Ok, here's the deal. I've asked a similar question before, but now I want to specifically know about the H&R revolvers. I'm OK with accurate enough and a heavy DA trigger pull, but are they durable? I'd love a Smith, but I can't afford that kind of cash for a .22 revolver right now. I could save up, but I'm interested in the H&R as well. Aesthetically, I like them a lot, and i love the top break versions. What say you? Are they good enough to be called reliable?
.22 lr revolver
- Thread starter chewie146
- Start date
SteelChickenShooter
New member
You need a 10-shot, 6 inch, S&W 617 and you'd be a fool to not have one. Put the big Pachmayer grips on it. You won't be pleased until you do. If you worry about affording it, bite the bullet and sell off some goods or save up for it.
22-rimfire
New member
I bought a new H&R M999 Sportsman (6") years ago. Loved the top break feature for a 22. It shot just fine. Yes, it had a heavy trigger.
It was my first handgun.
The negatives on my revolver >> timing was off but I was too dumb to even know it. The cylinder gap was too large and it spit lead and gun powder fragments out burning hands and occasionally my face. The adjustable sights worked loose all the time and I finally loctited the screw and didn't worry about sighting it in anymore.
I personally would never buy another one (to shoot). But they are reliable and will probably last a lifetime. I would pay $50 for one and sell it off as quick as I could find a buyer and make a few bucks.
I asked a gunsmith to work on it and he suggested I just buy a S&W or Colt and retire the cheapie. I did just that... bought a brand new Colt Diamondback and the difference from a shooter point of view was like night and day. I would have felt the same way about a S&W M17 or M18.
It was my first handgun.
The negatives on my revolver >> timing was off but I was too dumb to even know it. The cylinder gap was too large and it spit lead and gun powder fragments out burning hands and occasionally my face. The adjustable sights worked loose all the time and I finally loctited the screw and didn't worry about sighting it in anymore.
I personally would never buy another one (to shoot). But they are reliable and will probably last a lifetime. I would pay $50 for one and sell it off as quick as I could find a buyer and make a few bucks.
I asked a gunsmith to work on it and he suggested I just buy a S&W or Colt and retire the cheapie. I did just that... bought a brand new Colt Diamondback and the difference from a shooter point of view was like night and day. I would have felt the same way about a S&W M17 or M18.
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H&R are good revolvers. They are reliable. Don't compare them to a S&W 22 LR. The S&W 22s are in a classic by themselves along with Colts. My first 22 revolver was a H&R 922 produced around 1940. Never had a problem. Most 22double actions don't have a light double action trigger. But that is not a deal killer for me. If you practice with the H&R in double action you will develope good skills in shooting double action.
Howard
Howard
Back in the day, the H&R 999 was considered a poor mans target revolver. Not as nice as a Colt, or a Smith & Wesson of course, but an acceptable, inexpensive alternative.
I had one and found it to be just that. Acceptable and inexpensive. The rear sight on mine had been lost long ago. I kept meaning to order one, but never got around to it. It was accurate enough to keep a can bouncing around even without the rear sight. Just took some Kentucky windage.
I sold it when I deciced to reduce my inventory, but it was a fun gun.
I had one and found it to be just that. Acceptable and inexpensive. The rear sight on mine had been lost long ago. I kept meaning to order one, but never got around to it. It was accurate enough to keep a can bouncing around even without the rear sight. Just took some Kentucky windage.
I sold it when I deciced to reduce my inventory, but it was a fun gun.
I have a really old pre 999 that I would say is not as reliable as a Colt or Smith.
For example it has a weird slide on the inside of the grip, not sure what it was for. The other day it would not engage the sear for double action, perhaps it needs a full breakdown and internals cleaned up. After a few dbl action rounds it started working single action.
Having said that its absolutely not for sale. It is super accurate with standard velocity ammo and loading a nine chamber cylinder is better than getting a sore thumb loading a 10 shot magazine. Unloading is a snap. Plus I'm a lefty so swingouts are kind of clumsy to me.
My recommendation is to buy all 3 and appreciate them all. That's what I've done.
For example it has a weird slide on the inside of the grip, not sure what it was for. The other day it would not engage the sear for double action, perhaps it needs a full breakdown and internals cleaned up. After a few dbl action rounds it started working single action.
Having said that its absolutely not for sale. It is super accurate with standard velocity ammo and loading a nine chamber cylinder is better than getting a sore thumb loading a 10 shot magazine. Unloading is a snap. Plus I'm a lefty so swingouts are kind of clumsy to me.
My recommendation is to buy all 3 and appreciate them all. That's what I've done.
aarondhgraham
New member
The biggest problem with H&R revolvers is,,,
They are old!
Every one of them is an old gun,,,
If (when) they break or go out of time,,,
Finding a smith and then parts is a big hassle.
That's the practical side of the argument.
Now if you have an affinity for the H&R revolvers,,,
And if you (like me) love the top break action,,,
Jump right out there and buy yourself one.
