H&R SPORTSMAN Research

[32 Magnum]

Gordon,
Your SPORTSMAN is a 3rd Model (with transfer bar ignition/safety system) made in 1978.
I has all the "standard" features for that model. I'm surprised that the SA and DA trigger weights are that high, but I don't have as much experience shooting the "newer" pieces as I do the older 1930's pieces - which typically have about and 8# DA and around 2 - 2 1/2# SA pull. Your description of the fit and finish is typical for the post 1952 Sportsman examples. The accuracy you have achieved is pretty darn good - I've found mine to surpass my S&W M63 with 4" bbl.
Paying less than $300 in today's RETAIL market is a bonus. Most that I see (I do regular pricing checks on all H&R firearms for the "BLUE BOOK" so I stay pretty fresh with the averag pricing) sell closer to or over $400. The "market" has caught the SPORTSMAN bug. A couple weeks ago - an after market Nickel plated SPORTSMAN, with a bit of hyperbole thrown into the description - sold for over $1200. In 2011, several NIB examples from the same time period as your sold between $600 and $1000 - yep, that's not a typo - blew my socks off.
Good luck with your gun - enjoy.

Here's a couple pics of pieces from collection made slightly before and after yours - for comparison or for general info for those who haven't seen one.
Note that the 1972 example was made prior to the Transer bar ignition safety system (1973) and the hammer is a bit different.

 

[LongRiderWill]

H&R Revolvers - Information Wanted

Hey - I have picked up a couple of H&R Revolvers and I was hoping to get some information from you on the Sportsman. There are 2 Revolvers pictured.

I was told that the 922 is from 1927, it works great and is very serviceable. The 922 also has a saw handle, it is very comfortable to shoot.

The 999 Sportsman is a recent find. I cleaned it up and it also works flawlessly and is very accurate. It seems to have some kind of optional grip on it, it is very comfortable to shoot also.

I was wondering if you could date the Sportsman for me?
Here is the info I have on the Sportsman:

1. Serial Number D824X
2. Firing pin on mounted in frame
3. Safety rim on cylinder? Yes PATENT APPLIED FOR; one patent number; 1904730
4. Cylinder release: 1" long lever on right side
5. Location of Manufacturer's address - on top of barrel
6. DA also works in SA
7. Adjustable front sight

 

[32 Magnum]

Hey LongRiderWill,
Welcome to the forum.
THE 922 - if the grips are original to the gun - there maybe the serial number from the gun stamped into the back of the panels - it is definitely a 1st Model - made between circa 1927 and 1930. I could tell better if you provide the serial number. Otherwise a very nice condition example.

THE SPORTSMAN - with s/n D824X it is also an early First Model DOUBLE ACTION SPORTSMAN 2nd Variation, it was made shortly after March of 1933. This is the first one that I've seen or have data on - that has both "PATENT APPLIED FOR" and PAT. NO. 1904730 on the cylinder!!! The grip on the gun is SCARCE in itself. It is the #3 type with the top extention. At the time this gun was made, H&R offered 5 different grip types interchangable for the Model Single Shot Target Pistol USRA, the Model 199 SA SPORTSMAN and the Model 999 Double Action. Those mono-grips will also fit the post 1930 Model 922 with the Rice type grip frame. Both are very nice examples.
With your permisssion I would like to add the pic of the SPORTSMAN with the #3 grip to my reference file.

 

[gjamison]

had this for sometime now and thinking of selling. serial number is D21952 also firing pin is not on the hammer. grips i think are original and the box is numbered. don't know alot about these gun's.

 

[32 Magnum]

gjamison,
Your SPORTSMAN is a 1st Model 3rd Variation and until I get a bit more info on the 20K s/n range - was most likely made in mid to late 1934. It has most of the attributes found on that variation. QUESTIONS - it should have a raised rim around the back face of the cylinder, does it? Is there any stampings on the outside of the cylinder, between two flutes, with PATENT No.s or PATENT applied for? Is the top rib of the barrel stamped with Manufacturer's name and address?
Your pictures are EXCELLENT and the gun appears to be in Low EXCELLENT condition - there are a couple scratches here and there - esp. the screw driver skid mark next to the frame bolt. BOX appears original for that time period. Grip is H&R's #5 "Free pistol" mono-grip. All-in-all a very nice combo. Thanks for sharing.

