Merwin Hulbert Revolver
Hopkins & Allen · Pistol · Discontinued · 1876
Also known as: Merwin & Hulbert Frontier Army, Merwin Hulbert Pocket Army
Overview
The Merwin Hulbert Revolver is an American single-action revolver designed by Merwin & Hulbert of New York City and manufactured by Hopkins & Allen of Norwich, Connecticut. Introduced in 1876 with the open-frame Frontier Army model, it is renowned for its unusual twist-open extraction system: releasing a frame catch let the shooter rotate the barrel and cylinder assembly sideways and pull it forward, simultaneously ejecting fired cases while retaining unfired cartridges. Built to exceptionally tight tolerances and often offered with interchangeable barrels, it was prized on the American frontier as one of the finest-made revolvers of its era, chambered for cartridges including the .44-40 Winchester.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1080 g (38.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1175 g (41.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 292 mm (11.50") |
| Barrel Length | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 40 mm (1.57") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 240 m/s (787 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 470 J (347 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Nickel |
Calibers
- .44-40 Winchester · primary — also known as .44-40 WCF, .44 WCF
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Twist Open Extraction, Simultaneous Case Ejection, Interchangeable Barrels, Birds Head Grip
Variants
- Merwin Hulbert Pocket Army — Compact
- Merwin Hulbert Double Action — Double Action
Service history
Operators
- American frontier settlers and lawmen · adopted 1876
Conflicts
- American Old West (1876-1900)
Production
Production years: 1876-1916
Marketed by Merwin & Hulbert of New York; manufactured by subsidiary Hopkins & Allen of Norwich, Connecticut.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Joseph Merwin and the Hulbert Brothers
Discontinued: 1916
Notes
Produced in both single-action and double-action models, with full-size Frontier Army and compact Pocket Army frames. The 3rd Model (1883-1888) added partial cylinder flutes to reduce weight.
Background
The Merwin Hulbert's twist-open design let a rider eject spent brass while keeping live rounds chambered, a clever advantage for reloading on the move. Bass Outlaw, a Texas Ranger turned gunfighter, carried a Merwin & Hulbert Pocket Army revolver.