Whitney Wolverine: Atomic Age Design in a .22 Rimfire

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The Whitney Wolverine was a .22LR semiauto pistol designed by Robert Hillberg in 1954. It is a very distinctive looking gun, with the nickeled versions in particular being the epitome of Atomic Age styling. Unfortunately, the gun was a commercial failure, and only 13,371 were made in total by two different companies before the whole project shut down in the early 1960s. Today we will look at the mechanics of the Whitney and also discuss why it failed.
Contact:
Forgotten Weapons
PO Box 87647
Tucson, AZ 85754

[@jaxativejax662]

If there was ever a firearm that looked like it should make a "pew-pew" noise it's this one. For maximum coolness use tracer rounds.

[@theinstitute1324]

Green tracer rounds

[@joshua7586]

@@theinstitute1324 red tracer rounds if you're a bad guy

[@buy.almond3358]

i was about to suggest tracer rounds

[@natecollins9331]

@@joshua7586 Sith

[@S8tan7]

Joshua Real dont use red ones, you'll convert into a storm trooper and always miss

[@JimFortune]

This should be the standard side arm issued to all Space Force personnel.

[@nimbly1693]

Commentary gold that.

[@Breakfast_and_Bullets]

Only if they make one chambered in 5.7x28mm

[@Breakfast_and_Bullets]

@Leonard Chornomaz 5.7 is a short enough cartridge (40mm overall length) that it wouldn't need a lot of change to the grip design. Further, it is a small, fast cartridge that lends itself well to piercing armor. If we're talking about the the hypothetical use of this pistol for the Space Force, you have to account for the clothing and vehicles in use. Armor piercing becomes a necessity. You could easily fit ten 5.7mm rounds in a sleek gun like this, and you would then have a spacey looking gun with a capable cartridge that gives lower recoil but effective terminal ballistics. As a bonus, it means your carbine could use the same cartridge, such as the FN P90. Or if you prefer to keep the M4 look, use AR-57 uppers on M4 lowers.

[@Vampwatch1462]

SPACE FORCE!!!!!

[@couchbear6108]

Beam me up A. I want to join the space force

[@Chetanoo]

the man actually cared about his workers. what a legend.

[@knutdergroe9757]

In small, Business, And especially small machine shops. Not uncommon in the 1950's. And some places, to this day(small business).

[@hariman7727]

Caring about the workers is far more common than modern media sources make it seem. Even in larger companies, it often depends on the managers involved, and sometimes even on how often the managers/company gets taken advantage of by greedy employees. Like the employee who screws up on attendance, gets the managers to help them on attendance, then still quits/fails to show up again, burning the managers' good will in the store, and screwing it up for the rest of us.

[@philjohnson796]

@@hariman7727 So "greedy employees" are the real problem? Yeah, right.

[@UlrichVerwey]

@@philjohnson796 Spoken like someone who's never had employees working under them. Can't tell you how often I've had to give employees 4 or 5 chances to either learn to work together with their team or give them a chance to improve or learn from their mistakes. Then they still mess up and blame it on anyone but themselves. Then turn around to try and sue the company. So yes, shitty/greedy emoloyees do actually exist.

[@SoManySkinks]

@@UlrichVerwey Large businesses engendered an environment that would erode employee loyalty across generations. Sure, there are certainly bad employees, but a good employee has every reason to put themselves ahead of the business every single time. The rewards for being a good servile are negligible - even if a manager wanted to reward you they probably can't, managers are neutered by the corporate framework almost as much as the people they supervise. How many people successfully advance their careers inside a single business anymore? If you want to advance you blade your boss, one way or another.

[@FelipeJaquez]

We got things we're not even allowed to sell here people, only at Mick and Ralphs!

[@sal_ad]

rick and malphs is better >:|

[@roboalexjohn5353]

@@sal_ad the home of the wastelands only nuka cola quantum

[@johnstackhouse1706]

An armed society is a polite society

[@seethenero2555]

Ahh a man of culture as well.

[@thegodfather9734]

Read this in that kids voice lol

[@cruelwraith2games926]

These are literally the sexiest 22 pistols I've ever seen in my entire freaking life

[@shadowlancer5148]

You haven’t been around long have you?

[@nmarbletoe8210]

@@shadowlancer5148 22 years 22 days 22 hours 22 minutes and 8 seconds.

[@saljps]

people that say "sexiest" for objects , this is nostalgic

[@oskaroskaroskar1693]

They look like from Devil May Cry 2010

[@TheVamxie]

They are, id call them whitney&wolverine

[@fiftyhunnug]

That is probably the coolest .22 pistol I've ever seen

[@Staingo_Jenkins]

I don't care to buy a .22 but this gun makes me wanna change my mind!

