Sorry for the belated start of Wheelgun Wednesday. Today, we have a couple of revolvers from the late John Nowlin Sr., a gunsmith better known for his semi-pistols and match barrels.
First up is a Smith & Wesson Model 64 modified for Bianchi Cup/NRA Action Pistol competition.
Second is a hard-chromed Smith & Wesson Model 25-2 modified for Bowling Pin shooting. Note that the cylinder has been shortened to reduce the free-bore jump of the projectile from the case mouth to the barrel throat. The underlug is interchangeable. This looks to be an early conversion as Nowlin later offered a “Master Blaster” kit with an expansion chamber compensator.
Scattered Shots 
On the first revolver, what’s up with the monstrous metal block behind the stock front sight? Is that to mount a “red dot height” front sight? If so, how? I don’t see a dovetail or anything like that.
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The first block behind the compensator is a finger stop to facilitate the barricade clamp hold used by Bianchi Cup shooters. The larger block to the rear is an optics mount. Presumably, it is taller to offset the optic above the shooter’s fingers when the barricade hold is used.
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That makes sense. Thanks.
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