Merwin & Hulbert Revolvers

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ส.ค. 2015
  • / forgottenweapons
    The Merwin & Hulbert company was a short-lived firearms manufacturing partnership between designer Joseph Merwin and the Hulbert brothers as financiers. Merwin wanted to design a particularly strong and high-quality revolver, and he succeeded - his guns are arguably some of the best revolvers of the frontier era. The company made a wide variety of designs, but in this video I will be sticking to just the Frontier and Pocket Army models. Of particular note is the very clever unloading mechanism!

ความคิดเห็น • 558

  • @ulfhunden
    @ulfhunden 6 ปีที่แล้ว +374

    I have a Merwin Hulbert double action small frame pocket .32 with the hinged trigger spur that my Great Grandfather won in a card game.

    • @jeffreydahmer3995
      @jeffreydahmer3995 5 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      My grandfather had a won a marlin .22 in a card game, my first name is also Merwin

    • @jason127x99
      @jason127x99 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      ulfhunden I've inherited from my father a 4th gen frontier model 44 cal with folding hammer. I've been told a folding hammer in a 44 cal is super rare. Mine also has a nickel finish. Wish it was blue instead. Mine MH is in mint condition too. I looked my MH up in a gun value book and it says it's valued at 7500.00 that was back in 2010. These 44 cal MH bring good money if they're in good condition.i don't think my MH has ever been fired before. No marks on the cylinder from firing it. There's even some Case Harding around the trigger. Beautiful colors. Kinda like the old Colts had.

    • @hrafnafloki1786
      @hrafnafloki1786 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Same here except mine has a property of stamp cause it was a cops back up in denver it's a .32acp

    • @theoneandonlybumpus2862
      @theoneandonlybumpus2862 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      “I got a rock”
      - Charlie Brown

    • @Mygg_Jeager
      @Mygg_Jeager 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jeffreydahmer3995 No it's Jeffrey

  • @Film21Productions
    @Film21Productions 6 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    The pistol is featured in Bone Tomahawk. Patrick Wilson Reloads it correctly in the film.

  • @oolooo
    @oolooo 5 ปีที่แล้ว +712

    You mean to tell me that these ejected themselves faster than a Schofield , had an incredibly strong frame , ejected only the spent brass , were available at reasonable prices , were chambered in 44-40 and one was Double Action at the same action as the SAA was coming out ? .Why were they not popular ? .

    • @winfieldjohnson125
      @winfieldjohnson125 5 ปีที่แล้ว +175

      They were EXPENSIVE!!!! Yes, 4 exclamation point expensive!

    • @RandomPerson8492
      @RandomPerson8492 5 ปีที่แล้ว +110

      That and the company kind of went under from supporting the Evans carbine.

    • @richarddick1980
      @richarddick1980 5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      because why you should spend hundred dollars,when whiskey shot cost 18-25 cents and the most expensive whore is 25 bucks.at the end of 19th and in very early 20th century not much citizens have guns.In Chicago there was leader of the gang with revolver,who never used it in his life because everybody afraid of fire weapon.So when he died actually what is happened that it was never loaded.Funny to say but even policeman not always had revolvers.At least in big cities like Chicago at that period it was simpler to rob a person with knife.
      usually those beautiful pistols just a gift and even regular ones where expensive.Lets take classic colt and it cost was about more than one hundred dollars.There was much more useful ways to spend money than fancy pistol...buy a cattle or a horse.

    • @markd5625
      @markd5625 5 ปีที่แล้ว +93

      @@richarddick1980 What are you talking about? A Colt SAA could be had for about 18 dollars back then.

    • @richarddick1980
      @richarddick1980 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      @@markd5625 yes!but back in the days 18 bucks is like about couple hundreds nowadays.Deringer was sold about 5 bucks with rounds.Isn't it expensive?whiskey-20c.room-1buck.good whore-3 bucks.THE BEST WHORE IN USA AND EUROPE IN CHICAGO WITH ROOM,DRINKS AND BATH FOR WHOLE NIGHT IN LUXURY BORDELLO IS about 15-20-25 bucks.

  • @ltr4300
    @ltr4300 5 ปีที่แล้ว +187

    Man you can literally hear the quality of machining every time you manipulate any part of it, even through video. I had never seen these before. I love the quality and innovation there.

    • @jason127x99
      @jason127x99 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      L TR I got one and I know what he means. Mine really does it good. I can let go of the cylinder and it will fly backwards really fast. That vacuum on the MH is no lie! lol

  • @RockIslandAuctionCompany
    @RockIslandAuctionCompany 8 ปีที่แล้ว +611

    My favorite M&H facts:
    1. Sole revolvers to drop only their spent cartridges.
    2. Only 5% of production were made with a blued finish.
    3. The reloading/disassembly method also made barrel changes quick and easy.

