I have recently gotten two of these nine round, break-open, self-ejecting revolvers. From information I have just gotten, I have learned that the first one was made c. 1943 and the second one c. 1970. Once I get my copy of the latest edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values I should be more certain about the dates of manufacture.
The two revolvers are basically the same double action revolvers but a number of details were changed by the time the newer one was made. The older revolver has a good-sized lever on the right side of the frame to release and remove the cylinder, a solid barrel with no rib, and a hammer that hits a firing pin built into the frame. The newer one has a very small cylinder release button, a vented, ribbed barrel, and a firing pin built into the hammer. I am surprised that Harrington and Richardson reverted to the integral firing pin, which is a bit less safe, even if simpler, than the frame mounted firing pin, which can be combined with a transfer bar safety (not included in the older model).
The older model has one piece walnut grips with a diamond pattern but no insignia or medallions. The 1970 version has two piece walnut grips with medallions and visible screws on the side. The older revolver is marked simply as "Sportsman," while the newer one is marked 999 as well as Sportsman. The older model has a cylinder and mechanism which produces a strong scratch on the cylinder. The modified later cylinder and mechanism doesn't leave a mark. The older model, at least the one I have, latches the barrel and cylinder very securely to the frame with no rattle or looseness. The newer one has a slight looseness. Rounds drop into the newer model a bit easier than into the older one. Apparently the charging holes on the newer cylinder are minutely larger.
One of the most important differences between the two revolvers is that the older model has a very light, easy single action mechanism, whereas the newer one requires more pressure to fire single action.
On balance, I would say that the older Sportsman is the superior firearm, although it cost me half as much as the newer one.
Because of their antique features, these modern revolvers can be fun for the collector or plinker.
Drakejake
The two revolvers are basically the same double action revolvers but a number of details were changed by the time the newer one was made. The older revolver has a good-sized lever on the right side of the frame to release and remove the cylinder, a solid barrel with no rib, and a hammer that hits a firing pin built into the frame. The newer one has a very small cylinder release button, a vented, ribbed barrel, and a firing pin built into the hammer. I am surprised that Harrington and Richardson reverted to the integral firing pin, which is a bit less safe, even if simpler, than the frame mounted firing pin, which can be combined with a transfer bar safety (not included in the older model).
The older model has one piece walnut grips with a diamond pattern but no insignia or medallions. The 1970 version has two piece walnut grips with medallions and visible screws on the side. The older revolver is marked simply as "Sportsman," while the newer one is marked 999 as well as Sportsman. The older model has a cylinder and mechanism which produces a strong scratch on the cylinder. The modified later cylinder and mechanism doesn't leave a mark. The older model, at least the one I have, latches the barrel and cylinder very securely to the frame with no rattle or looseness. The newer one has a slight looseness. Rounds drop into the newer model a bit easier than into the older one. Apparently the charging holes on the newer cylinder are minutely larger.
One of the most important differences between the two revolvers is that the older model has a very light, easy single action mechanism, whereas the newer one requires more pressure to fire single action.
On balance, I would say that the older Sportsman is the superior firearm, although it cost me half as much as the newer one.
Because of their antique features, these modern revolvers can be fun for the collector or plinker.
Drakejake