[@fiftyhunnug]

@@Staingo_Jenkins for sure man

[@Matkovic99]

Im just imagining this thing in any center fire cartridge. It's a shame this thing didnt take off, just imagine this is thing in 9mm lmfao.

[@damham5689]

Look for an Olympic Arms Whitney Wolverine. They recently started making these again.

[@gunner678]

Definitely.

[@Swarm069]

So in what vault did you find those? And how many caps you want for them?

[@tjroelsma]

They really look like they wouldn't stand out in Fallout at all, you've called that one right. It's sad to see how so many products have faded just because being a competent designer/engineer doesn't mean you're a good businessman. So this looks like yet another decent gun, or at least one with potential, that got killed off because the designer made a bad business deal.

[@apiocosmico833]

@@baker90338 For real? I found it in diamond city, well... I didn't bought it, I ended killing everyone there but still, it was free.

[@PobortzaPl]

Somebody please create mod that makes this into Deliverer.

[@epicninja2378]

@@tjroelsma It's not just guns, I've seen many a great video game die or stagnate because it hasn't got advertising or there's something awkward about it that the mainstream don't want to deal with.

[@EvilSSP]

@@PobortzaPl It would really fit nicely as the Deliverer, much better than one single random PPK in the whole city. This would at least seem more special and justify the rareness.

[@abones900]

These are just italicized Walther Police Pistols.

[@1991USsoldier]

Oh jeez. That actually made me laugh lol.

[@davidtatelo]

More like a Sig P230 actually, but yikes xD

[@nubcake67]

lmao

[@gregoriysharapov1936]

For me it looked like someone tried to copy the Makarov but the image was squished, then the manufacturer copied it wrongly

[@metamorphicorder]

Win.

[@lancerevell5979]

I had wanted a Whitney since my high school days in the early 1970s, finally bought one in the early 2000s. Nice pistol, very light for it's size. Removing the grips you see the Alcoa name sey into the frame. Accuracy is okay, tending to shoot low at 15 yards. Initially had a lot of fails to chamber, but a light chamfering of the bottom chamber lip cured that. It is a light recoiling action, so standard velocity ammo works well. The grip shape is the best feeling pistol grip I ever held, a very natural pointer. The Olympic repop is much clunkier looking, not as slender and aesthetic as the aluminum original, but Oly magazines and grips are supposed to work on the original pistols. This fine pistol should have been a success in the gun market, but bad decisions doomed it.

[@DieEineMieze]

Now you Gangsta 😎🐥

[@Patrick_B687-3]

Lance, that’s good info and interesting. Did it just pop up, or were you on the hunt for it when you found it? Watching this a couple of times now, I really want one. It’s just too cool.

[@lancerevell5979]

Just got lucky, saw it on the dealer's table. This was years ago. He had the nickeled pistol too, but it was much more expensive.

[@Patrick_B687-3]

@@lancerevell5979 Thanks for sharing. Congrats on a cool find and very lucky day.

[@PALACIO254]

@@lancerevell5979 I'm a bit late to the party but how much did it go for?

[@Peterowsky]

Basically: Galef killed one of the coolest, most awesome pistols of the 20th century. Those idiots.

[@nate2838]

Well said

[@jeffbenton6183]

@@literallyshaking8019 Honestly, I think people would appreciate the aesthetics of that pistol better in the 50s then they would now (you don't see any cars with fins, these days, right?). This was more a case of company politics. The manufacturer wanted to make an interesting new product, but the distributor just wanted to make a buck - and the rest is history.

[@fenrislegacy]

@@jeffbenton6183 Back when stuff looked cool. Now, everything looks like an electric shaver.

[@hypnotised-clover]

@@jeffbenton6183 I think quite a lot of people hate the look of modern things, hence the "retro style" crap that gets made, like radios and cameras and record turn tables, that stuff could never even dream of being as beautiful as a genuine vintage design, of course. It's just like people who buy old cars. Everybody likes the look of old cars.

[@theFORZA66]

​@@jeffbenton6183i think it would be the other way around tbh. Nostalgia is very big these days

[@jansenart0]

They could've spent a few thousand dollars to produce a Hollywood film featuring this weapon, and it would've had a legacy like the deLorean.

[@theinstitute1324]

Who says they still ca- Oh yeah, we're well on our way to losing our freedom. Damn.

[@SirAroace]

@@theinstitute1324 no gun is worth innocent people's lives, The US has more the 6x gun related deaths per capita than any other 1st world nation. Also guns like this are not the main problem anyway.

[@jeredhersh789]

@@SirAroace ever stop to think that the US also has a far larger population than most other 1st world countries?