    • @KylleinMacKellerann
      @KylleinMacKellerann 5 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      I've seen a dual barrel M&H in a collection, you could have a 3 1/2"or 7" barrel on your pistol, just change out the barrel/cylinder assy.

    • @jason127x99
      @jason127x99 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Rock Island Auction Company How many 4th gen 4440 with folding hammer? I've got one in almost mint condition.

    • @nathanpinney4230
      @nathanpinney4230 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Kyllein MacKellerann my dad had a 3rd model pocket army with both barrels and matching serial numbers

    • @fhorst41
      @fhorst41 ปีที่แล้ว

      Any idea what these sold for at the auction?

    • @Omnihil777
      @Omnihil777 ปีที่แล้ว

      The Enfield mk1 revolver had a design that drops only spent cartridges, too.

  • @dandan1844
    @dandan1844 3 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    The ability to swap out different length barrels quickly and easily is one more aspect that made these revolvers so unique.

    • @greghardy9476
      @greghardy9476 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Not to mention possible caliber interchangeability!

  • @DreamwalkerFilms
    @DreamwalkerFilms 7 ปีที่แล้ว +427

    Come on Uberti

    • @wizardofahhhs759
      @wizardofahhhs759 5 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Too bad a company like Charter Arms don't make a model of these.

    • @theveteransergeant
      @theveteransergeant 5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      @@wv9mm I feel like the quality of the MH revolvers is often overstated, and from what I've read from reputable sources of actual MH gun owners, that it comes from a book written about the MH which may be little more than propaganda from an enthusiastic author. From a practical standpoint, there wasn't anything about the MH that couldn't, or wouldn't have been duplicated by any of their contemporary manufacturers. A good gun, by all means. A really good one, even.
      I can't imagine Uberti making a "budget" repro of this, and it would take years to recoup the R&D either way. Definitely be priced up near their top-break S&W clones in the $1200+ range just because they'd need many years to recoup the R&D costs. But there's nothing about the MH that wouldn't be immediately and vastly improved by modern steels and manufacturing techniques. Sadly though, I doubt we ever see one. It's just not well known enough to sell through top-dollar prices. Plenty of people know the Model 3, so Uberti will eventually recoup enough on that and the price will decline.

    • @therideneverends1697
      @therideneverends1697 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@theveteransergeant i mean with C&C the reproductions could actually be tighter than the original

    • @theveteransergeant
      @theveteransergeant 5 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      @@therideneverends1697 Absolutely. A modern repro of this gun could be fantastic. I'm just saying that people have often taken Sullivan's book as fact, but there's little about the M&H revolver that was head and shoulders above its contemporaries. The S&W top break is a faster way to extract and load an empty revolver, so the only superiority in the M&H design was that it could retain unfired cartridges. But that wasn't perfect, often needing some "wiggling" to get them to settle back in properly. The new rounds still had to be loaded through the gate like most other revolvers. So you've cut one part of the process out, making it faster than the Colt or Remington, but slower than the top-break S&Ws. Still, the 3rd-Model M&H with the top strap is a fantastic gun for the time.
      I wouldn't say I'd "buy one in a second" because of the likely price, but I'd be sorely tempted.

    • @humorlessclown
      @humorlessclown 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      jtar7242 - you know what this revolver could do? It looks like it could be fired suppressed.
      Now would someone spend 1200 to own and shoot a suppressable revolver in the same caliber as your lever action brush gun? Probably still no but I know what I’m doing if I ever win the Powerball 😎

  • @ianlowcock6913
    @ianlowcock6913 2 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    I encountered one of these when I was 19 (that's 46 years ago). I loved them then and I still do. As a fitter & machinist/engineer I was ecstatic over the quality of design and workmanship. How one came to the colony of Victoria, who knows, but their history really shows that just because your product is excellent, doesn't mean you have a winner.

  • @MarikHavair
    @MarikHavair 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Just watching you manipulate those instruments showed the quality of manufacture, I'm drooling over here. Think I've finally found my favorite classic revolver.

    • @jason127x99
      @jason127x99 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      HSS Revenir if you get one you won't be disappointed at all! The machining is a work of art! I've got a 4th model DA in 4040. With folding hammer. Which is rare in 4040 caliber MH. Lots of the smaller caliber had folding hammers. I have never seen any in 4040 have a folding hammer before. Besides mine.

  • @henrywindsor7037
    @henrywindsor7037 8 ปีที่แล้ว +207

    It really sucks there isn't some company making guns of this same design today. That would be so cool!

    • @Devin_Stromgren
      @Devin_Stromgren 6 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      There was one that somebody tried to start, but it went under before it could produce a single revolver.

