The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Shooting Pistol Shooting Building a Fitz Special - Finished Photos AddedGo | New | Find | Notify | Tools | Reply | |
| Building a Fitz Special - Finished Photos Added | Login/Join |
| One of Us |
Are you serious? I think 1/4" at 25 yards for this type of handgun is pretty wishful thinking. The idea that you would be able to notice any practical difference from 1/4" regulation is, in my opinion, hard to imagine. | |||
|
| one of us |
Practical accuracy all depends on the user. The limiting factor is the user not the firearm. Not what someone else thinks it is. Solid frame revolvers from a quality manufacturer. Are very capable of very good accuracy well pass 50 yards. In the hands of a competent pistol user. If one is not a competent shooter. I can easily see how one could believe that another could not use such a handgun to it's full capabilities. Why would one spend the money on such a fine firearm. Then not regulate the sights to get the most out of it. I seen many Colt, S@W and Ruger revolvers capable of placing a cylinder full in one ragged hole at 25 yards. From a sand bagged rest or a mechanical rest like a ransom rest. Why would any one regulate this handgun without such a rest. | |||
|
| One of Us |
I was asking about the significance in practical use (combat or target shooting, not off a rest) of 1/4" regulation at 25 yards. Do you really think anyone can tell the difference of 1/4" using a handgun such as this for its intended purpose? | |||
|
| one of us |
Yes I do. Intended use for what and who. Look at the ballistic table you will find that a bit high at 25 yards give ones a very good chance of connecting past 5o yards with a dead on hold. Personally I killed a coyote at a measured 49 yards with a double action 3 in semi-auto and one at 32 yards with 2 in revolver. One shot DRT's. A nice 8 point white tail at 60 yards with a 4 inch 41mag. All double action. Speak for yourself as not being able to hit at "longer handgun ranges. But there are shooters that are capable of wringing out the most from accurate handguns. | |||
|
| One of Us |
I don't doubt at all that longer shots are possible. What I question is the significance of sighting in 1/4" high for making those shots. Such regulation, as opposed to dead on at 25 yards, would result in about .4" difference at 50 yards. Don't think there are many 2" .45 Colt shooters that could tell the difference. As to the use and purpose of the Fitz Special, it would be an odd choice for a long range gun. Just curious - how big a group do you shoot at 50 yards without a rest? I would suggest you regulate 5/16" high at 26 yards to bolster your chances for longer range shooting.  | |||
|
One of Us |
I would not doubt p dog shooter. Not one little bit. Not that I could do it. But I would never suggest that what I can do is the limit of what can be done. I will be sure to report on my range tests. Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
|
| one of us |
The intended use of a firearm is not always the use it is put to. A quarter to half inch high at 25 yards suits just fine for many pistol calibers 5/16" fits right in there. Well you get it perfectly at a 1/4 maybe maybe not. A tad high at 25 extends the useful range of many pistol calibers. That one can hold dead on and still make hits. But still be real close at the up close and personal ranges. I try to sight my handguns to be a bit high at 25 yards. That has served me very well for over 6 decades of shooting them and well over 150,000 rounds fired. In practice, training, competition, self-defense and hunting situations. | |||
|
| One of Us |
I have 2 2nd model S+W H.E.s, one in 44spl. + one in 45 L.C. Both have fixed sights + both are right on the money at 25 yds. I also have that 1926 Colt New Service in 45 L.C. with fixed sights that is just as right on.I'm inclined to think that the mfgs were more concerned on a quality product then, more so than now. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Not to mention the "ambulance chasers" that thrive on product liability, + thus we get lousy triggers out of the box, etc. I am so opposed to all those laws designed to "save us from ourselves." | |||
|
| One of Us |
Some more photos. Going through the rust blue finishing process.  Looking good.  Rampant colt:  Still a few more iterations to go. Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Having used a ransom rest, and multiple high grade revolvers and automatics, I tend to agree that getting something to group 1/4” high at 25 yards is not particularly valid. The groups are such that what you mean by 1/4 inch is difficult. Each chamber tends to shoot a bit differently. The groups tend to be more than 1” edge to edge for a cylinder full. Now, having it hit so the bottom of your group is at POA is easier to do- but you will have occasional bullets that will impact lower. The theory of having your group impact slightly high at 25 yards is solid. Trying to claim .250” high is fallacious- the groups are generally larger than that. Lot to lot variance in the ammo is bigger than .25”. With a fixed sight gun, especially one with that short a sight radius, you are not going to get that solid of a zero. We are not talking a scope sighted rifle here. There are some who can shoot a DA pistol remarkably well. I would agree that having it so it is somewhere around at most 1” high at 25 yards is a useful zero, but you will still need to realize that this is a fixed sight gun and your POI will be a pattern/group based on your technique and ammo. I have no doubt that some folks will be able to hit a 12” target out past 50 yards with it. I really doubt that even someone like Jerry Miculeck would be claiming 1st shot hits on a 12” target with that gun until he had shot it a bit and knew how the ammo lot and where it grouped at the desired distance. It’s about how the ammo and the gun and the shooter work together as to maximum effective range for the pistol, but I doubt it’s possible to precisely sight it in to a specificity of 1/4” at 25 yards generically. | |||
|
| One of Us |
This revolver will be a 7-yard self-defense weapon. It will be a pure bonus if it groups at 25 yards. Back in the day, I could keep a cylinder full of shots in the black at 25 yards with a J-Frame Smith & Wesson or a Colt Detective Special. I would not want to bet money on that happening nowadays. I'm sure this Fitz will do the job at 7 yards. Maybe farther, but as I say, I'm not betting on it. I'll post range results, etc. As I said above, however, what I can do, or even what most of can do, is not the measure of what can be done by the best of us. No way. Some guys and guns defy God, wind and gravity. The 10 ring on an international 25 meter centerfire pistol target is less than two inches in diameter. The inner ten ring, or X-ring, as we call it, is less than one inch. Shooting a center fire pistol, one-handed, off-hand, on his hind legs only, of course, a Turkish champion missed only three points and now holds the world record of 597! Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Some more photos: Fresh from the tank along with a couple of Colt autos:  Nitre blued trigger:  Early in the rust bluing process:  Here you can see the new, spec, trigger and hammer pins:  Attention to detail:  Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Further on the subject of practical accuracy, below is an excerpt from Fitz's book, Shooting. He spent many years in quality control, chiefly accuracy testing, at the Colt factory in Hartford, CT.  You guys really ought to buy and read his book. It is full of this kind of wit and wisdom.  Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