[@dullan123]

@@jeredhersh789 Also the majority of those "gun related deaths" are suicides and most gun crimes/homicides happen in "gun-free areas". Finally, according to the CDC, defensive gun-use by victims is *at least* as common as offensive use by criminals _"Almost all national survey estimates indicate that defensive gun uses by victims are at least as common as offensive uses by criminals, with estimates of annual uses ranging from about 500,000 to more than 3 million, in the context of about 300,000 violent crimes involving firearms in 2008."_ www.investors.com/politics/columnists/how-many-lives-are-saved-by-guns-and-why-dont-gun-controllers-care/

[@CD-ek3iq]

Padme packs a mini version of this in Phantom Menace. ;)

[@xenophagia]

Hillberg sounds like he was a stand up guy. Also, his design is incredible. Never seen anything quite like it.

[@nealbradleigh5069]

Find back issues of Sunday comics. Look for FLASH GORDON (1959 1960s) illustrated by Mac Raboy (?). Some styling influences are quite obviously being shared

[@soylentgreen7074]

I love the futuristic sci-fi designs of the 1950s. The way cars looked, firearms and houses is amazing. Also all of the experimental aircraft and early rocketry was an amazing time with amazing minds in American history. One of my favorite ‘New Age’ firearms from that era is the Remington nylon 66. The whole thing is made out of plastic even the receiver. First of it’s kind. I hope to see you do a video on one eventually.

[@jonmeray713]

Soylent Green nylon 66 is overrated. 10/22 is superior.

[@LivvorMorthis]

Actually a pretty cool looking rifle (especially with the detachable mag) I didn't know about

[@soylentgreen7074]

Jonathan Meray Of course the Ruger 10/22 is superior. The Nylon 66 was designed to be the cheapest rifle possible so anyone could afford to have fun plinking. I prefer the marlin 795 over both though. The Nylon 66 is just neat because of its innovative design and it’s nostalgia.

[@Yutter89]

Have one myself, have to fit new mags for it is the annoying part. But shoots fine and the weight is low.

[@oneproudbrowncoat]

@@LivvorMorthis the Nylon 66 was a tubular magazine. You're thinking of the 77. Had one, years ago.

[@metamorphicorder]

A carbine version of this sharing the same design aesthetic would be awesome.

[@timothyallen6968]

I'd love to see a bullpup rifle version

[@atomic_wait]

A more stylized version of the Beretta Cx4 Storm seems like it could fit that bill.

[@robertbarker5802]

First thought is the Nylon 66.

[@ibnyahud]

@@timothyallen6968 that would probably double the sci-fi'ish factor

[@yokothespacewhale]

@@timothyallen6968 imagine showing someone a bullpup semi auto 22

[@Zajuts149]

I don't know why, but the concept of "retro-futurism" just hit me. Maybe it's the double-barrelled hit of both nostalgia and hope, dreams of the past coupled with dreams of the future.

[@kekene719]

Look at science fiction from before like 1980 or so. It's generally very much more optimistic and hopeful than current scifi. A lot more about exploring the universe for the advancement of humanity and a lot less dystopian post-apocalypses. What that says about society, I'm not sure.

[@skinnybuggo]

@@kekene719 we know we're doomed, but we dont care

[@OslaTheWalrus]

It's a lost future, a future anticipated but never occurred

[@IvanGarcia-rc1xf]

Beautifully stated & thoughtful comment

[@ChristofHarper]

it's a big deal right now. A lot of people seem to be coming into a sort of retro-futurism as a positive and hopeful thing.

[@griffn14]

Bloody hell, the rear sight. The awesomeness of simplicity.

[@Calvin_Coolage]

I assume these were designed to hunt alien varmints on Mercury.

[@KSPilo]

Daffy Duck's disintegrating pistol...

[@knutdergroe9757]

Mars.... Definitely, Mars.

[@TonboIV]

You wouldn't want to take anything aluminum to Mercury. It would melt.

[@isabelladestegonzaga5529]

Calvin_Coolage ; hm...glaubst du , das repitieren funktioniert in schwerelosigkeit ?

[@arghgrmbl]

@@TonboIV not as fast as your hand...

[@DEFkon001]

I"m Captain Proton and this is my favorite pistol for fighting the evil space lords Doctor Chaotica and Queen Arachnia. Had these been more available no doubt they would've shown up in star wars somewhere.

[@Nyssasaralee]

i understood that reference!

[@ABW941]

Wouldnt that be star trek?

[@DEFkon001]

@@ABW941 It's a bit of a double edged nerdy reference to two or three pieces of science fiction. If you got all the references you're a Sci-Fi aficionado! On Star Trek Voyager the ships helmsman Tom Paris enjoyed spending time on the Holodeck as a fictional character that was essentially 1930's Buck Roger rip off. " Captain Proton " The phrase "I'm Commander Shepard and X is my favorite Y" is a reference to the video game series Mass Effect. After achieving some level of fame by saving the universe your character is offered some extra optional cash if you'd willing to shamelessly sponsor various products by making cringe worthy advertisements that started with that phrase.