    • @Hibernicus1968
      @Hibernicus1968 5 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      @@Devin_Stromgren I remember that company. I exchanged a few emails with the guy who was trying to remake the guns, and I was interested in buying if he managed to make them. He was soliciting down payments to try and help him gather the startup funds, but I didn't bite, given all he was ever able to produce was computer images. No pics of production tools set up in a factory, no pics of partially machined frames and barrels, etc. I had a feeling then that all this would ever be was vaporware, and I was right. Pity, as I'd really love to have a reproduction of an M&H double action pocket army model with the 3 1/2 bbl, and made with modern metallurgy to handle smokeless powder cartridges.

    • @ltr4300
      @ltr4300 5 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      @@Hibernicus1968 I was just reading up on that debacle, found a forum that had posts from that guy who was attempting to produce it...apparently another company that does produce firearms purchased the name and rights and CAD designs, etc and also proceeded to refund the down payments that people thought they'd never see when the whole deal folded, something they probably could have legally wormed out of...so that might seem to indicate a desire to not have the name or assets tarnished by the bad dealings of a former incarnation...which means perhaps at some point you might actually see a product like you wanted. If you're into motorcycles at all you'd recognize some of this kind of story from the saga of Indian motorcycles, which went through problems and failures at the hands of several would-be brand renewers before getting one that actually had the chops to make it stick.

    • @Lowlandlord
      @Lowlandlord 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@Hibernicus1968 Little gun companies like that should really look into Kickstarter or some kind of crowd funding nowadays. A problem Ian and Karl often point out is that the gun community talks bigger than they walk, they say they will buy shit, shit gets made and they don't. Leaves the producers in debt. Down payment at a reasonable price to help the company get going with a reasonable size and reasonable expectations. Can't get the funding, well at least it fails on the website before they buy everything and become in debt themselves.

    • @samhouston1288
      @samhouston1288 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      The problem is that it would be a very niche market, and the guns would not be cheap which would even further reduce the amount of people who would actually buy one of these. It's one thing to say that you want one of these, it's another to plop down $1500-$2000 for one.

  • @PajamaPantsStudios
    @PajamaPantsStudios 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This gun is gorgeous. I’m dumbfounded why this isn’t in more media with how fancy and “tacticool” it would have been with all its features.

  • @YCCCm7
    @YCCCm7 8 ปีที่แล้ว +178

    That design is god damned brilliant. So many small, yet relatively simple mechanisms that not only made the weapon easy to use, but more tactical than competing models. Amazed I haven't heard of these... then again, what else is forgotten weapons for?

    • @rbrtck
      @rbrtck 8 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      +YCCCm7 While its design is undoubtedly very clever and its quality is fantastic, making this one very cool gun that is still underappreciated, I'm not sure that it is appreciably more "tactical" than its main competition. The Smith & Wesson No. 3 is probably the fastest to unload (all at once with the top break) and reload (two cartridges at a time, practically, with all chambers exposed), but even this advantage didn't allow it to dominate over the Colt Single Action Army, which had other advantages in use such as better balance and feel (according to many--in general many people just liked it more), and a hammer that was easier to reach. The Merwin & Hulbert was quicker to unload than the Colt, but not quite as quick as the S&W, and was as slow to load as the Colt. Additionally, it had some of the disadvantages of the S&W, such as its longer hammer reach (I think).
      The fact that the M&H retains unfired cartridges, allowing for topping off, is a neat feature, but I'm not sure how often this would be done in the heat of combat. If it were as simple and convenient as topping off a shotgun or lever-action rifle, then OK, but with the M&H there are two steps and you have rotate the cylinder to the empty chambers, which requires looking through the loading gate.
      As for fame among the public today, the Colt SAA likely won out because most movie and TV westerns featured it, and that was probably because most people think it's the nicest-looking revolver. The S&W No. 3 and its ilk were also rather popular in real life and were favored by many, including some in the military, for their reloading speed, but even it hasn't garnered much notoriety among the public, so the M&H really has no chance.

    • @paulw6057
      @paulw6057 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@rbrtck Funny, I prefer the look of the S&W, M&H and certain British revolvers of the period to the Colts; the Pocket Army (birdshead) M&H and the New Model no. 3 S&W in particular.

  • @krmould
    @krmould 8 ปีที่แล้ว +389

    Wow, another "Forgotten Weapon" that I have never heard of but which is facinating to learn about. Great job Ian.

    • @arvidlevinsno
      @arvidlevinsno 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yap

    • @recondogohome360
      @recondogohome360 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I know!! I can’t wait to start this video but I can’t stop jacking off!!!