 

[sparepartsdave]

just stumbled on this site while researching my Sportsman,
serial number X3741x
firing pin mounted on hammer
safety rim on cylinder
cylinder release on left side, small button, real small
"H&R Sportsman" "Double Action" on left side of the barrel
company name and address on right side, no patent markings anywhere
adjustable front(elevation) and rear sights
Double and single action

which brings me to the reason I was researching this gun, the single action sear was broken when I got it, I ordered a replacement from Numerichs, the replacement did not have the recess for the sear spring, did I get the correct part, or does this part need to be finished by drilling the recess for the spring?
Thanks

 

[Flynnstone63]

Would greatly appreciate any info you could give on mine.

Serial No. D232xx
Pin on Hammer
Safety rim, Yes
2 Patent Numbers
Release, Long Lever on right
Address on top of barrel
Double Action
Adjustable front sight

Thanks

 

[32 Magnum]

Sparepartsdave,
Thanks for the info. I apologize for the delay in responding - been a bit on the 'sick' side lately with a couple days here and there in the hospital - so, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it - here's what I have on your gun:
It was made in 1961 and is a 2nd MODEL. It has all the usual attributes for that year and model....
I believe your problem with the part stems from the fact that Numrich has a fairly large supply of parts all classified generically as Sportsman parts. There are at least 4 different recognized models and within the 1st Model there are at least 7 different variations. Many of the models and variations involved cosmetic as well as internal changes to lock-work and mechanicals. The part you received most likely was not the one made for your particular piece. Your best bet is to contact them by land-line and describe what you need. If you have the broken part - they may ask you to send it to them so they can match from their inventory. As to modification of ANY parts on any of these guns, I am not qualified nor sufficiently skilled to advise. Good luck - and thanks again for the info - I have logged it into my data base - yours is the 1st 'X' prefix piece that I have logged. One question for you - is your barrel smooth and "slab sided" or is it vented through the top rib?

 

[32 Magnum]

Flynnstone63,
Thank you for the detail info on your SPORTSMAN, also.
Your piece is a 1st Model 5th Variation, made after March 1936 (2 PAT. NOs.) and I'd roughly estimate it from the data base to be mid to late in that year. It has all the markings and attributes of that Mod and Var and fits right into the s/n number range.
Having the full serial number of your gun would greatly help fill-in my data base as I'm getting info on quite a few pieces in that 20K to 25K s/n range. If you wish to share - PM or e-mail, it will be held in confidence. [email protected]
Thanks, again for the info.

 

[Flynnstone63]

Thanks Jim, I will email the number to you.

 

[zumndad]

Inherited a 999 Sportsman - What do I have?

1. Serial Number (partials are welcome, but entire numbers will help more)?
80892 stamped on the grip front strap
2. Firing pin on hammer or mounted in frame?
Hammer
3. Safety rim on cylinder? PATENT APPLIED FOR; one patent number; two patent numbers?
Yes on saftey rim
Two Patent Stamps: PAT 190472(?) the last two numbers are worn down
PAT 2034
4. Cylinder release: 1" long lever on right side -or- small push button on left side of frame right in front of cylinder.
Small push button
5. Location of Manufacturer's address - on top of barrel -or- on right side?
Right side
6. DA or SA?
DA
7. Adjustable or fixed front sight? If fixed - soldered in slot or pinned in slot?
Adjustable front and rear sights

 

[BlackAgnes]

Here is another for your database:


1. Serial # S14778
2. Firing pin on frame
3. Safety rim on cylinder along with last three of serial numbers, PAT. 1904 730 on side
4. Right-hand bar, partially knurled
5. H&R address in barrel top
6. Single action
7. Adjustable front sight, pivot pin 1 3/8" from muzzle

Tim

 

[32 Magnum]

Zumndad,
Thanks for the data - it's entered.
You've a 1st Model 6th Variation - and from the data base, with that s/n most likely early 1939 manufacture. It has all the "standard" features of that Variation. It's a bit difficult to see in the pics - but I'd estimate Good to V. Good condition, with a current RETAIL value in the $325 to $350 range. Nice gun - take it to the range and enjoy the smooth action and potential accuracy.

