Lessons to be learned

[pawncop]

Recently I acquired two (2) older self loading pistols.

A Whitney Wolverine, 22 caliber and a Savage model 1917, 380 ACP.

Took them both to the range Friday. First the Wolverine, total FTE (failure to extract) while shooting Federal bulk 40 grain copper jacket rounds. Tried to extract an unfired round and it pulled it about 3/4 of the way out. Called Olympia Arms, they have purchased the rights to the Wolverine and talked to the shop guy, Harvey, who suggested trying hotter rounds. If this does not work, they do work on the original guns, but it might be a little pricey.

The gun grouped OK (for firing three rounds single shot). Looking forward to fixing it and shooting it more.

The Savage was next and learned when gripping the gun, with recoil I would inadvertantly press the magazine release and the magazine drops and I had a jam.

I am pretty sure this is a design flaw and need to figure out how to grip without pressing the magazine release.

I wanted to share this experience with members for their information and if anyone else has any experience with either situation.

 

[Don Lovel]

I just saw a Whitney Wolverine in a gunshop in downtown Gunnison Colorado this afternoon.

 

[toysoldier]

From what I've read over the years, there's a reason the Whitney was a failure. Wouldn't buy one, nor one of the Erma "Luger" .22's.

Maybe your Savage needs a stronger mag release spring.

 

[wizofwas]

Try putting lighter springs in the Whitney Wolverine? Might work. And I'm guessing that the Savage is nothing more than a design flaw. I have a shooting buddy that has a 45ACP bottom feeder that does the same thing. His only suggestion is to learn to grip it differently. Probably the best option for the Savage is to sell it. You don't want the magazine falling out in an emergency situation.