  • @nicholaspatton5590
    @nicholaspatton5590 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I saw that second gun and thought it was worn or dirty. You tilted it into the light and I saw a little portrait of a harbor with a dock, lighthouse, and sail boat. And then tons of floral art. That gun is beautiful!

  • @ShawarmaFarmer
    @ShawarmaFarmer 8 ปีที่แล้ว +232

    That Elmer Keith cough was pretty hot

    • @winfieldjohnson125
      @winfieldjohnson125 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      What's with the Elmer Keith cough? I've never heard of that.

    • @KickyFut
      @KickyFut 5 ปีที่แล้ว +31

      Ah! Elmer "Don't Call Me Fudd" Keith, the father(?) of the Magnum bullet! A man known for developing bullets that were overloaded with gunpowder which challenged the strength of the weapons they were used in... 😓
      Thanks, I couldn't understand the cough name.😅

    • @emiliochavez5121
      @emiliochavez5121 5 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Winfield Johnson Elmer Keith is an old timer who would hand load his rounds super hot to test the capabilities of the bullet and gun...
      he innovated the .357 magnum round by stuffing a .38 special almost full with modern powder...then he made the casings longer so people wouldn’t blow there guns apart by accidentally chambering what was, at the time, the most powerful hand gun cartridge in the world.

    • @winfieldjohnson125
      @winfieldjohnson125 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@emiliochavez5121 Yes, I know all that, but what is with this ,"Elmer Keith Cough"......?

    • @warphammer
      @warphammer 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@winfieldjohnson125 For a critical part of the story (and why Ian said that).... th-cam.com/video/3t5X8f__vpk/w-d-xo.html

  • @asdatrollys8944
    @asdatrollys8944 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Why have these things slipped under the radar… these things are incredible

  • @NiteReepa
    @NiteReepa 8 ปีที่แล้ว +67

    I genuinly chuckled at the Elmer Keith cough

  • @ayebraine
    @ayebraine 8 ปีที่แล้ว +69

    That's incredible. Such an exquisite, elegant design! A mechanical wonder. Although the single-loading hurts it against later top break or swing cylinder desings, everything else just looks that more refined, modern and sleek than any of the "classic" revolvers that remained unchanged to this day. Double action, selective ejection, rock-solid locking and load-bearing... Can't believe I missed this installment of FW. Thank you!

    • @kevinsullivan3448
      @kevinsullivan3448 7 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      In the days of loading gates (when these were produced) this was the faster reloading pistol.

  • @frederickwise5238
    @frederickwise5238 8 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    One of my neighbors had two of these. He said the one was in 38 and the other was in 44-40. In 1975 they were immaculate with no pitting or surface blemishes that I saw (tho I did not handle them myself). Both were frontier 3rd models with top strap and longer barrel.Something Ian doesn't speak about which my neighbor explained and demonstrated with loads and emptys. The feature was extremely valuable to a cavalryman. The gun could be emptied and reloaded or "topped off" at full gallop. Empties would fall out AND any unfired would NOT.Someone below asks the question why couldnt it be loaded with the cylinder forward. BECAUSE the cartridge rims had to index on that inner ring for later extraction.

    • @farmerboy916
      @farmerboy916 8 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      He did talk about that.

  • @keithlivingston1221
    @keithlivingston1221 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have one of these, had no idea what it was or what it was worth... the craftsmanship is no joke as you are saying... I also have other modern high end firearms and the craftsmanship from them are still not as well made as this revolver...Just an incredible piece of history, I really enjoy looking at it thinking about how the highest and strictest quality control back then was taken seriously 100%...

  • @donludlow4617
    @donludlow4617 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I would love to have one. A double action would make a good carry gun today. 44-40 is cool.

  • @georgegonzalez-rivas3787
    @georgegonzalez-rivas3787 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Cool. Learned something new. And I'm replacing my Schofield-.45 gunfighter daydream with a M&H double action Frontier on my hip in a Mexican holster and an M&W Model 3 army in a shoulder holster. And I desperately want Uberti to make one!

  • @sanfordhoffman2392
    @sanfordhoffman2392 8 ปีที่แล้ว +149

    The Elmer Keith was one of the highlights of the video. Lol

    • @HeatherSpoonheim
      @HeatherSpoonheim 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +Sanford Hoffman Missed that - thanks for mentioning - got me off to wiki - meaning I learned more. :D

    • @sanfordhoffman2392
      @sanfordhoffman2392 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Heather Spoonheim Glad I could help in the learning process. Interesting story. Responsible for the .357 magnum.

    • @HeatherSpoonheim
      @HeatherSpoonheim 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      +Sanford Hoffman Yeah, read the whole wiki page about him - interesting character for certain.

