Why do I like this???

[joneb]

I saw this H&R top break 32 S&W at the LGS, it was cute and I reload. Why would I want this and what would be a fare price?
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There is some rust on the right side but other than that it looks like it was Grandma's night stand gun.

 

[SlowFuse]

I like 32's myself but $299 for what looks like a 2nd model top break h&r seems about $100 too high.

 

[harleyjeepster]

We all see firearms that strike as desirable for our own reasons. If you like it, get it, just do your research and don't pay too much. That way if you change your mind you can get your money back to go toward the next one. I really don't know anything about this particular gun but that sounds a little high to me.

 

[lysanderxiii]

I like 32's myself but $299 for what looks like a 2nd model top break h&r seems about $100 too high.

I was thinking more in the 150 to 175 range....

 

[Oldman1151]

I was thinking more in the 150 to 175 range....

Maybe the $150. Not that appealing to me.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

They are dreaming at $300. H&R were second tier guns, not as well made or expensive as S&W pocket pistols of the same general size. Personally I would not pay more than $100 for it. But then again, I'm not an H&R guy.

 

[bainter1212]

That is a neat little pistol, but not $300 neat. Maybe $150.

 

[Ranger Roberts]

I have a handful of H&R guns that I inherited. They're neat little guns. Like other have said, $150 seems fair, I wouldn't pay any more.

 

[Tallball]

I bought two in 32 h&r that I like very much. Keep in mind that I am a bargain hunter, but I paid around $115 for one and around $145 for the other. My Smith and Wesson Hand Ejector in 32 long cost me $125. Not very many people want the old 32 revolvers, so they end up selling cheaply.

 

[joem1945]

Offer $150.00 and have cash in pocket. All he can say is no, then you can add another $25.00 to it.

 

[SlowFuse]

Agree lysanderxiii, I guess I should say the sticker price should be $100 less considering LGS or pawn prices. If it were me i'd start at 125 and stop at what you think is fair.

 

[Old Fuff]

I will presume that you want to shoot it.

Should something break - which is not unlikely - you may not be able to find what you need. Next: Most gunsmiths that ever made the mistake of trying to fix one will likely not do it again.

These revolvers were made of soft steel that was easy to machine, and not intended to stand up to more then minimal use. Many if not most buyers bought them, loaded the cylinder, and stuck them in a bedside drawer. A century later they are sometimes discovered to still be untouched.

They are cute in a way, but if you want a shooter $300 will buy you something much better.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Why do you like it?...

Because you dig the "drama" of the ejection of a break-top?

'Cause .32 trips your iconoclastic trigger?

... it's surprisingly well blued for an H&R?

Because you can't stand hammers?

You have $100.00 or more to spend oddly?

I like it - I say haggle the bejeepers outa them and try to take it home for around half that asking price.



Todd.

 

[Old Fuff]

I like it - I say haggle the bejeepers outa them and try to take it home for around half that asking price.

I sort of like them too. But I fully understand what the warts are. During the late 19th to middle 20th Centuries Smith & Wesson made the revolver H&R copied - and you can buy a S&W for $300 or slightly more.

As a point of reference in 1909 you could buy:

Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless = $12.00
Harington & Richardson .32 Hammerless = $3.76

 

[FROGO207]

I own several of them. Some blued and some plated NEVER paid more than $100 for one that was sound and new looking. Last one purchased within last 4 months BTW. You will need to handload for it as well if you intend to shoot it I would think. 32 S&W short black powder loads were what it used.

 

[Kaeto]

I got a pair of H&R Safety Hammerless for $95.00.So that thing is way over priced.

 

[Waveski]

ApacheCoTodd said :

"... it's surprisingly well blued for an H&R?"

I am not surprised at the blueing. My 1930 H&R .22 Special looks just as good ... (the brass blade front sight is pretty nice too...)

That said , Joneb , that neat little topbreak is definitely overpriced. UNLESS . given it's seemingly fine condition , if you are willing to pay that price , then that is what it is worth. I have to think that the gun store manager is willing to negotiate. I doubt that he paid more than $100 for it. Let us know.

 

[joneb]

Thanks for your input folks This LGS likes their guns more than I do, they have a Taurus 445 SS for $599 I have not bought from them yet, and it seems doubtful I will.

 

[Old Fuff]

This LGS likes their guns more than I do, they have a Taurus 445 SS for $599

I have one in blued steel, and I like it a whole lot. But if it had been quoted at $599 they're is no chance I'd have it.

Back during the early days of the 20th Century, Iver Johnson and Harrington & Richardson far out produced Smith & Wesson and Colt combined.

Thus they are not rare nor particularly expensive. Just keep your eyes open and also watch estate sales.

 

[joneb]

Thanks Old Fuff