Fitz Special

[Bat 2919]

My Colt New Service in .45 ACP has finally returned home from it's trip to the gunsmith.  I picked this one up at a gun show where it had been hiding on someone's table.  Sort of a humble looking thing, someone had cut the barrel off at about 3 inches but never bothered to reinstall the front sight.  It must have been ignored for multiple shows, it's owner was, shall we say motivated to move it along to someone new for a reasonable price. 

I had been considering having one one of my complete Colt New Service's cut down to a Fitz Special for some time but just couldn't bring my self to cut one of them down.  When I happened on this little guy I knew immediately what to do with it.

[River City John]

So Bat, of course I'm curious about the name "Fitz" origin.

[Bat 2919]

John,

We have "John Henry Fitzgerald" to thank for what has become known as the Fitz Spl. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FitzGerald_Special

[Major 2]

I have to admit, I am truly intrigued and have a lust for a Fitz Spl.
Like you I might not cut down for one, but IF, I found an orphan as you did, I'd snap it up.
Very neat find 

[Baltimore Ed]

Here is my take with a pitted up .38 Smith. I did the work and had it parked. It has one of the smoothest actions of any of my revolvers.

[Story]

I've been intrigued by the originals over the years and regretted not snagging one when they were (relatively) cheap.

Last one I saw was a 1911 straight out of BOARDWALK EMPIRE - as always, makes me wonder about the stories behind it.

[Bat 2919]

This is a photo of this gun before it went in for conversion.

[Major 2]

I may keep an eye for a donor gun 

Maybe one of these ...
Smith & Wesson 10 Revolver, 38 Special, No Barrel, Blued, GSS, CAI Marked, Used, S&W.
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Price: $199.95

[Baltimore Ed]

Now that's a belly gun.

[Major 2]

Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver chambered in 38 Special, with no barrel. Features blued finish, round butt frame, and grips are usually wood. Will show duty wear and scratches on metal and grips. Ejector rod is for 2" length barrel, threaded not pinned. Hammer mounted firing pin. Most are -7 or -9 variation. Sold as a Gunsmith Special AS-IS, no returns, CAI import marked, Not C&R, Used.

https://www.jgsales.com/smith-wesson-10-revolver,-38-special,-no-barrel,-blued,-gss,-cai-marked,-used,-s-w.-p-104679.html?osCsid=b49723eaceb3be3cfc6529c271bd27cd

[1961MJS]

I don't know why, but I like a gun with a barrel...
Later Y'all

[Silver Creek Slim]

Whatcha need a barrel for ?

Slim

[Bat 2919]

I agree that a little bit of barrel is necessary to stabilize the bullet.  In this case size matters, less is more with the Fitz Special.

[Major 2]

I note that the price of that barrel-less S&W is now $50 higher @ $249.99

I was tempted at $199 but have procrastinated, now @ $250 I'm not a player.

[River City John]

Ran across this info with pics:

[River City John]

Interesting Remington Model 8 rifle, too.

[Bat 2919]

Fitz videos for your viewing pleasure.

[Bat 2919]

Another article or two on the Fitz Spl.

https://revolverguy.com/why-the-fitz/?fbclid=IwAR3dMeclhDtfbXvSpAlFc5LMr5-FumFfLtGjqI_ofduo5jBiZFMZ1DFZKjA

https://gunmagwarehouse.com/blog/gunfighter-pistol-the-fitz-special-part-1/?fbclid=IwAR2qc70c4TZ81Pd4lfO3XGB-Vb3ijAV4CKdbvWB9IIj9lrNfFSk55gISxJI

There has been a lot of discussion about the Fitz Spl. on the Facebook Snub Noir Group

[Bat 2919]

Here's part two of the Mag Life Blog if you were looking for it.

https://gunmagwarehouse.com/blog/gunfighter-pistol-the-fitz-special-part-2/

[DeaconKC]

Man, you are tempting me. We have two S&Ws at the shop that would be perfect for a Fitz project.