Aesthetically, they are very pleasing handguns.
I would love to get my hands on a pristine 4" Sportsman like this one,,,
I would drop several $100.00 bills to own a nice one,,,
But it would be a decision based on aesthetics,,,
Not on what might easily be false economy.
Bottom line is,,,
If you're going for a low price,,,
You would be better off with a new Charter Arms Pathfinder,,,
$347.00 is not bad at all for a new no-frills-but-high-quality DA/SA revolver.
Aarond
.
They are old!
Every one of them is an old gun,,,
If (when) they break or go out of time,,,
Finding a smith and then parts is a big hassle.
That's the practical side of the argument.
Now if you have an affinity for the H&R revolvers,,,
And if you (like me) love the top break action,,,
Jump right out there and buy yourself one.
Aesthetically, they are very pleasing handguns.
I would love to get my hands on a pristine 4" Sportsman like this one,,,
I would drop several $100.00 bills to own a nice one,,,
But it would be a decision based on aesthetics,,,
Not on what might easily be false economy.
Bottom line is,,,
If you're going for a low price,,,
You would be better off with a new Charter Arms Pathfinder,,,
$347.00 is not bad at all for a new no-frills-but-high-quality DA/SA revolver.
Aarond
.
I have had and used (occasionally) an H&R 999 since about 1956. The trigger pull is good and it has been accurate. Never a problem, and it has remained tight. Some H&Rs were not very good, but models like the 999 generally get less respect than they deserve. The top-break auto-ejecting design is one of the most convenient to use.
While not top break, High Standard also made some fine .22 revolvers. Much less expensive than Colt or S&W. My H&R never let me down. Can't remember the model but it was a .22WMR with a 6" slabside bbl with target sights. If it had been either top break or .22lr I never would have sold it.
aarondhgraham,
You mean like these?
Love the sportsman, especially the 4" er's
This is a pair of 1980 4" 999's
One unfired, the other I bought as unfired, but I have fired it 9 times, both with factory boxes.
NIB or LNIB pieces are presently bring in the $ 400- 500 range.
They have always been underrated revolvers, and are finally getting some respect,
They have truly reached collector status, and well deserved in my opinion!!!!
Pair of 1980 Sportsman 4" barrels
With Jay Scott after market grips, and factory grips,
You mean like these?
Love the sportsman, especially the 4" er's
This is a pair of 1980 4" 999's
One unfired, the other I bought as unfired, but I have fired it 9 times, both with factory boxes.
NIB or LNIB pieces are presently bring in the $ 400- 500 range.
They have always been underrated revolvers, and are finally getting some respect,
They have truly reached collector status, and well deserved in my opinion!!!!
Pair of 1980 Sportsman 4" barrels
With Jay Scott after market grips, and factory grips,
aarondhgraham
New member
Of course ya know jamesjo,,,
I hafta hate ya,,,
Just a teeny-tiny bit.
Well,,,
Maybe hate is too strong a word,,,
But I certainly have a high amount of envy for your guns.
Theres a 6" H&R 999 at the Evil Pawn Shop right now,,,
It's only $259.00 but it's seen a lot better days,,,
I'm holding out for a very clean 4" like yours.
Aarond
.
I hafta hate ya,,,
Just a teeny-tiny bit.
Well,,,
Maybe hate is too strong a word,,,
But I certainly have a high amount of envy for your guns.
Theres a 6" H&R 999 at the Evil Pawn Shop right now,,,
It's only $259.00 but it's seen a lot better days,,,
I'm holding out for a very clean 4" like yours.
Aarond
.
bedbugbilly
New member
I have a H & R 929 "Sidekick" - 6" barrel. This model has the swing out cylinder - 9 shot. I bought it used for about $100 - looked like new. No . . it's not a Colt or a S & W . . . but it's reliable, shoots great in both SA and DA and is accurate (or as accurate as I am). You don't need to spend big bucks to get something that is reliable, functional and that will give you a lot of hours of fun shooting at a cheap price. Think of it as being like cars, yea . . . a Lincoln is pretty . . . but a VW will still get you there. 
22-rimfire
New member
That is just too much. Sorry. For a hundred or so more, you can have a Smith M17, M18, or one of the M63's.
I know the feeling. But might I suggest an alternative to the H&R. Brand new Ruger single six convertibles (22lr and 22 mag cylinders) can be had for just over $400. If you can live with the single action they are top notch. It's really like having two guns in one. The mag cylinder can be swapped out in less than a minute. Well made and extremely reliable. Between my dad and brothers we own four single sixes and a S&W m17.
deerslayer303
New member
I want to echo bedbugbilly's post. I too have a 929, I traded a case of ammo for it. The dang thing is super accurate, I have no idea how old it is but it looks great, I have noticed that mine as well as pics of other H&R 929 have turn lines on the cylinder. But at any rate good little revolver for not a lot of money. I see them in my LGS quite often and for really good prices. I wouldn't hesistate to buy another one if the need arises.