I believe they were also called "Smolts" and there were "Cougers", the latter being a Ruger with a Python barrel.

What they had going for them over a full Python or S&W I don't know, after custom gunsmithing, but they looked cool.

Why would an "Historic Museum" have an Italian reproduction on display?

When I saw the subject title "A Coffinmaker inspired project"  I KNEW it was going to be a snubby! 

Looks great.  I especially like the transition to the round barrel.

nor could I see them

I know this type of gun isn't most people's cup o' tea. And that's okay. But for some reason I gravitate to the shorter barreled guns. Maybe it's because I know that my eyes are bad and getting worse, and the long distance pistol shot is out of the question. Maybe I just think they look sinister and cool. Maybe it makes it easier for my 16 year old daughter to wield. Maybe it's all of the above!

I've always admired the pistols created by our very own Coffinmaker. I share his penchant for the shorties. After seeing the engraved Dance pistols he did, I knew I had to create one of my own. This is the start of that project. Eventually I'll remove the recoil shields to make them actual Dance guns. But for now, the project is at least a functioning pistol.




It's not really a true "Snubby" or "Belly Gun". The barrel is a tad under 3 1/2" long. You'll notice I elected to leave the loading lever on too. You're probably thinking that it's absolutely useless at that length. But with a extension cheater bar on it, It works just fine. You'll also notice there's no latch. I took my inspiration for that directly from Coffinmakers guns.  I pinched the lug where the lever attaches, and it's not going anywhere.




I also put a little crown on the barrel, and put a brass blade sight on it.





So that's where the project is at right now. I will also be reworking the tail of the grip frame, to more closely look like the originals. As the project progresses, I'll post updates here.

Thanks to Coffinmaker for the inspiration on this one.