[Fabrat]

Hello all - I recently acquired an H&R Model 732 in .32 S&W Long. I have no manual for the gun. I do have one question-- is this model a single action or have I inherited a broken double action? Pulling the trigger doesn't cock the hammer but it seems like it wants to rotate the cylindar. The hammer stays back when manually cocked and doesn't push off with even heavy pressure. The finish is ratty with lots of surface rust,etc. No, I didn't have to buy the gun... wouldn't have in its current state. But for free .. well, thats another thing altogether. I did a quick check to see if ammo is still made for it and Remington and Winchester both carry this caliber. I DO NOT plan on shooting it until the local smith has a good look. Anyone know anything about this one? Thanks in advance for any info.

Fabrat

[dfariswheel]

It's got problems: The 732 H&R is a double action revolver.

[Old Fuff]

The H&R model 732 is supposed to be a double-action revolver. If it isn't something is wrong. I suspect a broken or missing lifter (the part that links the trigger to the hammer). Most parts are available from Numrich/The Gun Parts Corp. at www.e-gunparts.com

[4v50 Gary]

Could be the "lifter" (never heard it called that before but with the exception of the basic external parts - hammer, trigger, cylinder, frame, barrel, grip, sight - every mfg uses a different name for each part. ) A hand is a pawl is lifter I guess.

Oh, on the problem with the lifter, it may be that there's too much dirt or grease that is making it stick such that it doesn't come out of its window (milled slot in frame) to engage the star ejector, ratchet, ejector or whatever H&R calls that funny thing in the back of the cylinder. If you're competent mechanically, you may try to disassemble it and clean it. That could be the problem.

[C.R.Sam]

Yeah...
If you really lucky, a really good clean and lube might be all it needs.
I am rarely that lucky.
Have picked up a couple sleepers tho cause of dirt inside and seller thought they broken.

Sam

[Old Fuff]

H&R lockwork wasn't the same as found in Smith & Wesson, Colt or Ruger revolvers.

In an H&R the hammer has a notch in its face. The "lifter" is a short arm mounted to the trigger by a pin so that it can pivot. It is pushed back against the hammer face by a spring and hooks into the previously mentioned notch. When the trigger is pulled the lifter goes up, pushing the hammer in a backward arc until the lifter disengages and allows the hammer to fall. When the hammer is thumb-cocked it is pulled back until a seperate sear catches it. The sear is mounted in the back of the trigger guard, and can be seen behind the trigger when the hammer is cocked. Pulling the trigger backward will push on the sear, releasing the hammer.

Clear as mud? Thought so. Get a copy of The Gunparts Corporation's catalog (mentioned in my previous post) and you'll find an exploded view drawning of this and many other guns. The NRA's "Firearms Assembly II, Guidebook to Handguns" also has a drawing and detailed information on disassembling and reassembling the H&R model 929 which is similar to the .32 that you have.

[Fabrat]

Thanks all - I cleaned the beast up with half a can of brake cleaner this morning and everything works as advertised. Cleaned up the surface rust with oil and 0000 steel wool and that looks OK. Cleaned the bore and cyindars with Flitz and Clenzoil and they look good. Anyone know a rough value for this thing? It will cost $85.00 to reblue it and I'm wondering if its worth it or not.


Fabrat

[Old Fuff]

Darn it Sam …..

Yo’ is going to give away my prized method of acquiring valueless six-guns because they “don’t work right.” Got a nice Colt that was “out of time” because someone didn’t put back a spring the right way. I so do love folks that take something apart, misassemble a piece putting it back together, and then dump it cheap - hopefully in my direction. If you wise these people up we may both be out of business …….

[C.R.Sam]

Fabrat......cool.

Fuff.....sorry bro:D

Sam

[Jim K]

Hi, Fabrat,

Those guns in new condition bring only a bit over $100, and in average condition only about $75 if they sell at all. You can use your own judgement about an $85 bluing job.

Hi, Old Fuff,

Excellent description of the H&R mechanism. I am sure the others appreciate it.

Jim

[C.R.Sam]

Like Jim said....
Thanks for the description Ol Fuff.

Sam

[Old Fuff]

Oh I do love to glow in the limelight .......

For what it's worth, H&R, Iver Johnson and others "borrowed" most of their design from earlier double-action S&W top-breaks. This is handy too know if for some reason you need to work on one of those. Hint: This will seperate the men from the boys ......

[C.R.Sam]

The ones with the cylinder stop in the top strap can test the mind and mettle too.

Sam....not much of either left.

[Old Fuff]

O ....... K .................

[4v50 Gary]

Heck Sam (and you too Old Fuff), in your advance state of mind, you guys know more than I'll ever learn.

[Old Fuff]

Gary:

I don't think so. I wasn't born bright, and some folks say I never advanced from day one. I was lucky enough to spend much of a lifetime associated with the firearms industry and I met a lot of interesting people that are now legends. They knew a lot and without exception they were willing to share. You see a lot of that sharing on this forum.

The only ones who don't learn are those who have deluded themselves into thinking they know so much they don't have to work at it anymore.

Today, on many fine web-sites there is more information, on more different guns of all kinds, then you'll ever be able to absorb. But you can try anyway. Best of all, all of that expertise is free.

Go to most any gunshow and you'll find at least one table filled with used books and magazines - most of which are priced way, way low. It won't bust your budget to buy a few and read them.

Never believe for a minute that someone knows so much that you can never catch up. All you have too do is run a little faster.

[C.R.Sam]

Long long ago...
A few tidbits in magazines.
Some pretty good books.
No telly and no net.
We communicated by 3cent letter and penny postcard.

Met in the woods, at the range or at a shoot.

Sometimes learned a lot of specialized stuff...
But now we are exposed to broad spectrum knowledge...instantly.


Now I just wish I could remember was I goin to or comin from the head.

Sam

[Jim K]

I don't know if I got "separated" but I fixed a lot of those old guns, including Colt, S&W, H&R, IJ, and a lot of nameless clunkers. In quite a few cases, I redesigned the pistol using wire or coil springs in place of the old leaf springs. Mostly got the gun working, but it just isn't worth it. I did it half for fun then, and learned a lot. Today, I would tell the guy with a junker to put it in a dark place.

Problem is that if you fix the gun, you have to charge more than the gun is worth. The customer always swears that the old junker was his father's and has sentimental value and just wants to have it fixed to honor his father's memory (he actually bought it at an auction an hour ago and wants to peddle it to the gang bangers to make a buck).

Anyway, you fix it, charge him $50. He then throws a fit, telling you the gun isn't worth that, and to keep it. So you are out the work and stuck with a gun no one will buy. You hope for one of those buyback programs where they give you $100 for a gun. No luck, the only one going is offering tickets to a concert by Snoop Doggy Dog.

Jim

[Old Fuff]

Jim,

I agree with your observations. With the exception of Smith & Wesson's I only tinker with the others for fun, not profit - and usually not for anyone else. Excluding a few special cases they fit the description of "wall-hanger" or "paperweight."

[BluesBear]

Fabrat, just get some Blue Wonder and reblue it yourself. The stuff works great and it doesn't stink.

I hope this doesn't start another Brew-ha-ha but back in the early 70's I used to shoot Remington and Winchester .32acp FMJ in my old H&R and in my old Iver Johnson because it was so much cheaper than .32 S&W ammo.

[C.R.Sam]

B Bear...
You lucky. None of my .32 Smith top breaks or I frames will work reliably with the .32 auto ammo. That tiny rim trys to get past the stars...and often does. Since I can't maintain headspace with em I don't do dat no more. Test only.

Sam