A Tunnel Rat Revolver?

H

Hard Ball

New member
I keep hearing rumors thet a special revolver was produced to be used by the US Army "Tunnel rats" in Vietnam.
Does anypne have any information about this such as maker, caliber, special characteristics etc?
 
I've only seen pictures and discussions of tunnel experts using 1911s.

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So many pistols, so little money.
 
They were S&W Model 29's (44 Magnum) with shortened barrels; don't remember exactly how short but I think it was 3" or less. My understanding was less than 2 dozen were actually given out to some of the special forces troops.
 
Some info I have read or heard was that the troops had family and friends send them snub-nose .38 for this purpose.

Brave Men!!!

Sgt.K
 
Found this info in the book "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson".
The Tunnel Gun : a highly modified N (29-2) frame with a 1.3" smooth bore barrel, blue finish, chambered for a "very" special .500" noiseless shot shell. Manufactured for armed forces use in Southeast Asia by the A.A.I. Corp. Also called the Tunnel Weapon or "QPSR" (Quiet Special Purpose Revolver). On display at The Military Ordinance Museum, Aberdeen MD. Apr0x. 17 manufactured, 1969.

A noiseless shot shell? Must have been very special indeed.
 
Hello. If memory serves the "noiseless shotshell" was a longer than normal .44 case that had powder beneath a piston of sorts. When fired the piston was forced forward expelling the projectile(s) while it remained contained within the case. I assume the gas pressure bled off from around it. I have no more details than that. Best.
 
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