Hi-Standard Double Nine

[Swifty Morgan]

I have a Hi-Standard Double Nine revolver. This is an aluminum-framed revolver that holds 9 rounds. I inherited it from my grandfather.

I was looking at it today, and I noticed that each chamber has a little cut-out at the outer edge, where the firing pin strikes. I'm wondering if this means it's safe to dry-fire it. It looks like the manufacturer wanted to prevent the firing pin from hitting steel.

Second thing...what kind of ammunition can I use in this gun? I have no interest in shooting hypervelocity rounds, but because of the gun's age, I'm wondering if I have to stick with standard velocity.

 

[adcoch1]

I've got one that I use for plinking, i just use lr ammo and not the hyper speed stuff. Lead and copper 40 grn stuff. It loves it. The cut out doesn't mean it's safe to dry fire, its just designed thataway so it cant drop a hammer when out of battery

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Ya, I wouldn't risk dry firing ANY rimfire.......snap caps are easy enough to make, just fire off 9 rounds and save the empties, lol.

These should be safe for use with all commercial .22 LR ammo. The High Standard Sentinal-based guns were plenty well built. Nice gun.....need pics!

 

[bannockburn]

NIGHTLORD40K

Ya, I wouldn't risk dry firing ANY rimfire.......snap caps are easy enough to make, just fire off 9 rounds and save the empties, lol.

It's even easier than that when you use a small dry wall anchor as a snap cap.

 

[tubeshooter]

For the record, there is some debate as to whether or not those dry wall anchors actually provide sufficient protection. At least among some people.

Most agree that spent cases or true snap caps (rotating the rim as needed) are up to the job.

Just putting it out there so people can make a fully informed decision. YMMV, "it's your gun" and all that.



I try not to dry fire ANY of my .22s, whether it is "technically" okay per the manual or not. Nothing much to be gained by it, and so much to lose (IMHO).

 

[bannockburn]

tubeshooter

I have been using dry wall anchors in my .22s for a lot of years and they work fine with no damage inflicted on the firing pins. Just have to rotate the rims as you mentioned and you're good to go.

 

[tubeshooter]

I believe you, and I also think if there were a big problem with the anchors we'd have heard a lot more horror stories considering how commonly and widely used they are in this role.


Just wanted to mention it for whoever might come across the thread, past present and future.

 

[bannockburn]

tubeshooter

I tried using spent .22 cases as NIGHTLORD40K suggested but one time a piece of the case came off and tied up the gun really bad and I had a very tough time getting it out. I stopped using them altogether as snap caps after that.

 

[tbob38]

I have a Hi-Standard Double Nine revolver. This is an aluminum-framed revolver that holds 9 rounds. I inherited it from my grandfather.

I was looking at it today, and I noticed that each chamber has a little cut-out at the outer edge, where the firing pin strikes. I'm wondering if this means it's safe to dry-fire it. It looks like the manufacturer wanted to prevent the firing pin from hitting steel.

Second thing...what kind of ammunition can I use in this gun? I have no interest in shooting hypervelocity rounds, but because of the gun's age, I'm wondering if I have to stick with standard velocity.

I had two Hi Standard Sentinels (same basic gun) over the years, long ago. One was stolen, the other traded off. I used any type of 22 rimfire ammo with no apparent damage.

 

[tubeshooter]

tubeshooter

I tried using spent .22 cases as NIGHTLORD40K suggested but one time a piece of the case came off and tied up the gun really bad and I had a very tough time getting it out. I stopped using them altogether as snap caps after that.

This is good info as well, and as good an argument against using spent cases as I have presented against the anchors. Maybe even better, since your experience is first-hand.


I appreciate you mentioning it. People will see it and have the information at their disposal, which is one of the main functions of the board (IMHO). So thank you, bannockburn.

 

[bannockburn]

tubeshooter

I appreciate you mentioning it. People will see it and have the information at their disposal, which is one of the main functions of the board (IMHO). So thank you, bannockburn.

You're more than welcome for the information; one of the many reasons I like being on THR.

 

[C.R.]

I have a High standard Marshall It must be similar to your Double Nine a nine shot.22 D.A It has worked well with most every standard .22 I got it in 1987 it is my first pistol .

 

[bassjam]

I inherited a Double Nine from my great uncle who carried it for years camping. Most of the nickel is worn off the frame, but I still like shooting it. I don’t shoot hypervelocity rounds out of it, but it’s had thousands upon thousands of high velocity stuff shot through it by me in the form of Golden Bullets and Mini Mags. It’s built well, I don’t see a problem with even shooting the hypervelocity stuff if you really wanted to.

I’ve wondered about the cut-outs myself in the cylinder, but I’ve decided it’s not worth the risk of dry-firing it without empty brass in place. I can’t imagine replacement parts are easy to get.

 

[1MoreFord]

If you ever decide to tear it down to clean it be careful. I don't know if they ever fixed the problem but for a cost savings of a few cents they left a very small spring non-captive and it will launch never to be found again during disassembly. I don't know if you can even get the replacement anymore.

 

[FROGO207]

I was of the understanding that the grooves were to stop the cylinder chamber wall from peening in if it was dry fired by mistake. I also subscribe that it is best not to dry fire ANY rimfire. Yes I have been told some rimfire brands manuals say that you can do it to their firearms without damage. I feel it is easier/safer to just not do it. I own a snubby Sentinal myself.