    • @sanfordhoffman2392
      @sanfordhoffman2392 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      Heather Spoonheim Very true. I'm not sure if I've even read the wiki article on him. I'll have to take a look myself. :)

    • @NonApplicable1983
      @NonApplicable1983 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I actually missed that on the first five times I watched this video.

  • @spyder335
    @spyder335 2 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    the tolerances on these are incredible, most modern fitters would struggle to machine that well.

    • @monkeyman122009
      @monkeyman122009 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Pietta and uberti still don't make guns this good

  • @mtslyh
    @mtslyh 8 ปีที่แล้ว +69

    Best channel on TH-cam for anyone who loves old revolvers like these. Thank you so much for all you do.

    • @TonyMontana-zk6ib
      @TonyMontana-zk6ib 8 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      +Treasure Pirate
      Yes. Old revolvers, pistols, rifles, machine guns, accessories, mortars, artillery, belt buckle guns and god damed key hole gun.

    • @paullytle1904
      @paullytle1904 7 ปีที่แล้ว

      Tony Montana even spaceguns

  • @lemoncurry351
    @lemoncurry351 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I love finding out about obscure weapons from the cowboy era. I hope ian keeps finding more pieces of history like this to educate us on!

  • @diasirea
    @diasirea 8 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    Clemenza, in Godfather 2 (or the better, longer Godfather Saga), carried a Merwin & Hulbert in scenes as youth.
    Really neat pistol. A few years ago some gun mags had articles on the "soon to be available" repros. Likely reality made them cost prohibitive.

    • @jason127x99
      @jason127x99 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      diasirea Big Valley had and few MH in it.

    • @KC.45
      @KC.45 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      diasirea Red Dead Revolver

    • @duanesamuelson2256
      @duanesamuelson2256 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      As a reproduction this would be a very inexpensive proposition for the gun itself (ignoring the engraving). From what I saw during the break down there would have been relatively few steps for CNC machining.

    • @ATruckCampbell
      @ATruckCampbell 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@duanesamuelson2256 Considering they were made back then and still reasonably priced, they are surely even cheaper to make now.

  • @francescofissore161
    @francescofissore161 6 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I'm lucky having got one original Merwin Hulbert revolver, a 'Frontier' single action model from early 1878, in .44 M & H, with standard handle (not 'bird-head' shape) in great condition with 95% of shiny nickel. Truly a mechanical masterpiece, fantastic to say the least. That vacuum thing indeed does exist, you guys keen on firearms can believe me !!
    Just the price for it (bought here in Italy from a gunshop owner) was equal to three of my monthly pays, but patience - glad I made it along the time, gun is worth any of my spare minutes to fully enjoy.
    Hope before too long being able to get another one, but could be a double-action one with top-strapped frame - same seller. However this time price is going to be somehow a real 'issue' ah ah... will see though.
    Thanx so much for this top interesting video - greetings from Italy. Frank.

  • @FinflazodeTurroai
    @FinflazodeTurroai 2 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Now this is a very clever and strong gun. Very well made, too.

  • @loganpollock1689
    @loganpollock1689 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It was popular in the east as well. It was sometimes referred to as the 'Shop Keeper' or 'Watchman' because of its popularity with merchants and policemen.

  • @LNoHandle
    @LNoHandle 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ingenious design from an older era... I hope information like this survives to inspire inventors thousands of years in the future.

  • @The10mmcure
    @The10mmcure 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I've seen guns like this in books when I was young but I never knew about their operation. They're a really cool design that someone should have picked up and carried on in other companies after Merwin died.

    • @jason127x99
      @jason127x99 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Rawhead Rex I agree! What a shame to let that design go to waste! I'm surprised Colt didn't buy the MH design and incorporate that design Into their firearms.

  • @alfredmorency8296
    @alfredmorency8296 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This was a particularly good video. I had a chance to handle and fire one of the double-action guns when I was 13 or so, it made enough of an impression that I remember it clearly 44 years later. The owner was of the opinion that it was the best revolver of its time, I didn't know enough at the time ( I knew quite a bit about firearms in general but this was totally outside my experience) to have an opinion but now I would agree.

  • @Jackedhobbit
    @Jackedhobbit 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I’ve never heard of these before but man do I love them. Such a cool design.

  • @haerfgvbag7050
    @haerfgvbag7050 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Such beautiful revolvers

  • @alexmarshall3815
    @alexmarshall3815 8 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    So much better than most other revolvers of the period!

  • @FredDude27
    @FredDude27 8 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    A double-action Hulbert was used by character "Clell" in the 1980 movie "The Long Riders".

    • @dankoblinski3441
      @dankoblinski3441 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yeah Randy Quaid played as Clell Miller....however I was told the real Clell Miller carried two Smith & Wesson Schofield SA 44.40 revolvers that were chrome-plated.

