H&R Model 65 Military (Reising)

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dalpra

New member
I came across the first H&R Model 65 I've ever seen, at a gun show today. It was marked "Model 65 Reising" on the .22LR barrel. The Blue Book describes it as the "Model 65 Military", apparently made from 1944-46 for the US Marines. The rifle is in very good condition and included 5 original H&R magazines and leather sling. Of course, I lost control and bought it.

I would appreciate any insights, experiences and opinions about this rifle. TIA.
 
Nice rifle. Actual military versions will have cartouched stocks and US Property markings. They command a premium. Both US and civilan models are getting collectable.

I want to get the martial version for my trainer collection.
 
I believe that this was the semiauto version in .45 ACP of the Marine SMG. A friend of mine had one back in the 60s and let me play with it. Being a doofus in those days I loaded up some pretty hot loads and succeeded in breaking the bolt. Luckily we were able to obtain a new one from H&R in those days, so no lasting damage done.

The original guns were made with both fixed wood butt stocks and wire ones, as I recall. The Marines purchased quite a few in the early war years but soon regretted it and got rid of them. I have read some pretty derogatory things about them as far as reliability went. Someplace in my archives I have a copy of an H&R ad from the War with glowing testimonials...Some of the survivors turned up in police departments after the war and that probably accounts for the existence of some semiauto ones as well.

Don't think I have seen another one since.

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Robert Foote,
I believe you are thinking of the Reising Model 60, which is the .45ACP SMG. The Model 65 is a semi-auto rifle in .22LR caliber.
 
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