CAMPBELL49T
Member
I have a Harrington&Richardson arms co. sportsman double action. It is a 9 shot revolver. Can anyone help with a web site or know anything about this revolver
H&r sportsman 22
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Ditchtiger
Member
Is yours the model that has to have the cylinder removed to load and unload?
Campbell 49T,
Post the serial #, and some pics, and I may be able to help you with some info, on your Sportsman.
I am not an expert, but I do have about 9 models, ranging from 1936-1980.
Here's a couple.
3, 1980 Sportsman, 2, 4". 1, 6". 2 are unfired. all wearing Jay Scott grips
1951 Sportsman
1939 model 777 Ultra Sportsman
1955 Sportsman
Post the serial #, and some pics, and I may be able to help you with some info, on your Sportsman.
I am not an expert, but I do have about 9 models, ranging from 1936-1980.
Here's a couple.
3, 1980 Sportsman, 2, 4". 1, 6". 2 are unfired. all wearing Jay Scott grips
1951 Sportsman
1939 model 777 Ultra Sportsman
1955 Sportsman
These are neat little guns but not real high quality on fit and finish. They were always an inexpensive model but now collectors have driven the prices to ridiculous levels. I looked for one for years wanting to pay about $200 but nice ones will be tagged at $500-$600 and I can't justify that. A K22 Smith is 3 times the quality in that price range.
Joe Demko
Member
The one I had was a major disappointment. Several of the chambers were bored off-axis. The trigger was unmanageable in DA, but only horrible in SA. Overall, mechanical accuracy was poor and shootability was atrocius. I really wanted to like this gun, too. I had childhood memories of an uncle I idolized popping cans with one. The only good thing was I paid about $150 for it. I gave it to friend for free. He admired its retro looks. He literally never fires it.
thomis
Member
I onced searched extensively for info on these guns.
My Dad has the 9 shot model that the cylinder has to be removed to load and unload. The firing pin is on the hammer itself. I think it has a 7.5 inch bbl. It is out of commission. It worked fine for 20 years or so but the last ten years or so, the spring inside the grips weakened and it would only fire maybe 2 or 3 out of nine trigger pulls. The hammer just doesn't drop hard enough to ignite the rim of the .22 cartridge. When it did fire dependably, we always found it to be plenty accurate. The sights are fixed but plenty good for everyday shooting. I looked long and hard for a gunsmith to fix it but no one wants to mess with it. It is in Dad's closet and probably hasn't been handled in years.
My Grandfather's is very similar but had a couple "upgrades". The cylinder was a swing-out and the firing pin was not part of the actual hammer. To my knowledge, this one is still in good working condition. My Uncle got it when Grandpa passed.
I think both of these models were early 1970's.
The one with the firing problem I think could easily be fixed under the hands of a semi-competent gunsmith. I may have to get it out and look at it again.
My Dad has the 9 shot model that the cylinder has to be removed to load and unload. The firing pin is on the hammer itself. I think it has a 7.5 inch bbl. It is out of commission. It worked fine for 20 years or so but the last ten years or so, the spring inside the grips weakened and it would only fire maybe 2 or 3 out of nine trigger pulls. The hammer just doesn't drop hard enough to ignite the rim of the .22 cartridge. When it did fire dependably, we always found it to be plenty accurate. The sights are fixed but plenty good for everyday shooting. I looked long and hard for a gunsmith to fix it but no one wants to mess with it. It is in Dad's closet and probably hasn't been handled in years.
My Grandfather's is very similar but had a couple "upgrades". The cylinder was a swing-out and the firing pin was not part of the actual hammer. To my knowledge, this one is still in good working condition. My Uncle got it when Grandpa passed.
I think both of these models were early 1970's.
The one with the firing problem I think could easily be fixed under the hands of a semi-competent gunsmith. I may have to get it out and look at it again.
popeye
Member
Here's pic's of my 999 Sportman. I'd like to trade it for another one just like it in 4". Or sell it for at least $300. No luck yet.
