Old HR Top Break .22 Sportsman Revolvers

[FlySubCompact]

Anyone have one? Opinions of it?

My brother in law used to have a standard (tip out cylinder type) HR .22 years ago. I always liked shooting it. Just saw one of the top breaks on Youtube and I'm interested.

 

[wilburmay]

They seem to have gone up in value a lot in the past year or so. For the money I think you can get a better shooter. They have their novelty but I have had friends that had durability issues. If you get one loctite the rear sight blade for sure. JMHO
Wilbur

 

[jamesjo]

Built form the early 30's through the 90's, I'd say they were doing something right!
Great revolvers, very well built.
I have 7, ranging from 1939 through 1980, and I have had 0 durability issues.
I will agree with wilburmay on the loctiting the rear sight screws though!!

 

[FlySubCompact]

Jamesjo,

That is a nice collection. I'm guessing you like them.

I know I'm not going to find a pristine revolver like that glistening under gun shop glass with a $50 price tag, but I would really like to find one. I intend to find one that I can shoot the crap out of. Hopefully find one in good working condition that might have some exterior cosmetic issues, but a good price tag. Love shooting .22.

 

[jamesjo]

Flysubcompact.
Thanks, I have about 40 H&R's in all, and am happy with every one.
I have been very particular in what I buy.
Only buying excellent or new condition for the most part.
I usually don't even buy anymore, unless the gun has the original box.
More into the collecting than the shooting these days.
Values are rising quickly on the Sportsman pieces, with the later models in new condition bringing $ 400 + on a regular basis.
If you are looking for a good shooter, you can find them pretty often in the $ 250 range. The older models while probably being better built revolvers, just don't seem to bring the money that the later models are selling for.
look for a nice condition piece that has the 1 piece grips.
That would make it a pre 1954 model.
Many will say they are better built guns prior to this, and not selling for as much money either.

 

[kcub]

+1 on the older ones

Stick with std velocity ammo.

 

[Hawg]

I've got a Sportsman made in 36. It will still shoot as well or better than most modern guns.

 

[kcub]

Mine looks like yours with that tear drop shaped barrel and one piece grips.

 

[jamesjo]

Here's a couple pics of the "HOLY GRAIL" of Sportsman models
Both Single Action revolvers, factory built for competition target shooting.
1939 Model 777 Ultra Sportsman.
1 of around 1000 built.

1940 Model 196 Eureka Sportsman.
1 of about 350 built

 

[skidder]

Double action trigger pull is a little tough, but smooth. Single action is just right.
9-shot sportsman 999

 

[32 Magnum]

It is with utmost sadness that I relate that our member JamesJo (Jim Ritchie) passed away on the night of 3/31/2012. Jim was an avid collector and poster of his prized H&R SPORTSMAN and .22 Convertible revolvers. Jim has been a friend for many years and he will be missed. Please join me in sending wishes and prayers to comfort his family. He will be missed.

 

[skidder]

He was truly a friendly person with character and integrity. Prayers to his family in their time of loss.
God bless....

 

[kcub]

May we all enjoy our collections right up to the end like he apparently did.