H&R Premier .22 Rimfire Questions
Ladies & gents,
I just bought this revolver (auction pictures):
It is a tiny, seven-shot Harrington & Richardson revolver. The serial number is 273621, on both the left grip frame, and on the butt. The cylinder also exhibits the same serial number, and it is under the topstrap, too. There are NO patent dates on the gun. The address on top of the barrel rib has "MASS" written on it, instead of Massachusetts. The gripframe has a step-down, which the grips fit into. The left side of the barrel states 22 RIM FIRE. There is NO model name, but I assume this is a Premier. A .22LR round easily fits in the cylinder. Can anyone tell me when it was made, is this really a .22LR gun, and is it safe for smokeless powder?
Also, after dropping the hammer, it does not rebound. If I pull it back, slightly, it clicks, and stays back a little bit. Should this gun have a rebounding hammer, or does it have a halfcock notch?
Thanks,
I just bought this revolver (auction pictures):
It is a tiny, seven-shot Harrington & Richardson revolver. The serial number is 273621, on both the left grip frame, and on the butt. The cylinder also exhibits the same serial number, and it is under the topstrap, too. There are NO patent dates on the gun. The address on top of the barrel rib has "MASS" written on it, instead of Massachusetts. The gripframe has a step-down, which the grips fit into. The left side of the barrel states 22 RIM FIRE. There is NO model name, but I assume this is a Premier. A .22LR round easily fits in the cylinder. Can anyone tell me when it was made, is this really a .22LR gun, and is it safe for smokeless powder?
Also, after dropping the hammer, it does not rebound. If I pull it back, slightly, it clicks, and stays back a little bit. Should this gun have a rebounding hammer, or does it have a halfcock notch?
Thanks,
0
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With that serial and those markings, your piece is a "PREMIER" 2nd Model 4th Variation and is an early version/transitional example made in 1915. If it is SAFE to shoot, it will handle STANDARD speed .22 lr ammo. H&R did not "upgrade" their .22 rimfire revolvers to handle the, then, new "HIGH SPEED" .22 rimfire rounds until the early to mid 1930's. My understanding is that most of the .22 rimfire rounds were loaded with black powder or a combo of BP and smokeless powder in varying proportions up to the WW2 era, and some even into the '50s.
The hammer function is correct for that Variation.
Jim Hauff
note: Historical info from Bill Goforth's research, hardware info from my collection0 -
Also, please note that unlike later 22 revolvers, the charge holes are NOT recessed- so that that cartridge RIM is not supported/enclosed. Would NOT shoot any hi-speed high energy ammo. There have been a few cases of the rim deciding to turn loose, giving you gas and little bits of brass shrapnel to the side. 0 -
Gents,
Thanks for the info, advice, and warnings. The gun feels like it needs a very good cleaning, and a proper lubrication job. If it still works good, and I find nothing wrong with it, then I will start off shooting some Super Colibris. That should be low-pressure enough.[;)]
Does anyone know if this gun has a rebounding hammer, or a halfcock notch?
Thanks, again,0 -
That Variation does NOT have a rebounding hammer; it DOES have a "half cock" notch. When I carried mine "afield" in my pocket, I rested the firing pin between cartridge heads for safety.
I use Aguila Super Colibris to test fire all of my old H&Rs.0 -
Jim,
Thank you.0 -
Big,
You're welcome. Thanks for thanking.0
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