H&R "22 Special" question
Just picked up a very nice above mentioned revolver. About 90% plus condition. From my book by Mr. Vorisek, it shows of being made between 1925-34. S/N 55225X I'm assuming it is a later one. Paid 125 for it. Hope I didn't do too bad, as I bought it to show it off to a few new critters (4 legged) that have been coming around uninvited. Let me know what you think.
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Sorry for the lack of info. It is marked 22 LONG RIFLE CTG on the right side of the barrel. 0 -
I had one of the early versions with the seven round cylinder and gold plated front sight. The sights were so minuscule that they were absolutely useless. Unless the shooter was 20 years old with 20-20 uncorrected vision. I couldn't get rid of it quick enough because of the sights.
Since it was in excellent condition, a collector was very happy to take it off my hands.
Mine was chambered for .22 Long Rifle. The ones chambered for .22 WRF, were I believe marked on the right side of the barrel0 -
Rufe,
Mine is a 9 shot and I thought the front sight was brass, but I guess it could have been gold plated. Your right about the sights, they were designed for a younger set of eyeballs!0 -
yblockhead,
Your "22 SPECIAL" with that serial number is a 2nd Variation and was made circa 1928-30. It should have two piece checkered walnut grip panels. As Rufe posted, the earliest (1st Variation 1925-'28)were made for 7 x .22lr. During the 2nd Var., the SPECIAL was also offered chambered for the .22 Winchester Rim Fire cartridge (the daddy of the 1950's .22 Winchester MAGNUM Rim Fire)in 7 shots and the .22lr offering was in 9 shots. Depending upon condition: top condition pieces sell for over $250, while average (80 - 90% condition) sell in the $175-$200 range - currently. Sights are fixed and minuscule - a problem that was solved in 1932 when the SPORTSMAN series grew out of the SPECIAL line. The SPECIALS continued in production up to 1941 (this model was derived from the H&R AUTOMATIC EJECTING series and the serial numbers on the SPECIALS falls within the span of the AEs.) With the right ammo, I've found the SPECIALS to be pretty darn accurate - but you need to shoot it abit to learn where point-of-impact will be. BTW - the front sight was gold plated and the Model name stamping in the left side of the barrel was gold filled - H&R called this and several other models of that period - the "GOLD LINE". In most cases the plating and filling has worn away - I have one in 98% condition that has all of the bling remaining.0 -
Learned to shoot with one Mom gave Dad for their 2nd anniversary. The .22 LR version was very accurate, sights left a LOT to be desired. I still have that one- and one other. 0 -
32 Magnum, Thanks for the information! I sent you a PM if you want pictures to look at or post. And yes, Mine has a beautiful set of wood grips! 0 -
Yblockhead,
You're welcome - glad to help out -AND- thanks for thanking.
BTW the J. Vorisek book was a good starting point for H&R research - but MUCH more information has come to light since his book was written. The book by (the late) Bill Goforth, which should be available before the end of the year, will have much more, more accurate and as up-to-date information and data, on the entire line of H&R firearms from the 1870s up to 1999.
I read the Vorisek book for the first time last summer, after spending 15 years collecting and researching H&R firearms of all types - I can HONESTLY say that there are quite a few inaccuracies in that book.0
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