Groucho222
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Fitz conversion model 60
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rincar
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That looks like a accident waiting to happen. I cant really see the purpose of such a modification. It seems someone turned a $500.00 Dollar Revolver into a $200.00 revolver.
I haven't specifically heard of any but I'm sure they happened. The Fitz Special was fairly popular back in the day if memory serves. Although I'm pretty sure he did mostly Colts. Nice piece. I wouldn't carry it but I would treasure it. If for no other reason but to preserve the history.
If it was mine:
1. dehorn the hammer
1. dehorn the hammer
This is a model 60 from the 1980s probably, John Henry Fitz Gerald died in the year of 1945. Wikipedia has an interesting read on him, I am not sure if it is all correct.
FitzGerald Special - Wikipedia
Ed
Thanks! I didn't know much of that. Very cool.
They were definitely popular at one time. Forum member TheShootist1894 will still do a Fitz job on revolvers. A little less than 5 years ago he did one for a Forum member and it was so gorgeous I had him customize a Model 64 for me but I DID NOT let him do a Fitz job on the trigger guard. He did a number of other things including relieving the trigger guard but not removing it. It doesn't show up in pictures.
Anyway, I agree, I think that's a dangerous modification and I never could figure out why it was popular.
Anyway, I agree, I think that's a dangerous modification and I never could figure out why it was popular.
.357magger
Member
This modification was also performed, multiple times by turn of the century Texas Rangers, on Colt 1911s. Lone Wolf Gonzualas was known to have owned a pair and IIRC, several are displayed at the Ranger Museum in Waco. Some also used tied down or deactivated grip safety as well as cut away trigger guard.
My thinking has always been along the lines of Bill Jordan's, be just a tad faster, because there's no 2nd place winner.
It was a different time Gents, these guys literally could have gunfights daily along the border, and anything to get an edge was tried. Different geography, but the same is true about Fitzgerald.
Just my $.02, but it's historically accurate
My thinking has always been along the lines of Bill Jordan's, be just a tad faster, because there's no 2nd place winner.
It was a different time Gents, these guys literally could have gunfights daily along the border, and anything to get an edge was tried. Different geography, but the same is true about Fitzgerald.
Just my $.02, but it's historically accurate
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transit
Member
Check the FB group I'm with Roscoe.
You'll see Fitz specials fairly regularly.
You'll see Fitz specials fairly regularly.
As we all know, revolvers allow a certain amount of accessorizing: change of grips, spring replacement, action smoothing, etc. The problem with "Fitz-ing" is that it's forever. You can't go back. The concerns I've seen about this procedure are not ADs, rather the trigger being impeded if an impact would bend the trigger guard inwards.
A beautifully snubbed 1917 for sale (Was it on this Forum?) recently caught my eye. However, it had been Fitz-ed and I lost interest.
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
A beautifully snubbed 1917 for sale (Was it on this Forum?) recently caught my eye. However, it had been Fitz-ed and I lost interest.
Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
.357magger
Member
Excellent point(s) imo, particularly the latter. I'd forgotten about that one.
The early guys expected to use their guns, for their intended purpose, and they did just that.
photoman
Member
I would be more concerned about that trigger guard (what remains of it) bending and preventing the trigger from functioning. Maybe stainless steel is not as malleable as I think.
Agree with this.
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While nothing more than a potentially dangerous modification, it might actually be considered a sort of pinnacle for some of the more radical gadgeteers.
Jim Watson
Member
All things considered, the only "Fitz" I would care about is a Colt made that way by Colt. Like this one (Gun is sold, not an advertisement):
1930 Colt New Service Factory Fitz Special .45lc with Factory Letter 99%
1930 Colt New Service Factory Fitz Special .45lc with Factory Letter 99%
Green Frog
Member
Alright, the question was whether anyone had ever seen an actual report of an accidental discharge traceable to a Fitz modification to a trigger guard, not “it looks unsafe” nor “I wouldn’t want to carry one of those myself,” but rather has there ever been an actual report of an AD.
Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
kwill1911
Member
The cutaway trigger guard seems silly and unsafe now but remember that there were lots of spur triggers, folding triggers, derringers and other handguns still in use that were much more dangerous in actual practice.
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It would seem that most unintentional firearm discharges, unless witnessed, go undiscussed and unreported. If that's the case, it would be very difficult to come up with a figure. There's a good chance that if something appears to be unsafe, it probably is.
kwill1911
Member
I'd be careful with that logic...you know, black rifles, bad!
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