    • @markd5625
      @markd5625 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@dankoblinski3441 The Schofield contract started in 1875, Miller was dead in 1876. I doubt he would have live long enough to have got a Schofield. It was most likely another S&W No. 3 he carried. Pretty sure they would have been nickle plated, not chrome.

  • @artemischurchill7057
    @artemischurchill7057 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was reminded of a revolver I restored for a friend, the H&A Safety Police in .32 S&W caliber made around 1907. There are similarities.

  • @jansirkia3809
    @jansirkia3809 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Did not know these precious revolvers existed. They are truly beautiful. Thanks for your (as always) great presentation!

  • @burgtaylor3469
    @burgtaylor3469 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had no idea they so well built.

  • @jesusoftheapes
    @jesusoftheapes 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    that is the finest revolver I have ever seen in the solid frame short barrel that did not sell . If that gun was made in 357 magnum today or any caliber really I would own several . Man that would be a great pistol action with modern ammo like 357 mag !

  • @Sedan57Chevy
    @Sedan57Chevy 8 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Please do more on these revolvers. First time I saw one was in Godfather Part II in the flashback half of the movie set in the early 20th century and I fell in love. These have to be some of the most gorgeous handguns ever built and I would absolutely love to own one.

    • @jason127x99
      @jason127x99 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Sedan57Chevy I got one and they are well built just as good or even better than a Colt SAA. I've got a few of them too.

  • @jasonkent3658
    @jasonkent3658 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    A great weapon with a ton of advantages the only drawback that I can think of if ever needed to do a fast reload the barrel would be hot as hell to handle

  • @achloist
    @achloist 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'd heard of the guns, but I'd no idea they were so well made. Really beautiful gun.

  • @dennisswartz4937
    @dennisswartz4937 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have one of these in a .32 short. Very interesting little gun that came to me with interesting story from prohibition era. It is very tight and in great condition with 85-90% nickel plate and is a double action.

  • @reedpond6867
    @reedpond6867 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    They are great shooters. My Grandfathers 44-40 M&H's were accurate, very accurate!!! These were the guns that got me started in reloading revolver ammo!!! That 44-40 case was a real bear to reload for. I learned all about attention to detail reloading for the 44-40!!!

  • @RTRFriendorpho
    @RTRFriendorpho ปีที่แล้ว

    Just inherited a M&H .38 pocket revolver. These are awesome old west guns.

  • @Cascademenace
    @Cascademenace 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    These revolvers just look robust and confidence inspiring.

  • @andrewince8824
    @andrewince8824 8 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Absolutely amazing design and craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing this with us Ian

  • @TonyMontana-zk6ib
    @TonyMontana-zk6ib 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    These guns seems to be ingenious designs. Excellent unloading capabilities, i wonder why these haven't seen the limelight. I guess there wasn't an internet on those days so people could communicate and compare different available models.

  • @kg6qzx
    @kg6qzx 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm with you....Merwin & Hulbert guns were some of the finest guns made. It's so nice to see an "original" gun on TH-cam as most videos show reproductions...there is nothing like an original gun from the old west. They all have a unique personality and so much history. All that is lost when you are looking at a reproduction. Your videos are very informative and professional. I even learn things I didn't know when I watch. Thank You for taking the time to post these fine videos.

  • @borisdorofeev5602
    @borisdorofeev5602 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Amazing design. Beautiful looking pistols.

  • @gregszy8575
    @gregszy8575 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am moderate gun enthusiast and most of my interest is in its mechanics. You explain it greatly and in simple way. I love your videos. Thank you very very much.

  • @Beemer917
    @Beemer917 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow , I have really gained an appreciation of these pistols from watching this video. I had never heard of them before. Thx Ian

  • @NostalgiaBrit
    @NostalgiaBrit 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This channel has rapidly become my all-time favourite YT channel! 🥰❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️

  • @GinSoakedBoy
    @GinSoakedBoy 6 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Had to revisit this video. Gorgeous guns, and from everything I read and hear about them, terrific quality too. That solid frame pocket army in particular would seem like a winner. Alas...

  • @sanfordhoffman2392
    @sanfordhoffman2392 8 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Ian, good job with showing those weapons. Sometimes the best doesn't always mean the most successful. That's a shame. Those are incredibly fine pistols. Extreme high quality for their time. Or any time for that matter. Thanks for the education on these weapons.

    • @jason127x99
      @jason127x99 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sanford Hoffman I've got both Colt SAA and MH and I agree MH is way better built. Not to say Colt is bad.

  • @ab5olut3zero95
    @ab5olut3zero95 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Fantastically beautiful pieces! would sincerely be interested in a modern reproduction.

  • @jamieweirdworld
    @jamieweirdworld 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As mentioned in other comments, a reproduction version of these revolvers would be awesome. Amazing design.