[@ABW941]

@@DEFkon001 I knew about the ST reference, but not about the ME3 one. I guess the thing with star wars was about their use of models of real life weapons.

[@EtherealDoomed]

I understood that reference!

[@larrywhalen127]

I remember this pistol very well as my Brother and I were discussing what would be best gun for me to have as my first gun, and since he was involved in match shooting and later as a sniper, he had very strong opinions that for anyone who would take up shooting, it was imperative they know how to hit what they were shooting at with ONE SHOT, so obviously an "automatic" was out as was a lever action, and eventually even a bolt action capable of mutiple shots. So in1958 on my twelvth birthday, my first gun was a Colt Colteer bolt action, single shot rifle in .22 caliber (s/l/lr) from Western Field which I still have today, sixty-two years later and it still prints in the bulls eye at 100 yds consistantly even after having a few thousand rounds run through it. I first saw the Whitney at a gun store in Oklahoma City and it immediately captivated my imagination, the thing looked like it belonged in a holster worn by Buck Rogers, or my personal hero, Commando Cody, but because by then he had also given me a 146B Mossberg and a semi-automatic rifle, also by Mossberg I put the Whitney on the back-shelf for later. But when Reminton introduced the Nylon 66 in 1959, THAT was IT for me, since it had those same 'futuristic' lines - down to the front sight and I also still have it as well, plus an Apache 77 in Seneca Green from K-Mart and I can't remember ever having a malfunction due to either rifle, a couple of misfires which still would not fire when loaded into my High Standard Sentinel revolver, which I later gave to my brother. If I can locate one in good to excellent condition and the price appeals to me at the time I probably will pick it up, mostly to use for awhile and then leave it to my son along with a very special High Standard Sport King which my Brother gave me when he retired from the 'service'. Always enjoy your videos on the various weapons you discuss since there are always a few things I'm able to gleen from the information you have to offer.n

[@pewpewTN]

Hope you have found one.

[@tk423b]

I am pleasantly confused on how you: Obtain so much information on the history. How you can deliver all this information in what appears to be one take, without notes. You do such a good job on these I can’t understand how you do it. Cheers.

[@stefanmolnapor910]

He's Gun Jesus! Duhhhhhh😉

[@DieEineMieze]

It's his Job, if you didn't notice ....

[@greasetrap95]

My thoughts exactly. This guy is wonderful.

[@deaconblue949]

There is a book written about the history of this pistol available and it appears that Ian has read it. Great gun with a sad ending.

[@keithsimpson2685]

There are quite a few cuts but they are well placed. He does specific research for each item and prepares for presentations. Honestly his method/manner is closest to a middle school science teacher in how he treats his audience as not knowing the important stuff but still basic respect. Good tone.

[@Kellanium]

"You gotta be careful with this" *immediately drops cocking handle*

[@googleuser5062]

well i mean, its not THAT brittle

[@cancer_stixx]

As soon as I saw that happen I came scrolling down looking for this comment

[@NA-sb7xz]

Same thought lol

[@Jay_Sullivan]

Unnaturally_Aspirate , I started scrolling, read this comment, and less than 3 seconds later it happened.

[@richcampoverde]

It is called an ear

[@GorRex]

This is not a joke but when i cant sleep at night and i watch one of the forgotten weapons video, it actually helps me sleep

[@BennettIsAmazing]

I know you do your research before the videos - but you really are a very knowledgeable and articulate man.

[@petesheppard1709]

I like the anodized pistol better, would be a blast to take to the range. It was refreshing to hear about Mr. Hillberg's integrity and care for his workers; a shame they didn't make a better marketing deal. Your comparison to a Ruger's disassembly brought a chuckle. It seems to me that every Ruger has some sort of 'Gotcha!' in their field-strip procedure--especially their Standard .22s.

[@jimvandemoter6961]

My first pistol was a Ruger .22/45. The first time I cleaned it it took about a half hour to take it down and about four hours to put it back together.

[@scottmillner]

Take a look at the Nickel Whitney Rock Island Auctions sold in 2015. I think it takes the cake

[@lancerevell5979]

When I first field stripped my Whitney, I had the good fortune to find instructions and photos in a. 22 pistol disassembly book. Once you do it the first time, it's easy. Try a Nylon 66 rifle sometime. THAT is an exercise in frustration.

[@Firebirds4ever]

That is in the top 5 best looking pistols of all time! Such a beautiful work of art!

[@Anubis78250]

I had a toy replica of one of these as a kid. It's best feature was how smoothly it went into and out of your pocket-holster.

[@spencerredmon3569]

A weird gun made by a bunch of genuinely cool people. A real shame it never took off. Would love to see these around today, I think they look awesome (which they were clearly meant to)

[@Procket12]

Time Travelers show up: "I'LL TAKE YOUR ENTIRE STOCK."

