Why skateboard tape on underlug?

[DougB]

I know someone selling a nice full-sized S&W .38 Special revolver with a 6" barrel that has had custom work done on it. It appears to have a custom add-on underlug/weight fitted under the barrel (it looks like it can be removed by loosening a hex screw). Anyway, here's the part that I don't get at all: It has about a 2" long section of the underlug covered with sandpaper-like skateboard tape. It is just ahead of the cylinder. I can't figure it out. I wouldn't think anyone would hold a revolver out ahead of the cylinder (gasses escaping through the cylinder gap would burn your hand, and it wouldn't be comfortable anyway). So, what would this be for? I don't have much experience with target/special-purpose revolvers. This doesn't look like some rookie experiment - the gun is nicely engraved with the name of the guy who did the customization, and looks very nice and near-new. I just can't figure out what the skateboard tape is for. Anyone know?

Thanks

Doug

 

[dbarale]

To keep the gun from sliding when resting on a sandbag or equivalent?

 

[robert garner]

Traction !

ObvioUsly! So it dosn't slip off the perps scalp!
robert

 

[Bula]

Why not ask the seller?

That does seem odd. My guess would be for shooting from a rest.

 

[ZeSpectre]

I would have thought for bench shooting or similar. Don't really know though.

 

[elric]

Perhaps a competition gun, for the competitions where they have to shoot around a wooden barrier (simulated doorframe or window opening, etc?)

This allows you to hold the gun against the barrier and not worry about it sliding around on the wood.

 

[dvnv]

In addition to reducing slippage on barriers, it might help while speed loading.
dvnv

 

[W Turner]

Sounds like it would help prevent wear on that area when shooting around barriers in action games. Just a thought...

W

 

[Stainz]

Even more important, where did he get the 6' barrel??

Sorry!

I do agree with the consensus - it offers some frictional support on barriers, etc. Fortunately, it comes off a SS revolver easily.

Stainz

 

[DougB]

Guys,

Thanks for the thoughts. The barrier idea is possible, but the speedloader idea sounds more likely to me - it seems like it was placed there for gripping, and there may be some quick re-loading technique that calls for gripping the gun at that point. Regarding the question about why I don't ask the owner, the gun is being sold by his widow, so that's not an option. I don't think it hurts the gun at all (it would probably be easy to remove), I'm just curious about its purpose.

Doug

 

[Stainz]

Hmmm, been edited... now it's a 6" barrel - whew, that's manageable!

Re the tape removal. Try 'Goo-b-gone', a citrus-based product. It should not hurt a blued surface. If it is SS, you can use anything - even brake cleaner - just keep it off wood & rubber.

That 'Goo-b-gone' is good - sadly, by the time I generally find my bottle of it, I have forgotten what I was going to use it on. Mad Cow!

Stainz