  • @SDeww
    @SDeww 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    the mechanics are really impressive!.

  • @teddyteeth
    @teddyteeth 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the great presentation on the superb collection of Merwin & Hulbert pistols. I was looking for details on these pistols as friend of mine in the States showed me his Merwin & Hulbert on Skype last night (it belonged to his wifes Grandfather, it's the early square butt Frontier version. It certainly was an advanced design for that era. Thanks again much appreciated.

  • @jimmelnyk7506
    @jimmelnyk7506 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Thanks for this video. I have often heard of the Merwin & Hulberts but have never seen this detailed information. Great video.

  • @celestialfix
    @celestialfix 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks Ian. Another excellent video. There was some talk of a manufacturer remaking the M&H and I think they even took some deposits on the first guns, but whichever firm it was they got cold feet, didn't go forward with remaking it, and returned the deposit money. Too bad, the cowboy action market would have loved it, but of course it would had a higher price point due to the unconventional, but superior, M&H design.

  • @kenhelmers2603
    @kenhelmers2603 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I wonder what it would take to do new production of those..... Thanks Ian and RIA for sharing these with us.

    • @greytallcloud5695
      @greytallcloud5695 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Around 2750 just factory cost, that was a low estimate to get investors. The other issue was some of the parts are hand fitted and they don't have any tolerance schematics the factory burned down around turn of 1900s and they lost all records, the model I have is the only one known to exist.

  • @dernachtschreck830
    @dernachtschreck830 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Never heard of that and I am fascinated how clever that unloadmechanic is. Impressive design!

  • @LG47LW579s
    @LG47LW579s 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Never heard of Merwin and Hulbert before. Very interesting design. Great!

  • @stayvigilant2334
    @stayvigilant2334 8 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Beautiful firearms, the mechanical workings are just ingenious!!! Excellent video👍

  • @milgeekmedia
    @milgeekmedia 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Looking at these you can sort of imagine how they would have ultimately developed if the company had survived. Already, in these early handguns, there were some very modern looking aesthetics. If you imagine the gate loading replaced by a 'swing-out' cylinder, the double action models were already on the path to the twentieth century! The pocket model is like the grand father of the detective model revolver!

  • @joebenzz
    @joebenzz 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Uberti or Pietta should make those

  • @IRMentat
    @IRMentat 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Loading aside, these look fantastic.

  • @STB-jh7od
    @STB-jh7od 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I read about these many years ago, and always wondered how it expelled only the fired shots. Thanks for demonstrating that.

  • @youtoob4life
    @youtoob4life 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I don't know why, but I really love that unloading mechanic. I would love to own one of those some day. Fun and interesting video again! Thanks :D

  • @LunchBXcrue
    @LunchBXcrue 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I'm amazed at the ingenuity of some people. They're pieces of art I say.

  • @John-ww6li
    @John-ww6li 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thank you Ian, for reviewing my favorite Old West revolver. I've long wanted to own a 3rd. model DA Merwin & Hulbert revolver, with the two barrel set (3.5" and 7") in .44-40 Win. What a sweet set-up that would make.
    The S & W 2nd. model DA revolver, also in .44-40 comes a close second behind the Merwin. It would be great to see you do a shooting comparison between the large frame M & H and the S & W of the same size, calibre and DA pattern. Is there any chance of this happening one day?

  • @pommel47
    @pommel47 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    And I thought I could no longer be amazed and enthralled. Fantastic piece of engineering and machining.

  • @wullgrew1
    @wullgrew1 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    One of my all time favorites. The precision of the machining absolutely floors me.

    • @ifitsfreeitsforme1852
      @ifitsfreeitsforme1852 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Considering what they had to work with back then, the precision is impressive.

  • @damirblazevic7364
    @damirblazevic7364 8 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    WOW!!!! These are absolutley STUNNING!!!!!Another phenomenal video, Ian. You are really doing a fantastic work. Absolutely perfect, and I thoroughly enjoy every one of your videos. They are always very informative and I've learned something new every time I've watched one.Congratulations, and keep up the good work, guys.

  • @GeorgiaDawgAthens
    @GeorgiaDawgAthens 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    05/12/18
    Received my copy of "Guns of the Old West" magazine yesterday and began reading it today. One of the articles is "Godless Guns" by Larry Ford which details some of the guns used in the Netflix series "Godless" and, one of the guns mentioned by the author was a Merwin Hulbert revolver. While I would never identify myself as anyone other than amateur on guns, I would have expected at age 68 to have, at least, heard of this gun model. Came to TH-cam to see if it was reviewed by someone. Yes!
    Forgotten Weapons, this has been an OUTSTANDING review! Thank you! I now have a clearer understanding of Ford's explanation. Liked/subscribed/belled.
    Now, I will look up this 7-part miniseries on Netflix.