[@mcdoctorglock]

Did you travel back in time after I did, but before I arrived? When I got there they were all out. I was thinking the same thing, damn you! ;)

[@codeinecowboy8607]

Paul Allen hipster time travelers

[@seanm4095]

@@mcdoctorglock love this whole dialogue lololz!

[@bearursidae42069]

You’re absolutely godamn right if I had the capability best believe I’d buy this space looking gun

[@markzimmerman7198]

Does anyone remember the Zebra BB Gun? It's a Whitney Replica, in plastic! They were popular in the 70's. There are some still out there for sale, complete with the yellow rubber BBs.

[@garymelchisky2880]

Yes, my cousin and I each had one. Wasn't until much later I realized my toy was based on a real gun

[@life_of_riley88]

We had those in the 90's!

[@theNoogler88]

Thanks for this video: without it I wouldn't have known that the firing pin is free floating, because I was worried about my newly acquired one. You're awesome, Ian

[@734baggins]

What a great video! My Grandpa was a gunsmith (Bob’s Gun Shop in Wyoming, Michigan). Blued his metal, carved his stocks…amazing craftsman. Sold the brands of the day…Remington, Browning, Winchester, Savage, etc. in addition to his handmade rifles and shotguns back in the 50s through the 80s. When he bought a gun for himself or a family member, it was always something unique and of quality. I’m now in my 60s and have Whitney Wolverine SN 26243 which passed to me when he died. I had no idea of the history and story behind this gun. I’m so amazed at the depth of knowledge here and in how well you shared the information. Just wow! Thank you for sharing and bringing me back to the wonderful memories of my best babysitter…my Grandpa. RIP Grandpa. See you soon…

[@crimzonplays1134]

I actually have a dollar store Bb shooter that looks almost exactly like the Whitney Wolverine. And I'm glad they did, because oh my gosh it is so comfy. Small rant aside, thank you so much Ian for enlightening us with your magnificent voice and fascinating backstory on this wonderful firearm.

[@700NitroXpress]

I'm now the proud owner of one of these blued versions, saw one at auction and had to have it.

[@Asertix357]

These were genuinely gorgeous pistols. Let's hope we see some company producing a resurgence of them.

[@Leo___________]

"didn't think they would be able to get away with a plastic frame" ... *Laughs in Gaston Glock*

[@ben41281]

Plastics of 1950's weren't as good.

[@SonicsniperV7]

To be fair a lot of people, especially "old timers" were skeptical of any sort of polymer/plastic gun parts until around Vietnam and the M16, IIRC.

[@bdgluth]

@@SonicsniperV7 and the bashed the m16 for sucking in Nam

[@bdgluth]

Leo you win the internet!

[@jeffreyskoritowski4114]

That's Saint Gaston Glock to you.

[@sparky6855]

These need to be brought back on the market

[@svndwich977]

Back 3 years later to figure out how to put it back together. Turns out I’ve been putting the washer and key on backwards this whole time. Thanks for the video again. Fun gun, even if it likes to jam

[@lancerevell5979]

Mine was a jammomatic until I chamfered and polished the bottom edge of the chamber. Slicked it up considerably.

[@chriss8206]

One of the most stylish handguns I've ever seen. I wish more guns would try to styled like this one.

[@themarlboromandalorian]

When a mandalorian courts a mate, this is the engagement ring. They need to do another run of them with titanium and carbon fibre construction. They'd sell well.

[@noble5856]

Chambered in 5.7 too

[@KP762a]

I want one in 9x19mm made in all stainless steel, with a 5" barrel.

[@falloutman3424]

You can say that for every gun

[@loganjefferies3927]

I want one in 50-90 sharps...with a 4 inch barrel.

[@falloutman3424]

@@loganjefferies3927 I want one in 300 win mag

[@loganjefferies3927]

Falloutman 342 I see from your subscriptions you are a man of good taste. I want one in 2mm EC as a companion for a gauss rifle.

[@falloutman3424]

@@loganjefferies3927 why thank you good sir

[@smithwesson1896]

Perfect for ridding your lawn of those pesky little green men

[@joedonnelly387]

Or are they pulsars

[@davidam9454]

Watch out the green ones are relatively harmless compared to the blue ones, and the pink ones just hide in the closet. The preceding is humor (I hope), and should not be taken as en endorsement to blast away at oddly colored beings of unknown origin or species. Made in the assumption that firearm users should at least have a sense of humor

[@americanmade6996]

Hope y'all realize those are the neighbor's garden gnomes. Please clean your shooting glasses. :)

[@americanmade6996]

@Chris Spencer Urs maybe, not mine. Try more fiber.