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vanagon40
Member
Here is some information from Bill Goforth. Mr. Goforth maintains a webpage here: http://iverjohnsoncollector.x10hosting.com/AskMe.Htm
I'm not sure how dated the prices are.
SPORTSMAN DOUBLE ACTION MODEL 999 LARGE FRAME TOP BREAK . ----------1932-1952
Large frame double action top break revolver; Caliber 22 rimfire (short, long & long rifle) cylinder capacity 9 rounds, 22 Winchester Rim Fire (WRF)cylinder capacity 7 rounds; Safety rim cylinder; blue finish only; barrel length 6 inches (ribbed); Automatic cylinder stop; Sights: rear adjustable for windage only, Three different front sights used, full Blade, Partridge type & Partridge type pinned to barrel top rib, all non-adjustable; Finger rest trigger guard; One piece oversized checkered Walnut grips (birds head grip frame shape, Rice frame); frame mounted firing pin, hammer face is flat. Cylinder release is long pivoting lever on right side of frame (there are two different version of this). Serial numbered in its own series from 01 up to at least 89761 by the end of 1939. Starting in 1940 letter codes were used.
Early production until about 1933 the letter code “D” was used to denote double action
First Variation; round heavy weight ribbed barrel with Blade non-adjustable front sight ----1932- to before April 18,1933
Second Variation; adjustable front sight------------1933 (after 4-18-1933)-
Third Variation; firing pin moved to hammer-------------------------1934
Fourth Variation; three inch barrel was offered----------------------1935
Fifth Variation; two patent dates marked on cylinder (before there was only one)---1936 (after 3-17)-1937
Sixth Variation; top of barrel markings moved to right side of barrel---------------1937-1939
Seventh Variation; 22 WFR caliber dropped, 3 inch barrel dropped--------------1940-1941
Eight Variation; one piece over size plastic grips are standard, limited production during WWII years----1942-1952
VALUE: 100%=$425 60%=$195 Add 15% premium for 1st Variation; %0% for 22WRF caliber; 30% for 3” barrel (scarce)
MODEL 999 SPORTSMAN SECOND MODEL (NEW FRAME)-------1953-1972
Top Break, Double Action, 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 9 shot, Blue Finish, Barrel Length 6 inches, Adjustable Sights
VALUE: NIB:=$425, 95%=$365, 60%=$195
MODEL 999 SILVER SPORTSMAN--------------------------1963-1966
Top Break, Double Action, 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 9 shot, Chrome Finish, Barrel Length 6 inches only, serial number letter codes Z, AA, AB only
VALUE: (very seldom seen) 100%=$450 60%=$325
MODEL 999 SPORTSMAN THIRD MODEL (TRANSFER BAR IGNITION)-----------1973-1986
Top Break, Double Action, 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 9 shot, Blue Finish, Barrel Length 4 & 6 inches (4 inch not added until 1979, Adjustable Sights. In 1979 Only the Model name was advertised as Model 999 Automatic-Ejecting and it was offered in that year only in 32 S&W Long caliber, 6 shot.
VALUE: NIB:=$425, 95%=$350, 60%=$175
MODEL 999 SPORTSMAN I OF 999 (TRANSFER BAR IGNITION)------1979-1986
Engraved with Fitted Wood Case, Top Break, Double Action, 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 9 shot, Blue Finish, Barrel Length 6 inches, Adjustable Sights VALUE: Collector value only if unfired, with all original tags, manuals, commemorative medallion, wooden presentation case and cardboard box;
100%=$700+ if in other than described condition it is valued as the Model 999 3rd Model plus 20% premium for engraving.
Again, I take no credit for compiling this information. The above is the work of Bill Goforth.
I'm not sure how dated the prices are.
