The Gangster Gun | Colt "Fitz Special" Revolver

This video details the modifications that define a 'Fitz Special' revolver, a custom firearm designed for concealed carry by J. Henry Fitzgerald. Key modifications include shortening the barrel and ejector rod, cutting the trigger guard, reshaping the hammer for single-action use, and rounding the butt of the grip. The presenters demonstrate these modifications on examples like a Colt Cobra and a Colt 1917, discussing the historical context and practical applications of these custom features.

This guide outlines the key modifications that define the Fitz Special, a historically significant custom revolver concept. Developed by John Henry Fitzgerald, these modifications include a bobbed hammer, shortened barrel, reattached front sight, and a distinctive cut-away trigger guard. The video, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, details these changes and their impact on concealability and handling, noting their influence on later designs like the Colt Detective Special.

This video details the Fitz Special, a custom modification of a 1920 Colt Police Positive revolver. The key modifications include cutting out the front of the trigger guard for easier access and bobbing the hammer for double-action-only operation. The presenter highlights these changes enhance usability for close-range and one-handed shooting, while also offering a safety benefit against finger injury if the gun is grabbed.

This video details the creation of a tribute FitzGerald Special, a custom revolver based on a Colt Cobra. Key modifications include bobbing the hammer, removing the trigger guard, shortening the barrel, and applying an 11-degree crown. The build highlights the historical context of custom firearm requests and modern techniques applied to classic designs.

This video details a custom 'Fitz Special' build using a Heritage Roscoe .38 +P revolver as the base. Modifications include removing the front of the trigger guard and installing a bobbed hammer and classic cylinder latch from a Taurus Model 85. The build highlights the Roscoe's all-steel construction and classic aesthetic, suitable for concealed carry.

This guide details the T.U.S.H. (Taurus Ultra Snubby Handgun) custom modification project, transforming a Taurus 856 Ultra-Lite into an extremely compact revolver. The process involves advanced gunsmithing techniques like barrel chopping, frame shortening, and hammer bobbing, along with custom grip integration. The resulting firearm is a 6-shot .38 Special weighing under 12 ounces, designed for maximum concealability, though accuracy is noted as a secondary consideration. The video demonstrates significant muzzle flash from the shortened barrel during live-fire testing at an indoor range.

This guide details the inspection and assembly of a 1917 DWM Artillery Luger, emphasizing its exceptional condition and matching components. Expert insights cover historical context, proof marks, and accessory integration, highlighting the importance of meticulous firearm preservation.

This video provides an expert look at a rare Japanese Baby Nambu pistol, presented by a specialist in historical firearms. The demonstration covers the original accessories, including a leather holster, cleaning rod, spare magazine, and period-correct 7mm Nambu ammunition. The speaker highlights unique features like Kanji inscriptions, suggesting a presentation model possibly linked to Emperor Hirohito, and discusses the estimated production total of approximately 10,000 units, noting their issuance to Japanese officers.

This video, presented by Tom Whiteman of Legacy Collectibles, addresses the misconception that Luger production ended in 1942. It provides an expert-level overview of late-war Lugers, focusing on identifying Mauser 'Black Widow' variants and Krieghoff production from 1943-1945. The authoritative tone and detailed knowledge of factory codes and historical variants highlight high expertise.

This video provides an expert look at a rare 'Un-Quality' marked M1 Carbine variant, explained by Tom Whiteman of Legacy Collectibles. The 'Un-Quality' stamp indicates a specific production partnership between Union Switch & Signal and Quality Hardware during WWII. With only about 30,000 produced, these carbines are highly sought after by collectors, commanding a premium price due to their rarity and unique historical context.