H&R SPORTSMAN Research

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EHCRain10,
Thanks for the contributing info on your 1st Model SPORTSMAN DOUBLE ACTION 6th Variation made in the 1937-38 period. Your gun is one of the first to fall into this hole, so I can't tell for sure if its '37 or '38 just yet. Time and more data will tell. Thanks, again.
 
Vanagon40,
Thanks for your contribution - your SPORTSMAN 1st Model, 3rd Variation was made most likely in late 1934, based upon current info. . . .

Jim, I recognize and acknowledge that you and Bill are the H&R experts and two years ago Bill also classified my SPORTSMAN as "most likely a 3rd variation manufactured 1933 or 1934." http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=66419

BUT, the two patent numbers on the cylinder perplexes me. I have read:
"Fifth Variation; two patent dates marked on cylinder (before there was only one)--1936 (after 3-17)-1937."

Also, I am perplexed as to how the patent number 2034632, which was issued on March 17, 1936, for the Rice grip, could be found on a revolver manufactured in 1934. I suppose it might be possible that a newer cylinder was placed on an older revolver, but my research has revealed at least one other person who has a Sportsman with an almost identical serial number (D prefix) and same patent numbers on the cylinder. Seems more likely we both would have revolvers with original parts than both have revolvers with swapped cylinders.

Check out the thread for serial number D26902 => http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117664 (I discount all the analysis posted, but accept the OP's description of his revolver).
 
Vanagon,
Interesting question, but not without a logical answer.
First, concerning the thread link noted at the end of your post - there's been a lot of research done and a lot of information "discovered" and made public since 2004. Right around that time, Bill G. was putting together his "tentative" history of H&R. We had been working together since around late 1996 or early 1997 and my collection of hardware and his research of the soft ware (catalogues and company flyers, parts lists, etc.) was beginning to bear some good solid data. Well, Bill's history underwent at least three more re-writes - all of which I had the opportunity to "edit" and finally in 2005-2006 I sent sent him over 2200 digital pictures of pieces of "hardware" with most of those being detailed close-ups and comparison shots. I had the opportunity to review and do a final edit of the "publisher's copy" after Bill's death in Jan. and there still are some unanswered questions - that is what sparked me to begin this on-line quest for more info on the SPORTSMAN revolvers.
Now, as to your question. Two possibilities come readily to mind:
1. There should be three numbers stamped into the breech face of the cylinder and the star ejector. Those three numbers should match the last three digits of the serial number stamped into the bottom side of the topstrap (remove cylinder to see those.) That number should match the "real" serial number stamped into the front strap of the grip frame, visible behind the trigger guard. If there is any mismatches, it indicates that parts were swapped from another completed gun.
2. It apparently was common practice to send H&R firearms that were defective or broken or in need of updating, back to the factory to effect those services. If all the numbers match AND you have a later model cylinder - it is probable that the gun was sent in for a cylinder repair or replacement and the factory used the parts available at the time of return to effect the repair/replacement. I'm almost certain that the factory tech/smith, who would have replaced the cylinder would have stamped the last three digits of the frame serial number into the replacement parts. I KNOW for a fact that this was done with the Single Shot Target USRA Model 195 pistols. I have one that a REAL expert in H&R firearms (former QC employee and historian for H&R) has assessed as having made at least two trips back and possibly a third, for upgrading. A thought in favor of this solution is that with the introduction of HIGH SPEED .22 lr cartridges (all smokeless powder loads) in the early 1930s, an event that sparked the need for the safety rim on the cylinder of H&Rs and other "safety" features on other manufacturers' .22 revolver, resulted in many blown head cases. It is possible that the older cylinders would be swapped out for a newer cylinder in the interest of safety.
We know that the "major" manufacturers would do in-house repairs and replacements, it is inconceivable that the "minors" would not do the same. Just out of curiosity, remove the monogrip and look at the sides of the grip frame - do you see an X or asterisk (*) stamped into it on left or right side?
I'm waiting to hear about your serial number matches, before I go off on any other flights of fancy.
The least likely explanation, to my way of thinking, is that H&R used older, left over parts in newer production, mixing them - least likely because I think the demand for the SPORTSMAN grew very rapidly after its introduction and I doubt that many frames or barrel assemblies would have remained partially assembled or as loose parts in bins for those intervening years.
What do you think?
 
