Well-Used, Modified 38/44 Outdoorsman

[RKmesa]

...I can’t help but wonder why OPs gun is not classified as BUBBA’d ?????? I mean someone took a drill press to it. That’s pretty extreme. I’m not criticizing the gun. I like it. I just think it’s funny what is deemed acceptable and what completely ruins a gun.

Some would definitely call the mods to that gun "Bubba'd". I too would have called it Bubba'd if (i) the ports were not uniform or straight, (ii) there were still burs on the porting, (iii) the trigger guard had noticeable file marks, (iv) the front sight had notches that were not parallel or uniform, or (v) there were apparent VICE, plyer, or vice grip marks on the frame or barrel.

To me Bubba'd guns would include those where the barrels are cut - but not cut straight and no one has taken the time to crown the cut. They have significant evidence of using the limited "tools at hand", rather than the proper tool for the job. They are ones where the person modifying the gun had No regard for the aesthetic presentation of the gun after the mods were complete. And they are ones that look and feel "messed up" rather than competently and professionally modified. I also acknowledge that "messed up" is a subjective term and one person's "messed up" could be another persons "nicely modified". I like the mods to that 38/44 in the first post, therefore, I'm classifying it as "nicely modified".

My $0.02,

 

[Modified]

There is "Bubba'd"

Then there is "Lovingly Butchered"

The first involves JB Weld and excessive use of a polishing wheel.

The second may involve bad ideas, but the execution is too talented and loving to convey anything but care for the gun. Despite the potentially terrible things that were done to it.

 

[CajunBass]

I spent an afternoon shooting with Bill Jordan and the trigger guard of his model 19 was modified like that first gun in this thread.

He had huge hands and he had to modify the trigger guard to be able to get his finger in place quickly.

I knew I had read/"seen" that somewhere. Probably in Mr. Jordan's book.

 

[SAFireman]

Richard, that gun belonged to someone who knew what they wanted (and likely what worked for them).

Is a letter in the works?

 

[DARE]

.38 M&P 1st Model Target. Shipped March 1900.
Am told that the front sight base has been milled out for an oversize blade and the rear sight blade has been widened as well.
Has the well-used part down pat.

 

[dobegrant]

This is a 1950 M&P .38 special, that somebody bobbed the hammer and added the grip adapter. Saw this in a local gun shop with the holster and can only imagine the guy that originally put this together.

 

[DARE]

dobegrant, looks like he was a lefty, so probably above average intelligence.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I have this modified 1917 with a cut barrel and undersized front sight. When the barrel was cut, they took about 1/8" off the underlug which prevents installing a locking bolt. I put a ball detent in the yoke arm to help lock the yoke.

 

[RKmesa]

Richard, that gun belonged to someone who knew what they wanted (and likely what worked for them).

Is a letter in the works?

Perhaps. I've got several that need a letter, and this one may get added to that list.

 

[Muley Gil]

.38 M&P 1st Model Target. Shipped March 1900.
Am told that the front sight base has been milled out for an oversize blade and the rear sight blade has been widened as well.
Has the well-used part down pat.

The factory front sights of that era were usually the thickness of a razor blade!