 

[32 Magnum]

BlackAgnes,
Thanks for the data - it's entered.
It's nice to get some data on the MODEL 199 SINGLE ACTION SPORTSMAN - not too many are showing up. Yours is a 3rd Variation - it most likely was made in 1934 - not enough data to get any closer than that. The M199 are much scarcer than the DA M999, probably on a scale of 1:50. Difficult to judge condition from one photo - but in general the 199s are selling at RETAIL for about 30% to 40% higher than the 999s. I'd estimate your piece to have a current value close to $475 +/- $25. VERY NICE shooting guns with one of the finest 2lb trigger pulls you will experience - unless some previous owner buggered it up.

 

[BlackAgnes]

Thanks, Jim-- It's about new condition, and you are right about the trigger pull!

Tim

 

[32 Magnum]

Tim,
You are most welcome - glad to help out. The Model 199s were individually hand made by a real craftsman - from specially hardened, fitted and honed parts. EVERY one was machine tested for accuracy (on a special machine rest that H&R developed for the Single Shot USRA Target pistol and adapted to the 999 and 199.) If the piece did not meet accuracy requirements - I seem to remember 1 1/2" 5 shot group or smaller at 20 yards - it went back for adjustment. No M199 left the factory that didn't meet accuracy requirements..

 

[BlackAgnes]

Jim-- That is great information.

I never imagined such care went into the making of these fine revolvers!

Now I have the itch to go out and shoot it!

Tim

 

[Ralph G. Briscoe]

Are there any good sources for gunsmithing the Sportsman online? Mine has an excellent finish, but 2 chambers consistently fail to lock up....problem with the hand and/or the point where the hand contacts the cylinder apparently.

 

[32 Magnum]

Ralph,
Try these guys: Stone Chimney Creek Trading Co, LLC do a search. Seem to be very reasonable - a they DO know H&R firearms.

 

[32 Magnum]

Tim,
I keep researching some period (1930s) books I came across and the H&R info in them is outstanding. I'm amazed at some of the steps that H&R took in their high end target guns - contrary to the "common" knowledge that H&R made "junque" guns - they made some real gems.

 

[Bullseye]

I have a sportsman 999 with a large one piece wooden checkered grip and has a screw hole directly on the strap on the back and not the bottom of the grip handle. I think that the serial number indicates it is from 1941.

I would like to change the grip and I think that the options may be limited.
If I am correct the grip frame is shaped similar to a birds head even though the grip looks as if it were mounted on a square butt.

Are there other 2 piece grips available for this first model with the rather odd looking large 1 piece grips? I think it would look nice with some fancy wood or ivory birds head grips. Thank you!

 

[Bullseye]

Looking up after I posted I see the revolver that zumndad posted and supplied images for. This looks almost exactly like mine grips and all, my barrel is not vented either and it is double action.

 

[BlackAgnes]

Jim--

I am going to go out to the range next week and try to duplicate the 20 yard 1 1/2" group standard that H&R required of the 199.

I'll use various brands of standard velocity ammunition and give a full report.

Wish me luck!

Tim

 

[32 Magnum]

Sigsmoker,
All the pre-1953 SPORTSMAN models will have the "RICE" type "bird's head shaped" grip frame. H&R originally made 5 different configuration mono-grips to suit different tastes. All of those attach to the frame by one shoulder bolt through the back of the grip threaded into the frame. Those original grips have become scarce and when you can find one they often run up to 75 or more for an original. I know of NO two piece grips made to fit on that frame - although I've seen some custom and home made examples that ranged from crap to excellent. Aftert the change to the grip shape in 1953 - many after market two piece panels began to show up - especially those made by JAY SCOTT. Check out the on-line auction sites regularly and you'll eventually find one of the five different mono-grip configurations. My favorite is the #3 type, which simulates the original Model P Colt SAA grip.

 

[32 Magnum]

Tim,
I'm anxiously awaiting your field test. Good luck.