H&R 940 9 shot 22 question

[crestoncowboy]

My father bought one new in the late 70s or early 80s (he doesnt remember) Anyway I grew up shooting it, it is still in good condition. It is a double action 9 shot, swing out cylinder, gun.
Anyway my question is this, I have looked at many of these guns and most have a lock in the grip frame, dads does not. The blue book of gun values only lists two models of 940, first and second. First models do not have a transfer bar and dads does so it is obviously a second model. None of the guns I have looked at have red lettering on them and he says when he bought his they told him the red letters was a limited thing. There is one in new condition on gunbroker now and is does not have red lettering. He bought the gun new so I know it wasnt done by someone trying to make an ugly gun prettier. ( all you Glock guys with your white lettering lol.)
Value is not important since He will leave the gun to me someday (Im in no hurry) and I will leave it to one of my children. I was just wondering if anyone had any info on this model or knew anything of the red lettering. Also when did they incorporate the lock into them. Thank you

 

[jamesjo]

crestoncowboy,
Can't help you with the lettering, I have never heard anything about any H&R's with red lettering.
From the Blue Book of Gun Values, Bill Goforth's research talks about the key lock on the Model 939, which was the same gun as the Model 940, except it had a slab sided barrel, while the 940 had the round barrel.
Description states that the key lock was added in 1962, and discontinued in 1972.
The model 940 was produced from 1970 - 1980, so I am thinking it only had the key lock for 2 years of it's production.
Also not sure of year that the transfer bar safety was introduced, but 1973 seems to stick in my mind for some reason.
Can't find verification of the year, If I do, I will post here.
Jim

PS If you give me the 2 letter prefix of the serial #, I will tell you what year your 940 was made.


Pic of my 1980 Model 940