been very familiar to him.

Anyway, I'm absolutely positive it has now found it's way home and will be enjoyed for many years.

 

[Kinman]

Just won a gun that one of the wonderful SWCA members pointed me at.

I'm pretty excited about it and thought I might do something a bit different than my usual with this gun, and start a thread on it before I have it in hand.

The pictures are a bit lacking, but I thought there might be some fun to be had speculating about it and seeing what speculations pan out when I have direct possession of it.

I have a little bit of information regarding it to add (not from the seller, actually something I have known for quite some time that was brought to my attention by another SWCA member who is welcome to chime in and take credit for enabling me), but I think that information may spoil any fun to be had in idle speculation. So I'll hold off on it for the moment.

So without further ado, in all it's horribly butchered glory:

A triple-lock!

What are your thoughts?

Edit: After a round of speculation I added more information to Post #27 if you want to spoil your speculative fun.

THE HORROR...the horror...

 

[NavySCPO]

For those of us who don't know...or those who think they do and may be wrong, why the "Fitz" treatment?

Did the guy have a genetically enlarged or mutated index finger?

All kidding aside, I really don't know for sure, and I'm pretty sure others have the same question. I have a hard time understanding how this improved DA shooting, or anything else for that matter, but then I asked so please, fire away!

 

[jframejoey]

Muley Gil bet me to it but there is definitely a schofield thing going on with the blending of the frame and grip.

 

[Kurusu]

Would that make it a Fitzlelock?


To me it looks like someone tried to modify the TL for pocket carry (suits had bigger pockets back in the day).

Interesting timestamp piece. The rounding of the top of the grip frame looks very odd - makes me want to hold it just to see how it feels.

I think it would feel almost like a Schofield. And if so, it would not be bad.

 

[Tytan01]

Just won a gun that one of the wonderful SWCA members pointed me at.

I'm pretty excited about it and thought I might do something a bit different than my usual with this gun, and start a thread on it before I have it in hand.

The pictures are a bit lacking, but I thought there might be some fun to be had speculating about it and seeing what speculations pan out when I have direct possession of it.

I have a little bit of information regarding it to add (not from the seller, actually something I have known for quite some time that was brought to my attention by another SWCA member who is welcome to chime in and take credit for enabling me), but I think that information may spoil any fun to be had in idle speculation. So I'll hold off on it for the moment.

So without further ado, in all it's horribly butchered glory:

A triple-lock!

What are your thoughts?

Edit: After a round of speculation I added more information to Post #27 if you want to spoil your speculative fun.

I was watching this gun too because I thought the story was interesting. Personally, I think it's an homage to the style of gun modifying referenced in the GB listing.

Would be cool if it could actually be traced back to him.

 

[6518John]

For those of us who don't know...or those who think they do and may be wrong, why the "Fitz" treatment? . . . Did the guy have a genetically enlarged or mutated index finger?

I understand it was to aid in the immediate acquisition of the trigger (your finger would not land on the front of the trigger guard in a high-stress situation). Also, and I suspect the most important, to aid in getting your finger directly on he trigger if you were were wearing heavy gloves.

American Rifleman | Sheriff's Tips: The Fitz Special—A Defense Gun from Yesteryear

 

[mikerjf]

Maybe true, but if you read Fitz's book section on tricks, you may draw the conclusion I did in post #26 of this thread.