1. Serial Number (partials are welcome, but entire numbers will help more)? AJ74504
2. Firing pin on hammer or mounted in frame? Hammer
3. Safety rim on cylinder? Yes (I think so) PATENT APPLIED FOR; one patent number; two patent numbers? No patent information on cylinder
4. Cylinder release: 1" long lever on right side -or- small push button on left side of frame right in front of cylinder. small push button on left side
5. Location of Manufacturer's address - on top of barrel -or- on right side? No. “H&R INC. WORC. MASS. U.S.A.” on left side below cylinder.
6. DA or SA? DA
7. Adjustable or fixed front sight? If fixed - soldered in slot or pinned in slot? There is a screw at the end of the barrel, presumably to adjust the front sight.
Does it have the "ventilated rib" w/cut throughs, or the "fluted" - milled grooves on the barrel? Not sure. If you cannot tell from the photos, I will post more detailed photos.

Purchased FTF from a THR member. Had the typical broken plastic mainspring head that the seller failed to mention (maybe he had never shot the revolver, but seems unlikely). Despite the omission, I was still very happy with the revolver.

999003.jpg

999004.jpg

Gator007.jpg
 
Jim,

Regarding the “1934" SPORTSMAN, the serial number stamped into the bottom side of the topstrap matches the “real” serial number stamped into the front strap of the grip frame. Detailed photos of the breech face of the cylinder were included in my first post.

EDIT:

Just read your post a little more closely. Damn, did not know Bill was dead.

Do not see an X or asterisk (*) stamped into it on left or right side. Does "W" "W" count?

176.jpg

177.jpg

Gator010.jpg
 
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Vanagon,
Thanks again. Noted and filed your info.
Your gun was made in 1972 and is a 2nd Model - last year of production before the introduction of the transfer bar safety/ignition system. That one has the "VENTILATED RIB" with cuts all the way through the barrel rib - three little windows to the other side.
The "fluted" or milled cuts do not go all the way through.

Regarding the "1934" - did a bit of editing of your pic - my old small screen doesn't show details well - a sure enough, there are the last three digits of the serial number on the cylinder face and star. I'm going with the return to factory and replacement theory. That's the one which makes most sense to me.
Gator010.jpg
 
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32 Magnum,

Glad to assist with your research and I appreciate you providing me with some information and history on my revolvers. I think my 1934 SPORTSMAN actually looks a little better in person than in the photos, but it is still a little rough around the edges. The 1972 is pretty nice. I like them both and hope that one of my kids likes them after I'm gone.

They both provide strong competition to my K22.

k-22.jpg
 
Vanagon,
You're welcome.
The new cylinder/old frame phenomenon will need some study. With luck (maybe more pleading) I'll get enough data to help define what went on there or at least provide something better on which to guess. We may (read probably) never know exactly what H&R did - but guessing is sure fun. Kind of like archaelogy - find a buried thing-a-mabob and try to guess what it was used for and why. Research is FUN.
In the mean time, here's a couple pics of a very early 1st Mod. 1st Var. SPORTSMAN showing some of the features that inspired the questions I asked.

IMG_4635_2.jpg

IMG_4638.jpg

IMG_4637_3.jpg
 
H & R Revolver Info

Hi 32 Magnum:

Saw your post and started to see what I have. Found a H & R 940.
Don't know if this is in your area of research, but I will give you the following info.

1. Serial Number: AF73847.

2. Firing Pin: Firing Pin on Frame.

3. Safety Rim on Cylinder: Yes.

4. Cylinder Release: 1" lever on Left Side (swings out).

5. Location of Manufacturer's address: Manufacturer's initials and city/state
of production on left frame beneath the cylinder.

6. DA or SA: DA

7. Adjustable or Fixed Front Sight: Adjusable (Pinned).


Hope this helps your research.

Thanks,

P. S. This revolver has 6'' ventilated barrel.
 
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H & R Revolver Info

Hi 32 Magnum:

Saw your post and started to see what I have. Found a H & R 940.
Don't know if this is in your area of research, but I will give you the following info.

1. Serial Number: AF73847.

2. Firing Pin: Firing Pin on Frame.

3. Safety Rim on Cylinder: Yes.

4. Cylinder Release: 1" lever on Left Side (swings out).

5. Location of Manufacturer's address: Manufacturer's initials and city/state
of production on left frame beneath the cylinder.

6. DA or SA: DA

7. Adjustable or Fixed Front Sight: Adjusable (Pinned).


Hope this helps your research.

Thanks,

Dan
 
Dan,
Thanks for the info.
One thing - are you sure that the firing pin is located in the frame and not on the nose of the hammer? All else fits the regular pre 1973 configuration. If your gun has a frame mounted Firing pin - does it also have the transfer bar safety/ignition system?
Jim
 
I need more data folks - it's been coming in pretty good so far, but there has to be lots more of the SPORTSMAN revolvers out there. Don't be bashful - tell me about your H&R 999 or 199.
 
