H&R 999 sportsman price check

[wnycollector]

I was just in Gadner Mountain and saw a good to very good H&R model 999 sportsman with the 6" vent rib barrel. They were asking $139.00. I checked on gunsamerica.com and only found excellent examples for twice as much! I am thinking about running back and grabbing it for a 22 plinker. Does anyone know if there are any common defects/wear spots I should look for? Also is $139 as good a price as I think it is?

 

[NAM 67]

I'm not sure about the price but a few years ago "Gun Tests Magazine rated the Sportsman as a good buy especially at the beginners level.

 

[22-rimfire]

The top break 999 Sportsman is a nice 9-shot revolver. Had one. Price seems about right. Check the revolver out to make sure it functions okay. chek the cylinder gap; credit card width is probably too much. I had one that was either out of time (not so actually) or the gap was too large (Yes) and it was always blowing hot powder particles out onto my hands. Lots of people love that 22 revolver.

 

[Pearl's Dad]

Its the last pistol i looked at seriously. Gun shop here had one for $185 IIRC. came home did extensive research and went to buyit only to find it had sold before i had the chance.

supposed to be accurate and a big collector with the people who had them growing up.

 

[usp_fan]

My understanding is there were 2 generations, one without a hammer block safety and one with. The one without may need to be carried in the field with the hammer down on an empty hole--making it an 8 shooter.

This is one of the guns on my "buy it if you see it at a reasonable price" list.
I can always ask for forgiveness--especially on a sub $200 purchase.

--usp_fan

 

[wnycollector]

Pearls Dad...I fall into that group...a 999 with a 4" barrel was the first handgun I ever shot as a kid. In the back of my mind I have been wanting one ever since! I

 

[Starter52]

The 999 sights tend to work loose and will need to be LockTite'd. Otherwise a good gun.

If a credit card will fit in the cylinder gap it is WAY too large, but since the 999's cylinder doesn't swing out this should not be a problem.

 

[22-rimfire]

Sights worked loose on mine too. If the gap is too large, it WILL blow powder particles out. I got rid of mine because a gunsmith refused to work on it. He said get a real gun and I did (many times over). The 6" 999 was my first revolver that I ever shot or owned. I had no idea about things like cylinder gaps, etc. If it shot, it was okay with me (for a while).

 

[packnpundit]

I have the same gun and accepted it as repayment for a $300 debt. It's in excellent condition with no wear on bluing and came it with a vintage Idaho Leather Co 77LS holster and belt that holds 35 shells. It's got a really nice trigger and adjustable sigthts so with a little practice, impressive target groups are attainable. I probably paid too much for it, but I would have ended up with nothing on what was owed otherwise. Despite that, I love this gun. Fit and Finish are excellent and it performs flawlessly. BTW the gap between the cylinder and frame on mine are no thicker that a business card. If i saw another one for $135, i'd grab it.

 

[Golddog]

Others seem to have had happier experiences than I. The one I shot proved why they don't cost much - utter garbage, with a dreadful trigger and a cylinder that tied up repeatedly. The price is halfway to a decent used Ruger Mark I or II. To my mind, there's no such as a cheap gun, since you may just be throwing away good money.

 

[vanfunk]

My father has one that is of early '60's vintage and it has the best single action trigger I've ever felt in a handgun, period. It has proven to be an accurate and reliable revolver, with performance out of all proportion to its low price. For $139 I don't see how you can go wrong.

HTH,
vanfunk

 

[James T Thomas]

don't let it slip away

I shoot my four inch 999 often and enjoy it much. It is quite accurate.
If you purchase it, do Locktite the sight screws or by a repacement rear sight from Gunparts for approx. $6.

I bought mine new in 1975 or so for $125.

Maybe Golddog expected S&W quality. Mine's been good for many thousands of rounds.

 

[GRIZ22]

The 999 I have cost me $45. But that was 30 years ago. I fired thousands of rounds with no problem. Loctite the sight screws like james says. I did mione before I lost them.

 

[wnycollector]

Thanks for the feedback! I mentioned the H&R to Mrs. Santa and I am hoping to get it in my stocking Xmas morning

 

[Starter52]

How'd you make out with that 999, wny?