Opening the Merwin, Hulbert, & Co. Revolver.
There are a number of different models manufactured with and without the folding hammer. In .32, .38, and .44 calibre there are barrels from 3 inches to 5½ inches in length, with five and seven chambers, with the regular hammer, the .38 and .44 calibre. This firm also makes a solid frame revolver of cheap grade.
In inspecting the revolvers made by this firm, there will be found a number which are not adapted to fine shooting, but would be classed as short-range weapons of defence, or pocket-revolvers. Those with the 3½-inch barrels would never be selected by the person desiring accuracy at any distance beyond a few yards. But the .32 and .38 calibres, with a 5½-inch barrel, are considered by many as very fine shooting weapons. Cuts 3 and 4 .32 target revolvers, with extra barrel for converting into a pocket-revolver.
It is evident that Merwin, Hulbert, & Co.’s action possesses greater strength than most of the revolver-actions on the market. It also permits of being taken apart with ease and despatch, which enables the user to clean the barrel and cylinder in the most thorough manner, as it is known by all who have shot revolvers for fine results that this operation is absolutely necessary, with the present ammunition on the market, to secure fine work.
Revolver open, showing manner of ejecting shells.
After cleaning, the arm can be quickly assembled; more so, it is thought, than any American revolver. It can be loaded very quickly by pressing the button under the frame towards the guard, turning the barrel outward, and drawing forward, when the shell falls out, the action rapidly closed, the gate pushed downward, and fresh cartridges inserted. The rapidity of operation of this arm can hardly be credited until one witnesses the revolver manipulated by a person familiar with its operation.
A very noticeable point about this weapon is the ability to combine a target-revolver with a pocket-revolver, as with a number of the models two barrels are supplied: one 5½-in. and the other 3 or 3½-in. barrel.