[@foleymaj]

You can do just fine with 9mm against russians.

[@usergonemad]

These were also the basis for a line of toy pistols made in the '70s and early '80s which fired yellow rubber BBs propelled by spring power. I had 2 of them, one blue plastic and the other gold plastic. They were scaled down for smaller hands but were virtually identical in appearance. They also shot very well for toy guns.

[@ghostmanscores1666]

Yes definitely. Also the little plastic disks. Mine was sold as a Star Trek gun.

[@garymelchisky2880]

My cousin and I had the same toy guns in the 70s. Mine was blue, his was gold. They shot the little BBs. Called the Zebra II, I think? It wasn't until decades later I realized they were based on a real gun, the Whitney

[@AgnumMD]

It really sounds like Ian is saying, without saying "This is not a genuine nickel finish."

[@jesseerickson662]

Man I want one. It looks so comfortable and sleek. Just all around awesome.

[@lancerevell5979]

I have 2XL size hands, and most gun grips feel smallish. This pistol's grip fits me perfectly, like it was designed for me.

[@lorenbusch29]

What is not mentioned about the Whiney Wolverine is that they are an absolute joy to shoot!! Mine still gets used on a regular basis.

[@lancerevell5979]

A superb grip fit, very comfy. And mine has a light crisp trigger. Wish it had more conventional sights though.

[@pewpewTN]

It's cool to hear that these things are still in use & not just locked up in safes. Keep these things alive.

[@stephanematis]

The sidenote warms my heart. Wish such things were still true today.

[@natebiese8795]

depends on the size of the company and the individual, I can see the owner of the shop I work for writing out a personal letter of recommendation and calling his industry buddies to see if they'd hire his ex employees. Small shop, he literally works on the next machine over.

[@startedtech]

Man, I wish Uberti or someone would reproduce those.

[@SgtKOnyx]

The Neos is close, but I don't know if those are available anymore either

[@bleh8789]

Olympic arms are making these

[@BillCoffin]

The company is being bought out and it appears that the Wolverine line is suspended for the time being. As it was, they were putting out Wolverines in a number of different colored polymer frames, but none in that awesome aluminum.

[@supermario2100]

Olympic Arms did some polymer versions, but they're kinda ugly in black imo. Unless you want one in pink, that is.

[@Mrdax707]

Yes, and they don't work very well and are not well regarded.

[@widgren87]

Not that I can afford (or legally acquire ) one but I wouldn't mind owning one as a display peace because that is a gorgeous design in my opinion :-)

[@Tuton25]

Where are you located?

[@classicbandgeek]

@@Tuton25 Judging by his avatar, I'd wager it's Sweden

[@potatoradio]

You can always get the zebra II plastic rubber ball shooting toy.

[@widgren87]

@@classicbandgeek And you would be correct :-)

[@widgren87]

@@potatoradio 25 years ago maybe :-)

[@DrThunder88]

22:57 Ian: "This is something you need to be careful with." *drops it* My heart sank when I saw that! I'm glad that wasn't the type of treatment you were talking about.

[@donaldbarden6294]

When I was a kid in the early 70’s there was a toy gun that shot little yellow rubber balls that looked just like this pistol. As I recall, the toy company called it a Llama.

[@ballbby3775]

I love this little pistol, so sleek. It looks like something from the 70s idea what of the future looks like. It's definitely a neat little pistol.

[@helicocktor]

By the 70s the Atomic Age design language was considered outdated. It died off in the mid 60s.

[@nadagainagain4987]

One of the best looking handguns ever designed.

[@tripleog9557]

Great 👍🏼 job Ian. I can see all the research u did on this one. All the details about Whitney paying off the dept and finding jobs for employees. And the sight is brilliant. wonderful story , those where the days

[@hizzaddinno394]

The rear sight is what I like the most - it's so simple and minimalistic yet functions well. I know Dieter Rams would love the design of this rear sight, it's the design solution he espouses all minimalist designers to look for.

[@loftsatsympaticodotc]

Wow, Ian, you are indeed a MASTER at the intricate details of how this whole corporate creation and dissolution of yet another worthy firearms manufacturing venture went down financially....... literally. I was so fascinated by your step by step delineation, stopped in admiration to scribble this.... and now at minute 9:30... I rejoin the dessertation. ;-) ... cheers, from Canada. PS: I was an avid reader of Field & Stream and 'Outdoor Life" in those late '50s and remember with nostalgia seeing these Flash Gordon styled pistol ads. Who knew, at the time... how it would end! Un gros merci ! .

[@AldanFerrox]

Reminds me of a futuristic looking Colt Woodsman.

[@rake483]

when active: 20% faster movement speed

[@zacheurittz9865]

no random critical hits

[@TriforceRaiden]

It really does look like a tf2 weapon tho lol

[@curiosity1987able]

Not only does this look so beautiful, i bet this pistol feels great in the hand.

