Twist and Pull

by
posted on February 10, 2012
201221094843-twistpull_m.jpg

Not long ago in this blog, I mentioned the folding hammer on the Merwin, Hulbert revolvers. In doing so, I noted the interesting twist and pull system of selective ejection used on these guns. Several readers wrote to ask about that feature. I'm happy to once again talk about one of my two favorite odd-ball firearms that really differ from the norm. Merwin, Hulbert revolvers were Frontier-era wheelguns and contemporaries of the Colt, S&W and Remington big-bores that we all recognize.

Made in three different frame sizes, Merwin, Hulberts (we'll call them just Merwins for brevity) were manufactured to a very high order of fit and finish. Had these guns not been such precision instruments, they would not have worked at all. That's because the ejection/extraction system was so finely fitted that close tolerances were essential. In a time when Colt made solid frame revolvers and S&W made hinged frames, Merwins were made with what some authorities have called a “jointed” frame. This was necessary to make the system work. The gun consisted of three major assemblies, the first being a more-or-less typical cylinder with ratchet at the rear side. The main frame was a one-piece forging fitted with lockwork parts and a loading gate on the right side. Basically, this was the butt of the gun, as well as most of the frame. There was a cylinder axis fitted to the main frame. The third unit was the barrel, to include the top strap over the cylinder. Part of the barrel was a lug at the rear end, which engaged a recess in the frame. This happened at a point right under the rear sight. There was a similar joint at the lower front corner of the frame.

It worked like this. The shooter loaded the gun through a slide-open loading gate at the rear end. After firing, he extracted the fired rounds in a manner that can be accomplished about a hundred times faster than I can describe it. Our Merwin shooter grasps the barrel of the gun with an overhand grip and thumb along the lower edge of the gun, just forward of the trigger guard. Pushing rearward with the thumb on the cylinder latch, he rotates the barrel 90 degrees clockwise and pulls the barrel/cylinder unit forward on its axis pin. An internal stop lug limits travel to just over the length of a fired case. The six rounds in the cylinder are held back by a ring, so the shooter essentially pulls the cylinder away from the cartridges. The fired cartridges fall away with a shake of the hand. Loaded rounds have their bullet ends in the chambers and remain in place. Thus, extraction is selective; only the fired rounds leave the gun. Reverse the sequence to close the action.

The problem with the Merwin line is that it was prohibitively expensive in the long haul, some 50 to 60 percent more than its competitors. Collectors now appreciate the Merwin, Hulbert & Co. revolvers for what they are—superb examples of American gunmaking.

Latest

RETAILBI Q1 2025 QUARTERLY REPORT 4 18 25 11
RETAILBI Q1 2025 QUARTERLY REPORT 4 18 25 11

Report Shows Inventory, Prices Have Dropped At Firearm Retailers

Nearly all gun and related gear inventories at retailers dropped in the last 12 months. So have most prices paid at the counter, according to the year-over-year comparison detailed in the latest RetailBI report.

Preview: Fix It Sticks Model 700 Quick Action Brush

For owners of Remington 700-pattern rifles, Fix It Sticks now offers one such specialty tool designed to clean those hard-to-reach recesses of the Remington receiver.

The Return Of The Taurus 58

Taurus has re-introduced its Model 58 semi-automatic handgun in 2025, bringing in a larger, easier-to-shoot defensive handgun chambered for the .380 ACP cartridge.

Preview: Timney Lever Action Trigger

Timney has now brought its trigger-tuning prowess to the resurgent lever gun platform.

Gun Of The Week: Taurus USA GX2

We’re taking a closer look at the budget-priced Taurus GX2, which offers some premium features while giving new or price-conscious gun owners an easy-to-shoot, entry-level, defensive handgun.

The Armed Citizen® May 16, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.