1 - L7360
2 - Firing pin on hammer
3 - Safety rim on cylinder; no patent markings
4 - Cylinder release push button on frame in front of cylinder
5 - Right side; left side: H & R "SPORTSMAN" (DOUBLE ACTION underneath)
6 - DA
7 - Adjustable front site.

One piece wrap-around walnut grip with screw in heel.
 
Forgot one thing: Numbers 3 6 0 stamped on cylinder adjacent to safety rim
 
Brumy,
Thanks for the info - your SPORTSMAN was made in 1951. It is a 1st Model 8th Variation - the end of the 1st Models with the "Rice" grip frame and one piece "monogrip". Good guns.

IMG_5164.jpg
 
Model Or Number: H&R Sportsman
Frame Size: Standard Sportsman
Barrel Length And Shape: Standard Sportsman
Caliber And Cylinder Capacity: .22 Long Rifle
Finish: Blued
Sights: ADJUSTABLE
Markings:

Top Of Barrel/Top Strap:
Top of barrel top line: *HARRINGTON&RICHARDSON ARMS CO.*
Top of barrel bottom line: *WORCESTER, MASS. U.S.A.*
Right Side Of Barrel:
Right barrel next to cylinder: 22 LONG RIFLE CTG.

Left Side Of Barrel:
Left Barrel flat top line: H. & R. "SPORTSMAN"*
Left Barrel flat bottom line: *SINGLE ACTION

Serial Number and Location: S17876 front of grip strap and bottom of top strap.
Bottom of Top Strap: S17876
Rear Of Cylinder: 876
Front Of Grip Strap: S17876
Bottom Of Butt: I did not take grips off.
Left Side Of Grip Strap Under Grips: I did not take grips off.
Automatic Cylinder Stop: Yes
Other Features And Comments:
On cylinder exterior flat top line: PAT. 1904730
On cylinder exterior flat bottom line: PAT. 2034632
On extractor star: 876

Bought new by Donald B. Peterson, M.D., about 1936, probably in Minneapolis MN.
 
MQP,
Thanks for the info - I'm assuming, from where your serial number fits in - that your gun has the firing pin mounted on the hammer and that the cylinder release is on the right side of the frame???? CURRENTLY - it looks like this is a 4th Variation and was made in late 1936 or early 1937 - I need more data to nail down the dates on the Single Action pieces - not many out there and not much info coming in about them.
Thanks again.
 
32 Mag,
Thank you for your information.

"Yes" to both questions.
The firing pin is on the hammer and the cylinder release is on the right side of the frame.

In regard to dates:
This was a wedding gift from my father to my mother.
They were married on 23 Sep 1935.
To the best of my knowledge, my father had the revolver by May of 1937.

When I go to the range with .22 revolvers, I much prefer the Sportsman to my S&W K-22's.
The H&R is just as accurate and fits my hand a bit better than the S&W's.

MQP
 
MQP - looking at the rather slim data base I've been able to develop for the SA 199 - the date of 1935 looks pretty darn good - I have two points each of which is a s/n in the 19K range that have tentative dates of 1936. One in the 17K range could very well be (and probably is) in the 1935 time period. The paucity of info on the 199 caused quite a bit of speculation on the part of Bill Goforth, when he was contemplating dates for the various known changes. Perhaps I'll get enough info to help solidfy the dating of this model.
Info, such as that you supplied, is very valuable to this type of research - since the production records for that time period (actually from 1986 back) are not available.
Thanks again!
 
32 Magnum,

I think we can narrow this down a bit.

I spoke to my brother who reminded me that the H&R was for protection as my parents drove the 2000 miles from Minneapolis to Gasquet, California where my father worked as a Civilian Conservation Corp physician.

My parents did not marry until my father graduated in June, 1935.
They knew that they were heading for California as soon as they were married.

Their marriage was 23 Sep 1935.
They left for northern California to start work in the CCC camp on Smith River in Gasquet as soon as they married.

My father most likely bought this H&R Sportsman between June and September 1935.

MQP
 
Jim,
Here is info for my pair of 1955 Sportsman.

dscn16292.jpg

1. R53769
2. On hammer
3. Safety rim, yes, no patent #
4. left side
5. No address
6. DA
7. adj. sight


dscn16282.jpg

1. R13666
2. On hammer
3. Safety rim, yes, no patent
4. left side
5. no address
6.DA
7. adj sight

Do you also want this info for my 777?
How about my 4 1980 999's?
If you are actively looking for this info, I can sure send it also!
Talk soon,
Jim
 
Mr. Hauff,
No, thank you!!
Still a little overwhelming to be home, with all the meds, equipment, and maintenance to keep up with.
But, it's great to be here, eating real food again.
Home cooking, and fresh fruits, and veggies is awesome!!

So, Do you want info for the AU Sportsman, and the Model 777 Sportsman or not?
Jim
 
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