Whitney Wolverine: Hillberg's Space-Age Rimfire Pistol

by
posted on August 31, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Nickel-finish Whitney Wolverine semi-automatic .22 long rifle rimfire pistol handgun white grips left-side view
Photo courtesy of Rock Island Auction

Gun designer Robert Hillberg was a big fan of the football program at the University of Michigan, precisely why he named the .22 Long Rifle-chambered, semi-automatic pistol he created the Wolverine. Production of the original lasted only two years. The manufacturer was Whitney Firearms—then a subsidiary of Bellmore Johnson Tool.

Despite the sleek, space-age looks, they first hit the market in 1956 at the eye-watering price of $49.95 for a nickel version (above). Blued models set you back less—$39.95 to be precise. Unfortunately, Colt and Ruger introduced their own .22 rimfire pistols at about the same time, and their MSRPs were a few dollars less.

In 1957, the last aluminum-framed Wolverine was produced, ending the run at slightly more than 13,000. The aluminum casting process used in the gun’s production was new to the industry, an advancement Hillberg came to understand during World War II.

The blowback-operated pistol was 9" in length and had a barrel slightly longer than 4.6". It weighed 23 ozs. and shipped with a 10-round magazine. Grips were polymer and either black or white.

In 2004, Olympic Arms resurrected the design, but its frame was polymer. The profile was nearly identical to the original. Barrel and overall length were the same, along with chambering and magazine capacity. Weight dropped to 19.2 ozs., however.

When B. Gil Horman tested one for American Rifleman in 2014, he noted, “After just a bit of take-up, the trigger broke cleanly with 3 lbs., 6 ozs. of pressure. With the short trigger travel distance, pulling the trigger felt even lighter than the gauge indicated.” The external-hammered, single actions were available in black, tan, brown and pink and shipped with a manual thumb safety. MSRP was $294, but the line was discontinued in 2017. Olympic Arms closed its doors completely only three years later.

Depending on condition, some of the newer models are commanding more than $1,000 on the used market. We were unable to find listings for aluminum originals, although the odds are good those prices are much higher.

Latest

Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5" AOS black pistol handgun right-side view
Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5" AOS black pistol handgun right-side view

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS

For this episode, we’re on the range with a double-stack, M1911-style handgun that’s more compact and lightweight than we’re used to seeing. This is the Springfield Armory Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS chambered for 9 mm Luger.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 1, 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.

Budget Pistol Rigs With AIM Surplus

It's still possible to pull together a budget-friendly, name-brand pistol rig for $300 to $400, if you play your cards right.

Nextorch Celebrating 20th Anniversary—A Timely Preparedness Reminder

Nextorch North America is celebrating the company’s 20 years of providing lighting solutions for consumers, law enforcement professionals and military forces around the world.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Magnum

One of Smith & Wesson's recent additions to its M&P handgun line is the M&P 22 Magnum, and there's a lot more going on in this gun, technologically, than it appears at first glance.

New For 2025: Beretta BRX1 Ranch

Beretta has expanded its BRX1 straight-pull action into a "ranch rifle" configuration, providing a handy, lightweight platform that still includes some of the groundbreaking features of the original BRX1 rifle.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.