|
| one of us |
In my 4 decades as a instructor I have had many student claim that their firearm was the problem for their poor shooting. Many times I picked their firearm up and showed them that the firearm was not the problem. One day a new recruit was complaining about his issued handgun. So I picked it up and proceeded to shoot a large group. I said your right and issued him a different one. 99 percent of the time it is the shooter not the firearm. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Perfect. Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Gun is looking waaaay nice ! | |||
|
| One of Us |
Rust blue finishing complete:    Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Before:  After:   Can't wait to take it to the range. Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
|
| one of us |
Very nice looking forward to see rounds on paper. | |||
|
one of us |
Wonderful project, very neatly executed. I, too, am eager for your range report, Mike. There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t. – John Green, author | |||
|
| One of Us |
That’s a nice looking pistol! Congrats! I’m interested in how well it shoots as well. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Very nice, I'm looking forward to your range reports as well. | |||
|
| one of us |
Looks great! Do you have a holster in mind? While not traditional leather, I like the Remora holsters for pocket and IWB carry. Check them out. I recommend getting the plush lining. I have them for 4 different handguns both revolvers and semi auto's. Good luck and have fun. Job well done. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Thanks, all. I'm trying to pull together some good ammo. I want to use 225-255 grain semi-wadcutter lead bullets at between 750-850 fps MV, which is about all that's possible in a short barrel but still plenty powerful. As for a holster, I like the Simply Rugged line of holsters. Simply Rugged They are very well made of high-quality leather. The founder started the company because he was having a hard time finding decent holsters for his own large frame revolvers. Believe it or not, Simply Rugged even make holsters that are specifically designed for the Colt New Service Fitz Special! More to follow. Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
|
One of Us |
Simply gorgeous, Mike! I'm also impressed at the turnaround time on all the work, as you started posting just before Thanksgiving last year. That's not what I'd ever expect for that kind of work from any gunsmith. You're a true connoisseur! _____________________________________________________ No safe queens! | |||
|
| One of Us |
Thanks. Here are a couple more photos taken after the side plate and crane lock screws were nitre blued.   I should have it back from Gary next week. Less than four months, start to finish. Can't beat that. Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
|
| one of us |
Bump for a range report. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Awesome gun Mike | |||
|
| One of Us |
Very, very nice ! | |||
|
| One of Us |
Thanks, all. Just back from a safari to Cameroon. Before we left, I did some function testing, and ended up sending the revolver back to Gary for some work on the cylinder latch. It was not a good fit in the sideplate and would not reliably open the cylinder. He is now fixing that. When I get it back, I will head to the range.  Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
|
| one of us |
Any up date. | |||
|
| One of Us |
X 2 | |||
|
| One of Us |
A vintage Colt DA revolver is like a fine Swiss watch. This one is still not ticking quite as reliably as I would like. Work continues on fitting the cylinder latch to the side plate. I am also working on fitting a nylon slider to the underside of the latch as in the later model Colts. In addition, I decided I want the top of the hammer nub checkered for a surer purchase when thumb cocking in single action mode. When it’s all straightened out and I’ve taken it to the range, I’ll be sure to post results! Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
|
| one of us |
looking forward to seeing the results of all the hard work | |||
|
One of Us |
What is the purpose of removing the front of the trigger guard? Mike Legistine actu quod scripsi? Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.  What I have learned on AR, since 2001: 1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken. 2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps. 3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges. 4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down. 5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine. 6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle. 7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions. 8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA. 9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not. 10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact. 11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores. 12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence. 13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances. | |||
|
| one of us |
Supposable for a faster first shot. | |||
|
| One of Us |
Hmmm…Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Mike Legistine actu quod scripsi? Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue. What I have learned on AR, since 2001: 1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken. 2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps. 3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges. 4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down. 5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine. 6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle. 7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions. 8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA. 9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not. 10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact. 11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores. 12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence. 13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances. | |||
|
| One of Us |
I have finally solved my cylinder latch problems. Heading to the range soon and will post results. I gotta tell ya, boys, this revolver now runs slicker than snail snot and I am sure will shoot straight! Mike Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer. | |||
|
| one of us |
If it shoots as good as it looks. It well be a joy to own. | |||
|
| Powered by Social Strata | Page 1 2 3 |
 | Please Wait. Your request is being processed... |
|
The Accurate Reloading Forums THE ACCURATE RELOADING.COM FORUMS Shooting Pistol Shooting Building a Fitz Special - Finished Photos Added
Visit our on-line store for AR Memorabilia