Merwin Hulbert Pocket Model

Hopkins & Allen · Revolver · Discontinued · 1880

Also known as: Merwin & Hulbert Pocket Model, Merwin Hulbert Double Action .38, Merwin Hulbert Medium Frame Pocket Revolver

Overview

The Merwin Hulbert Pocket Model is an American medium-frame double-action revolver designed by Merwin, Hulbert & Co. of New York City and manufactured by Hopkins & Allen of Norwich, Connecticut. Chambered for the proprietary .38 Merwin & Hulbert cartridge in a five-shot cylinder, it scaled the firm's signature twist-open simultaneous-extraction system down to a concealable urban package. A top strap over the cylinder added strength, and the saw-handle grip with two-piece hard-rubber stocks made it popular with police and civilians who wanted a pocketable defensive arm during the 1880s.

Specifications

Weight (empty)570 g (20.1 oz)
Weight (loaded)615 g (21.7 oz)
Overall Length215 mm (8.46")
Barrel Length89 mm (3.50")
Height120 mm (4.72")
Width35 mm (1.38")
Action TypeRevolving
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeDouble Action
Magazine Capacity5 rounds
Magazine TypeRevolving Cylinder
Muzzle Velocity210 m/s (689 fps)
Muzzle Energy210 J (155 ft·lbf)
Effective Range25 m (27 yd)
Maximum Range100 m (109 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialHard Rubber
FinishNickel

Calibers

Features

Production

Production years: 1880-1888

Manufactured by Hopkins & Allen during Merwin, Hulbert & Co.'s operational period before the firm became Hulbert Brothers & Co. in 1888.

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: Merwin, Hulbert & Co.

Discontinued: 1888

Notes

Offered with 3.5" and 5.5" barrels, with a small number built with a 2.75" barrel. The same medium frame was also chambered in .32 M&H for an even more compact pocket revolver.

Background

Merwin Hulbert revolvers were celebrated as some of the finest-machined handguns of the American West, and the medium-frame Pocket Model brought their distinctive twist-open extraction to city dwellers and police who needed a discreet, fast-reloading sidearm.