SPORTSMAN DOUBLE ACTION MODEL 999 LARGE FRAME TOP BREAK . ----------1932-1952
Large frame double action top break revolver; Caliber 22 rimfire (short, long & long rifle) cylinder capacity 9 rounds, 22 Winchester Rim Fire (WRF)cylinder capacity 7 rounds; Safety rim cylinder; blue finish only; barrel length 6 inches (ribbed); Automatic cylinder stop; Sights: rear adjustable for windage only, Three different front sights used, full Blade, Partridge type & Partridge type pinned to barrel top rib, all non-adjustable; Finger rest trigger guard; One piece oversized checkered Walnut grips (birds head grip frame shape, Rice frame); frame mounted firing pin, hammer face is flat. Cylinder release is long pivoting lever on right side of frame (there are two different version of this). Serial numbered in its own series from 01 up to at least 89761 by the end of 1939. Starting in 1940 letter codes were used.
Early production until about 1933 the letter code “D” was used to denote double action
First Variation; round heavy weight ribbed barrel with Blade non-adjustable front sight ----1932- to before April 18,1933
Second Variation; adjustable front sight------------1933 (after 4-18-1933)-
Third Variation; firing pin moved to hammer-------------------------1934
Fourth Variation; three inch barrel was offered----------------------1935
Fifth Variation; two patent dates marked on cylinder (before there was only one)---1936 (after 3-17)-1937
Sixth Variation; top of barrel markings moved to right side of barrel---------------1937-1939
Seventh Variation; 22 WFR caliber dropped, 3 inch barrel dropped--------------1940-1941
Eight Variation; one piece over size plastic grips are standard, limited production during WWII years----1942-1952
VALUE: 100%=$425 60%=$195 Add 15% premium for 1st Variation; %0% for 22WRF caliber; 30% for 3” barrel (scarce)
MODEL 999 SPORTSMAN SECOND MODEL (NEW FRAME)-------1953-1972
Top Break, Double Action, 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 9 shot, Blue Finish, Barrel Length 6 inches, Adjustable Sights
VALUE: NIB:=$425, 95%=$365, 60%=$195
MODEL 999 SILVER SPORTSMAN--------------------------1963-1966
Top Break, Double Action, 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 9 shot, Chrome Finish, Barrel Length 6 inches only, serial number letter codes Z, AA, AB only
VALUE: (very seldom seen) 100%=$450 60%=$325
MODEL 999 SPORTSMAN THIRD MODEL (TRANSFER BAR IGNITION)-----------1973-1986
Top Break, Double Action, 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 9 shot, Blue Finish, Barrel Length 4 & 6 inches (4 inch not added until 1979, Adjustable Sights. In 1979 Only the Model name was advertised as Model 999 Automatic-Ejecting and it was offered in that year only in 32 S&W Long caliber, 6 shot.
VALUE: NIB:=$425, 95%=$350, 60%=$175
MODEL 999 SPORTSMAN I OF 999 (TRANSFER BAR IGNITION)------1979-1986
Engraved with Fitted Wood Case, Top Break, Double Action, 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 9 shot, Blue Finish, Barrel Length 6 inches, Adjustable Sights VALUE: Collector value only if unfired, with all original tags, manuals, commemorative medallion, wooden presentation case and cardboard box;
100%=$700+ if in other than described condition it is valued as the Model 999 3rd Model plus 20% premium for engraving.
Again, I take no credit for compiling this information. The above is the work of Bill Goforth.
CAMPBELL49T
Member
H&R revolver
Thanks to everyone for all the info. I also have the answer from Mr. Goforth on another forum.
Mine is a 52 Model it has the L under the serial number. It has front and rear sight adjustment. It is a nice little revolver. I like it and here is a picture of it.
Thanks
For the guy that wanted the serial number 50xx
L
Thanks to everyone for all the info. I also have the answer from Mr. Goforth on another forum.
Mine is a 52 Model it has the L under the serial number. It has front and rear sight adjustment. It is a nice little revolver. I like it and here is a picture of it.
Thanks
For the guy that wanted the serial number 50xx
L
Last edited:
Wildfire
Member
post #4
Hey :
Mine is the same as the 1955 in post #4.
It still shoots very tight.
Hey :
Mine is the same as the 1955 in post #4.
It still shoots very tight.
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