Firearms History And Collecting
Fudd Friday: Does Fitz Equal Fudd?
Fudd Friday: Does Fitz Equal Fudd?
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Manchester, New Hampshire
In the latest edition of Fudd Friday, we delve into the world of Fitz Specials, modified revolvers that have sparked debate in the firearms community for decades. These modifications, made popular by John Henry Fitzgerald in the 1920s, involve cutting away a portion of the trigger guard and bobbing the hammer to create a pocket-sized defensive firearm. As history would have it, Fitzgerald, who hailed from Manchester, New Hampshire, was not just a gunsmith but a figure who influenced the landscape of defensive shooting. An NYPD officer and competitive shooter, Fitzgerald began crafting these modifications after he recognized challenges posed by traditional revolvers in concealed carry situations. The Fitz Specials were designed for practical carry, particularly appealing to those wearing heavy winter clothing. By shortening the barrel to just 2 inches and eliminating exposed hammer spurs, Fitzgerald aimed to facilitate easy access to the trigger in tight spots. This design was primarily intended for trained professionals, as the risks associated with the modified trigger guard were considered manageable given their ability to control firearms. However, in the decades since, the Fitz conversion became a mixed bag. After Fitzgerald's original work at Colt estimated to number between 40 and 200 authentic Fitz Specials a wave of amateur modifications diluted the market. Gunsmiths offering Fitz-style modifications emerged, leading to a collector's paradox: genuine Fitzgerald-modified firearms command auction prices upward of $8,000, while amateur alterations often destroy a firearm's inherent value. The conversation surrounding Fitz Specials is shifting as new firearms technologies take center stage. Companies like Smith & Wesson have addressed the same concealment issues with their modern J-frame Centennial models, which provide snag-free pocket carry and better safety features while maintaining a full trigger guard. Ruger has followed with its LCR series, and other manufacturers offer similar hammerless designs that are designed for practical applications without the ethical concerns surrounding modified firearms. If there remains an inclination towards creating Fitz Specials today, the context must be understood. For nostalgic hobbyists, modifying an old revolver could provide a fulfilling project. For serious self-defense needs, however, modern offerings overshadow the historical conversion methods. This distinctly positions Fitzgerald not as a fudd, in the pejorative sense, but as an innovator addressing genuine issues of his time. Ultimately, the Fitz Special remains a testament to a specific era in firearm history, its influence echoing through modern revolver designs. Yet, insisting upon these modifications today blurs the line between historical appreciation and practical utility. To cultivate a respect for the past while acknowledging modern advancements is key to elevating discussions in the firearms community. What's your take on the relevance of the Fitz Special in today's firearm landscape? Have you handled one, or considered the implications of carrying a modern hammerless snub compared to a historically modified piece? Share your thoughts in the comments below.