H&R Top Break
- Thread starter Racinbob
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Well it is an enclosed hammer but there are markings you just need to look better. Their guns are marked on the top rib of the barrel. What dates does it have on the rib? I have a hammer type in my hands right now and the dates are May 14.89 and April 2 95.
My hammer less .38 S&W shows the dates of April 6 86, Feb 18 87, May 10 87, Dec 28 06
The patent datesis how you tell if it is BPCTG or not.
My hammer less .38 S&W shows the dates of April 6 86, Feb 18 87, May 10 87, Dec 28 06
The patent datesis how you tell if it is BPCTG or not.
Thanks but unfortunately all I have to go by is pretty much what you see. The markings are gone. I figured it had to be quite a bit older than that. It's in really rough shape. The only advice I could give him was NOT to shoot it. I don't know if he was hoping it had some collectors value or just wanted to know what it is. Personally, I don't think it has any value at all. My limited experience with H&R's is that they are solidly built but this one feels more like a cap gun.
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My head was clearly in a dark and lonely place when I commented on the age. I put the wrong two digits in from of it.
Here's something I found on the internet:
the H&R Hammerless models were manufactured between 1899 and 1942.
first model 1899-1904 black powder only and NO caliber markings on barrel
second model 1905-1942 smokeless powder and caliber marking on barrel
a small frame 5 shot would indicate a caliber of 32 S&W and the serial number of 242659 indicates manufacture of before 1925. most likely 1915 to 1925 era.
The picture they had looked identical.
Here's something I found on the internet:
the H&R Hammerless models were manufactured between 1899 and 1942.
first model 1899-1904 black powder only and NO caliber markings on barrel
second model 1905-1942 smokeless powder and caliber marking on barrel
a small frame 5 shot would indicate a caliber of 32 S&W and the serial number of 242659 indicates manufacture of before 1925. most likely 1915 to 1925 era.
The picture they had looked identical.
For what it's worth I can tell you that it's a later model that can use smokeless powder cartridges. That said, when you find out the cost and availability of ammunition you may well decide it's not worth shooting.
How can I tell if it's an old or new model? The cylinder stop notches in the cylinder were different, and your photograph clearly show the latter.
If you carefully remove the grips (they are easily chipped and cracked) you'll also find it has a coil, rather then flat mainspring - another feature that identifies the new vs. old model.
How can I tell if it's an old or new model? The cylinder stop notches in the cylinder were different, and your photograph clearly show the latter.
If you carefully remove the grips (they are easily chipped and cracked) you'll also find it has a coil, rather then flat mainspring - another feature that identifies the new vs. old model.
Kernel
Member
Regarding value, you can look on online auction sites to get an idea. They were inexpensive to begin with and H&R made hundreds of thousands over the years, so they're not rare. Even in pristine like-new-in-box condition old H&R's will often go for less than $400. The OP's revolver looks like it's been re-nickled over deep pitting or spray painted silver (tastefully 
). As a parts only gun, I'd put the value at less than $50. It's possible there's still some good parts on the inside.
). As a parts only gun, I'd put the value at less than $50. It's possible there's still some good parts on the inside.- Status
