Someday I'll trade my friend out of this .44 special. Some day.

Wyatt Burp · #1 10-22-2015, 09:45 AM

This is Jim Martin. He was a long time fast draw competitor and champion from the 50s onward. Live ammo and wax/blanks. and he did 90% of his fast draw with a 7 1/2" Colt. But he let me shoot his 2nd model .44 S&W, "engraved by nature" he said. All patina with perhaps a little pits here and there. But smooth as silk and his ariel shooting gun. He made the grips for his hand as he is a master grip maker and Colt SAA rebuilder. I think he said if I came up with something Colt he might trade it. It's a great shooter and so much more interesting to me than a newer shiny version. Here he is holding it and my Colt .44 special. Also a close up of his grip work.

Inusuit · #2 10-22-2015, 09:53 AM

The birds head grips are beautiful. I'm curious as to the source/maker of the grip frame. Resembles a Uberti I once owned with the same grip shape. I should have said a similar shape, as this looks different than the Uberti.

DWalt · #3 10-22-2015, 05:52 PM

Surprising that the Bird's Head grip style wasn't a lot more popular. I think it's far more ergonomic than other styles used on revolvers, with the possible exception of the Colt Bisley grip. I have only one revolver with one - which is a 1960s H&R "Defender" top break in .38 S&W. And I really like the feel.

wyo-man · #4 10-22-2015, 06:50 PM

Beautiful.
I like the phrase "engraved by nature".
wyo-man

dscampbell · #5 10-22-2015, 10:35 PM

Attachment 213245
My custom made holster by Wyatt Burp. I just had to show it off.

raljr1 · #6 10-23-2015, 08:38 AM

I looked a a ruger with those bird's head grips....I could only get two fingers on the grip. Didn't think I'd like shooting a big bore with only two fingers gripping the piece.

Wyatt Burp · #7 10-23-2015, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inusuit

The birds head grips are beautiful. I'm curious as to the source/maker of the grip frame. Resembles a Uberti I once owned with the same grip shape. I should have said a similar shape, as this looks different than the Uberti.

The frame is an AWA (out of business) with Colt barrel and screw threads. A colt .44 spl. barrel was cut to 3 3/4" along with the ejector and put on the gun. Then my friend rebuild all the rest with his Colt parts and tuned it up to perfection. My moderate handloads felt great shooting with that birdshead grip. I think the grip frame has to be Uberti like the one you, and I, once owned.

wheelgun610 · #8 10-23-2015, 03:28 PM

Considering he used it for aerial shots, ya don't suppose that 2nd model has a smooth bore do ya? There were a few made that way....

Mark