  • @troy9477
    @troy9477 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wow. I only knew a little about these. What beautiful build quality. Wasn't there another revolver design that pulled forward to extract? Can't remember the name. Too bad the military never bought any. I could see the 3.5" being used as the General Officers' Pistol. A gun that size would have been ideal as a second gun for a gunfighter- just compact enough. Decent for concealed carry in town too. Great video. Outstanding vintage guns

  • @Snandra66
    @Snandra66 8 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Nice looking guns, look reliable too.

  • @freemarketjoe9869
    @freemarketjoe9869 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I own a Merwin & Hulbert spur trigger 3rd model with skull crusher handle, short barrel, medium frame in .38. The rumored production of all variants of these fine guns is less than 6000, not a very high number, considering S&W made about half a million revolvers before 1900 alone. It’s also easy to prove these are pre 1899 antiques, no license required to own, because the company went out of business in the late 80s. I can confirm the quality is a thing to behold. Built like a bank vault.

  • @jakeshaw6827
    @jakeshaw6827 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Out of all of the handguns I've seen on here this has to be my favourite the mechanics are just awesome

  • @DrGun-re1kd
    @DrGun-re1kd 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for posting this video of some of the more unusual, but well made and designed, revolvers of the old west.

  • @crazyfvck
    @crazyfvck 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love the look and size of that 2nd gun.. So awesome. But also so expensive... Damn :(
    Thanks for the video Ian :)

    • @jason127x99
      @jason127x99 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      crazyfvck yep! The 4440 calibers bring a good premium. I paid for a 4th gen frontier back in 07 for 4500.00. Last time I looked into its value it was 7500.00. That's also a good in mint condition too

  • @connor_mosteller8668
    @connor_mosteller8668 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Oh my god those were so ahead of there time and super under rated

  • @bauer431
    @bauer431 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Coughs* ("Elmer Keith") Pure gold Sir, pure gold

  • @tommyboy6267
    @tommyboy6267 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love a good history lesson and enjoy owning and shooting firearms. Your channel is a perfect fit. Gonna binge watch a butt load of these. Thanks for the fascinating and absorbing video. Subscribed!

  • @jamesellsworth9673
    @jamesellsworth9673 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for showcasing some splendid machine work and hand gun design.

  • @lordpelvis63954
    @lordpelvis63954 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ian.....its time for a new video on these revolvers.
    Ive watched this one like 3 times.

  • @motocross_cooper
    @motocross_cooper 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a Firearm Masterpiece. Merwin had such a creative and functional superior designing ability. Extracting only the spent cartridges is simply Brilliant. If he had lived longer, We definitely would have had many other unbelievably cool firearms. I'm so glad you showed these pistols. I've been into firearms my whole life and never knew these revolvers existed and never seen this type of revolver reloading system. Thank you for introducing me to this fascinating and beautiful firearm.

  • @Jesses001
    @Jesses001 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Why did I only having a passing knowledge of the existence of these before? That is a great system. I think I like it better than the Scholfield.

  • @Ki113r210
    @Ki113r210 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    this whole video i get going "holy cow!" these guns are fantasticly designed! i cant believe iv never heard of these before and seeing them makes me ITCH to get a pair of the model 3 pocket armys for CAS. if uberti doesnt make reproductions of these i pray to god they decide to soon because they are so... just so awesome!

  • @petervollhiem3109
    @petervollhiem3109 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome video. What an epic design and manufacture of an western era revolver. I handled one a long time ago and was amazed at the high quality machining and design. Thank you Ian.

  • @KorbinX
    @KorbinX 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    have to say that second model is an awesome handgun! good video Ian

  • @michaelweedmark2774
    @michaelweedmark2774 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Damn, i think these might be my new favourite old revolvers, up with the colt navy.

  • @elpoderdelasgalaxias
    @elpoderdelasgalaxias 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Old favourites of mine.

  • @stephenarling1667
    @stephenarling1667 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    That extremely close tolerance pin is like the close tolerance air bulb and timer pistons used on some camera shutters of the late 19th - early 20th century.

  • @HunterShows
    @HunterShows 8 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    The frightened deer gun didn't sell?? It looks so nice.

    • @TonyMontana-zk6ib
      @TonyMontana-zk6ib 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      +HunterShows
      If somebody refinished it and show it to me , i would say its a 80's design.

    • @Poleson
      @Poleson 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It probably didn't meet the seller's reserve price.

  • @heroesytumbas
    @heroesytumbas 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Amazing, love the frontier model.

  • @arnomaas6452
    @arnomaas6452 8 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    ..bless you Ian !