b.goforth : H&R 32S&W Break-0pen ??
Thanks for your repley.
I checked last night & my cylinder turn freely Both ways. Also per list my serial number would put the revolver as the 'fifth' variation. It is all matching numbers but, didH&R use up parts across model changes (older barrel stamping)? Any additional thoughts? The cylinder stop is below flush of the frame, not worn smooth.
Thanks-Again.
I have a H&R Break open,hammweless, 6 shot 32 S&W revolver....Should the cylinder 'free spin'?
It has no model number or patten dates,the Mass address is abbreiated. The cylinder looks to accept the 32 Long ctg and is hammerless. Except for the cylinder spinning freely until the trigger is pulled, it seem in shootable condition. Cylinder is tight when trigger IS pulled back and held in place. SN 1895XX.
Thank-You for your help in advance.
I checked last night & my cylinder turn freely Both ways. Also per list my serial number would put the revolver as the 'fifth' variation. It is all matching numbers but, didH&R use up parts across model changes (older barrel stamping)? Any additional thoughts? The cylinder stop is below flush of the frame, not worn smooth.
Thanks-Again.
I have a H&R Break open,hammweless, 6 shot 32 S&W revolver....Should the cylinder 'free spin'?
It has no model number or patten dates,the Mass address is abbreiated. The cylinder looks to accept the 32 Long ctg and is hammerless. Except for the cylinder spinning freely until the trigger is pulled, it seem in shootable condition. Cylinder is tight when trigger IS pulled back and held in place. SN 1895XX.
Thank-You for your help in advance.
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the 6 shot 32 S&W Long model H&R hammerless was not introduced until 1905. so this should be a second model hammerless. it has been my experence that all hammerless models have a automatic cylinder stop but a little wear on this part will let it turn to the right freely but not to the left.
this one should be a fourth variation manufactured between 1913-1915
H&R HAMMERLESS SECOND MODEL LARGE FRAME TOP BREAK
Smokeless powder
1905-1941
Large Frame Double Action Hammerless Top Break revolver with double top post barrel latch; caliber and cylinder capacity, 38 S&W (5 rounds); finish is nickel or blue (optional); grips are hard rubber with a target logo at the top; standard barrel length is 3 ? inch, with 4, 5 and 6 inch optional; rebounding hammer; automatic cylinder stop. The cylinder was lengthen to take the 32 S&W long cartridge and the catalogs now listed the calibers as; 6 shot 32 S&W, 32 S&W Long, 32 Colt New Police cartridges. Also offered in 5 shot 38 S&W and 38 Colt New Police. Caliber marked on left side of barrel THIS MODEL WAS DESIGNED FOR SMOKELESS POWDER CARTRIDGE PRESSURES
First variation, 5 patent dates same as First model with caliber marked on left side of barrel, serial number range 45000*-55000* (estimate)-1905-Only
Second Variation, patent dates,5-14 & 8-6-89,4-2-95, 4-7-96, serial number range; 55000*- 100000*(estimate)
1906-1908
Third Variation, patent dates 8-6-1889, 10-8-1895, serial number range; 100000*-120000*(estimate)
1909-1912:
Fourth Variation, no patent dates, state in address not spelled out (MASS.), serial number range; 120000*-160000*(estimate)
1913-1915
Fifth Variation, no patent dates state name in address is spelled out (MASSACHUETTS), serial number range; 160000*-190000*(estimate) -1916-1924
Sixth Variation , new grip frame same as Auto-Ejector, serial number range; unknown
1925-1940
There is some indication production of the hammerless model stopped somewhere in the early 1920's but it was carried in catalogs until 1941 Estimate*
After 1930 listed in Catalogs as: H&R HAMMERLESS No. 50 TOP BREAK .32 S&W LONG 6 shot and H&R HAMMERLESS No. 55 TOP BREAK .38 S&W 5 shot
VALUE: 100%=$325 60%=$110 Add 10% premium for blue finish; 20% premium 4", 5" or 6" barrel
bill0 -
To add just a little bit to Bill's posting:
I own/have owned over 600 H&R firearms and have held/examined a few hundred more - I have seen, first hand and have several examples, of H&R's that seem to be "transitional" pieces. That is, they have attributes or parts that seem to bridge the variation changes that Bill has so astutely determined. For example, I have a Premier that has the barrel/cylinder group from a 1st Variation but the lower frame of a 2nd Var. The stamping on the barrel shows that the roll die used to mark the patent dates on the barrel rib was altered to remove the last patent date associated with the 1st Var. and the patent date associated with the 2nd Var. was hand stamped into the top strap. There are several other examples of this tendency of H&R (as well as I am sure other manufacturers) to use up parts - not throwing them away or remelting - this done in an effort to save money. One of the most intriguing models is the 2nd Model small frame hammerless. I have a few of these in my collection and many show transitional or non-conforming attributes. The Model 922 is another long in production model that, at least in the 1st Model series, shows cross over/transitional examples. All of the small frame hammerless pieces that I have seen had the automatic stop feature built in - however, I have one example in which there is enough wear on the cylinder bolt that the cylinder can be forced to spin past. IMHO, one of the most intriguing things about collecting a wide range of examples from one manufacturer (in this case H&R) is to see the evolutionary changes made within Models as well as between Models. I'm pretty sure that other "specialized" collectors will agree.0 -
Bill Goforth, and 32 magnum,
The " Paul Harvey's " of H&R firearms.
After Bill, and Jim speak, you now know "the rest of the story!"
Guys, we all thank you for sharing!!
Jamesjo0 -
I too Thank-you for your responses. 0 -
Bill Goforth is the man...
His books are top shelf!0
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