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!
"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!