[@d33b33]

It's more Barbarella than Buck Rogers. Let me pull up a pic of Barbarella's awesome rifle on my Pipboy.

[@Clay3613]

Jango Fett's blasters.

[@davenewton3576]

I'll just settle for a pic if Jane Fonda as Barbarella 😁

[@theinstitute1324]

@@derschwartzadder probably WERE these pistols, you know how they cut up guns for those movies lol

[@tomchilds9585]

"Ah, yes, this is a nice pistol..." -Sean Connery

[@nimbly1693]

I heard his voice in my head as I read that.

[@FireballFoundry]

Ah, yesh, thish ish a nishhe pishtul.

[@rogertycholiz2218]

Josh --- What kind of speech impediment did James Bond {Shawn Connary} have? He definitely didn't speak normally.

[@docgonzodotcom]

Finally, 7 years after the book review, the gun itself :)

[@notgray88]

I'm still waiting for the Vetterli review

[@-_Nuke_-]

"Forgotten blasters" :D

[@Dumbrarere]

That's a good point. A pistol like this (minus the firing pin, ofc) would make a good movie or TV show prop.

[@Mr-Trox]

@@Dumbrarere Padme had a miniature version of this in Phantom Menace.

[@ultrablue2]

Such a graceful, elegant pistol.

[@paulEG6]

I’d love one of the early design boxes just to have on display, I have a bit of a thing for 50’s packaging design and that’s a beaut!

[@MasterOfHelium]

It's been said a lot of times that a competent firearms designer is not necessarily just as competent as a businessman, but this story really tells that if you want it done right, you'd better do it yourself!

[@SovietGrazz]

"Ahh yes, this is a nice pistol!' - Most hilarious voice impression Ian has ever done. Had me in stitches!

[@mightywaffle51]

Aesthetically speaking, my favorite firearm of all time. Thank you so much for this video!

[@josephbolz4550]

That was an excellent comprehensive presentation. I wish I’d have bought one back when they were a couple hundred bucks.

[@Sip_Dhit]

This with a g11 as a main, so I can be a retro-futuristic spaceman

[@truebeliever5233]

Thank you for destroying my productivity today. As a new viewer, I am now binge watching all of your videos. You are one of the best firearms video producers out there with only facts and no bs filler.

[@theheartlessknight2426]

What a shame. Those are beautiful!! You kept saying, Buck Rodgers but I immediately thought; Mando. ❤❤ Thank you for featuring these!

[@loftsatsympaticodotc]

Wow, another of your low key, very informative historicals, Ian. Bravo. Very interesting. I remember seeing those advertised in the early '60s in gun magazines, etc. Too bad I didn't buy one then :-( .

[@garchamp9844]

What's your favorite thing about space? Mine is space.

[@Erdanya]

@Asriel I love space. I know! Spell it! S P... AACE. Space. Space.

[@grahamlopez6202]

Space too big. Wanna go to earth. Earth earth.

[@Breakfast_and_Bullets]

Fact: Garchamp will never go to space Fact: Space does not exist Fact: Users that insist on going into space are inferior to those that don't

[@stevendeatley4878]

all that cheese in the Moon

[@elementdavid85]

no one can hear you scream

[@kaylamarie8309]

I remember having a toy pistol that looks exactly like this gun back in the 70's when I was little. It actually shot little rubber pea size balls or small discs, I can't remember which now but it was a dead ringer for this cool real pistol.

[@pedrourbano501]

These guns have one of the sleekiest most awsome designs ever, simple and complex at the same time.

[@Atomic1710]

This should’ve been James Bonds gun

[@luthfienursantosowibowo4431]

from moon raker series.

[@raistlin2k3]

honestly.. one of the most beautiful guns i've ever seen :)

[@JamesRednok]

"Ah yesh, thish ish a nicsh pishtol."

[@loganjefferies3927]

Sean Connery?

[@Andrew-sv6zq]

Thank you for so much information on this pistol. I have an original Wolverine in my collection. Just the gun. No box or paperwork. I also have a low serial number in the 101 range with Wolverine on the side of it. I found my at a pawn shop many years ago. I knew what it was and I bought it for under $300 back in 1997. It's been a safe queen ever since. No, it's not for sale!

[@maikerugo]

If they ever made a 3rd "No One Lives Forever" game (not likely considering that they can't get a re-release of the games that exist due to copyright matters, but still...) this is the gun that Cate Archer should be posing with in the artwork! This thing throws everything about consumer design and mechanical design of the era together and comes out with something that's definitely a weapon, but has so much of the the looks of a normal consumer good that it'd be the perfect tool/fashion accessory for a spy movie character-especially that nickeled one. Also, the rounding on the handgrip and the way that it meets the polymer scales is just fantastic. The whole thing has lines that look like they're lifted from something like a Mercedes 300 SLR or Aston DB4 or DB5 (even though those two were built a few years after this was made). I mean while functionally a polymer lower is lighter and less expensive I'd argue that it diminishes the industrial design of this since that nickel finish really adds a certain appeal that you can't easily get with polymer.

