The .32 and .38 calibre revolvers with 5½-in. barrels and folding hammer are nicely balanced arms, and when properly sighted are capable of doing fine work; but, unfortunately, they are double action, and while this feature may be a desirable point in revolvers for defence, for target-practice, or fine shooting, it is a detriment rather than an advantage; but this firm also makes a single action with a regular hammer in .38 calibre, in which the trigger-pull can be brought to a state of smoothness and firmness which, if the arm is handled by a good shot, will show excellent work.
The Army revolver is made in single and double action, with and without the folding hammer. Most of the army models are chambered to take the Winchester rifle cartridge, .44 calibre, holding 40 grains of powder and 200 grains of lead, although a special cartridge, specially prepared for the Mexican trade, is supplied.
Each American revolver described in this paper has special points of excellence which commend themselves to the investigator, and are appreciated by revolver-shooters; and there are a number of excellent features in the Merwin, Hulbert, & Co.’s revolver not found in other arms, which make it, in many cases, the favorite revolver of fine marksmen.
The Merwin, Hulbert, & Co.’s revolver has been thoroughly tested by the Government Ordnance Board, which reports as follows on its tests of a six-shot, .42-calibre, 7-inch barrel revolver, weight, 2 pounds 11½ ounces, using a charge of 23 grains of powder and a 252-grain bullet:—
Regular Tests.—One round was fired from each chamber by the exhibitor. The revolver worked satisfactorily.
Dismounting and Assembling.—The time required to completely dismount the revolver was 8 minutes 15 seconds, and that for assembling, 14 minutes.
Initial Velocities.—Ten shots were fired, and the initial velocities determined by the Boulengé chronograph: Extreme variation, 77; mean, 20.′3.
Penetration and Recoil.—Mean of five shots: Penetration, 45; recoil, 74.
Tests for Accuracy.—Ten rounds were fired for accuracy, at 25 yards, and also at 100 yards. A fixed rest was used. The results were as follows for ten shots: Mean horizontal deviation, 2.″9; mean vertical deviation, 4.″2; mean absolute deviation, 5.″1.
Rapidity of Loading and Ejecting.—Time required to fire 18 shots, commencing and ending with chambers empty: 1 minute 45 seconds.