[@floopydoopy9410]

Damn that’s a sexy gun, looks like something straight out of James Bond

[@Allen-eq5uf]

The old Flash Gordon movies.

[@laurawhite5013]

I have one

[@laurawhite5013]

I have one

[@Mrcaffinebean]

One of my all time favorite.22s. Downright beautiful!

[@robertshelnutt5081]

I actually shot one of these. A friend of mine from high school Father bought one in ~ 1968, IIRC. The blue version. The finish was beautiful. Only had one magazine, and we spent a Saturday afternoon burning through a brick of ammo. Very reliable, no jams or misfires, fairly accurate, and a bunch of fun for the afternoon. Never did find a holster for it. I used to see them advertised in Rifleman and G & A until the mid-1970s, so someone had a stockpile, somewhere, but I never actually saw another one. Love to find one of the polymer versions.

[@mrdaynne]

Grew up using one of these. Still love it. So unique.

[@DanoFSmith-yc9tg]

That’s not a gun, it’s a fine piece of art!

[@j.h-j5j]

I really like the design of the pistol. It looks like a handgun that a martian from of a science fiction novel would use.

[@Oblithian]

It still amazes me, these guns look like they were built yesterday.

[@hesperhurt]

How on earth do you find all of this info?! 🤯 Seriously, the effort that must go in to these videos is definitely not insignificant. Thanks mate... love the history, process, methods and details you include. 👍👌

[@wpatrickw2012]

Beautiful pistol. One of the few auto pistols that does not look like a cross between a gun and a carrying case. I had a pellet gun based on the Whitney when I was a kid; even back then I loved the elegant design.

[@Geeko170]

I want one of these so bad! They look so COOL!!

[@harrisonlewis6853]

Ian: I dont know everything about the marketing of the whitney but a bell went off in my head about seeing possibly a wolverine being sold in a comic book in 1965-1968. When I collected comics and always checked out the ads in them. I bought my 1st. blackpowder revolver from a comic book ad. It was sold by the Navy Arms company. I paid $49 plus $2.50 for shipping.

[@Machi74005]

Thank you so much for producing this history of the Whitney Wolverine pistol. I inherited one of these pistols from my father when he passed away several years ago. He had purchased it brand new as a very young man in the late 50s and he enjoyed it very much. There was a book written about this gun and its history which I gave to my father as a Christmas gift many years ago.

[@andersjjensen]

Hang on to it. The nickle plated version went for $3700. By your retirement age these will be Unobtainium.

[@Machi74005]

@@andersjjensen There was one just like it at a local gun show I attended about 9 years ago in the original box. Seller was asking $425.

[@JanKowalski-rd7yb]

Beautiful gun, it immediately reminded me of Beretta U22 Neos, which is also chambered in .22LR, but I dare to say this one is prettier. I also really like the design of the magazine.

[@MrSQAUD]

i love this gun, so damn confortable to shoot and carry with a touch of cool design. if in my country was possible to carry one, probably this one was my choice for edc. im pretty happy with mine, even if i had to make new handles and chocking lever.

[@Mengmoshu]

Some really slick and clever little stamped parts.

[@rickleplubo5554]

i genuinely believe this is the most beautiful pistol ever made.

[@phillipsullivan3400]

Anyone remember the Zebra toy pistols that shot yellow rubber BBs?

[@charlesmiller6826]

Air soft before it was air soft, but a point blank from a Zebra was anything but soft......ahhh, fun times, fun times for sure

[@mrsaturdaynightspecial3055]

Yes, I still have mine.

[@williestyle35]

I was gonna say that same thing.

[@khartog01]

I had one as a kid.

[@erikv.smykal5578]

YES! just dropped a comment about that, hadn't scrolled down far enough to see this thread!

[@Ttavoc]

What I like most about the story of the pistol: How gentle everyone was to each other. Companies which dont sued each other for a simple mistake. Bosses which cared about their employees... In at least some aspects world was a better place back there.

[@mikespongili8254]

Once 1980 rolled around, that was it... hypercapitalism broke everything down to how much money you could squeeze out of it in the short term, and everything else be damned.

[@DaveFL5656]

Seen one of these 35 years ago for $125 on a gun show table. Super light and when you hold it the grip is similar to the Luger, feels natural.

[@inkarnation6512]

Please tell me you got it

[@seansimpson4472]

Its nice to see a company that really cares about its employees through good and bad just dont see that very often.