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H&R 976

grumpygygrumpygy Member Posts: 48,464 ✭✭✭
edited November 2010 in Ask the Experts
For the fun of it I tried to search for some info on this. Found little and did not find any on the auction side.

Anybody have info on them like how many made. Maybe some specs.

Mine has a blued barrel but reciever is case hardened.

Not looking for how much its worth cause it stays with me.[:D]

Comments

  • b.goforthb.goforth Member Posts: 982
    edited November -1
    here is an excerpt from my soon to be published book on H&R firearms.

    MODEL 976
    1977-1981

    HISTORICAL DATA
    The Model 976 was originally offered a fancy version of the Model 949 with a 7? inch barrel. The model 976 only had one-barrel length and one finish. In 1980 a deluxe version was introduced that featured a fully adjustable rear sight. The factory model number for the new deluxe version was 97602 and the standard version became 97603. The standard and deluxe models were offered together for the year 1980. The standard version was discontinued after 1980 and the deluxe version one year later in 1981. The late 1970's and early 1980's era was a time of unrest for H&R and they were desperately trying to rebuild their revolver line. They were constantly adding and dropping models. The one high point during this time was the introduction in 1984 of the new 32 Magnum cartridge and the revolvers chambered for it.

    SPECIFICATIONS;
    MODEL 976 STANDARD 1977-1980
    Solid frame double action revolver; rod ejection with swing down side loading gate; 22 rimfire caliber, cylinder capacity 9 rounds, with safety rim; hammer with wide spur; heavy weight round barrel 7 ? inches in length; blue barrel and cylinder, antique color case frame and ejector tube, polished hammer and finger rest trigger guard; one piece oversize western shaped (plow handle) walnut grips; blade front sight and rear adjustable (by drifting) rear sight; hammer retained in frame by pin; transfer bar ignition system; weight 36 ounces; overall length 12 3/8 inches.

    SPECIFICATIONS;
    MODEL 976 DELUXE 1980-1981
    Solid frame double action revolver; rod ejection with swing down side loading gate; 22 rimfire caliber, cylinder capacity 9 rounds, with safety rim; hammer with wide spur; heavy weight round barrel 7 ? inches in length; blue barrel and cylinder, antique color case frame and ejector tube, polished hammer and finger rest trigger guard; one piece oversize western shaped (plow handle) walnut grips; ramped front sight and rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation; hammer retained in frame by pin; transfer bar ignition system; weight 36 ounces; overall length 12 3/8 inches.

    bill
  • jamesjojamesjo Member Posts: 2,242 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    H&R model 976
    Manufactured 1977-1981
    22 LR, 7.5" barrel,double action,blue finish with case hardened frame windage adjustable rear sight, blade front sight. this version offered through 1980.
    In 1980 a deluxe version was also offered, featuring fully adjustable rear sights, and a target style ramp front sight. the standard version disappeared from the H&R catalog in 1981, and only the "deluxe version was offered the last year.
    Info from 1980 and 1981 H&R catalogs, and also the BLUE BOOK Of GUN VALUES. The Blue Book shows the gun as being offered as a convertible 6 shot piece, but the only ones I have seen were both 9 shot LR only pieces.
    No idea how many were made, but since they were only offered for 4 years, I would guess they are kind of scarce. I recently bought one on GB excellent condition, with box and papers.
    I really like it, but haven't had the oppurtunity to take it out for a test yet, mine is an AU piece, which = 1980 manufacture. It is the "standard" model with the windage adjustable rear sight, and the western style blade front sight.
    Just out of curiousity, what is the letter prefix to the serial # of your gun? Is it the early standard model or the newer deluxe piece?
    That is all the info I have, maybe Bill Goforth, or Jim Hauff can add more...
    I bought the only model 976 I have ever seen on the auctions, so maybe they just never caught on, or everynoe who has one is keeping it.
    Best

    Jim Ritchie
  • jamesjojamesjo Member Posts: 2,242 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I told you Bill would be along, he was sending as I was typing, Hiope this helps!
    Jim
  • grumpygygrumpygy Member Posts: 48,464 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If I read the prefix is AX

    From the Decription it would seem like it is the Delux version.

    Thanks for the replys, Glad I asked.
  • jamesjojamesjo Member Posts: 2,242 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    AX= 1981, Last year of production. So yes, it is the deluxe model, although I believe they only called them the standard and the deluxe model in 1980, which is the only year that both models were available.
    enjoy!!
    Jim
  • jamesjojamesjo Member Posts: 2,242 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Check out GB auction # 108002059. that is the model 976 standard version that I purchased in august, you can see the differences in the front and rear sights as compared to your 1981 model.
    Best

    Jim Ritchie
  • grumpygygrumpygy Member Posts: 48,464 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Front looks about the same but rear is a little different.
  • billeyboybilleyboy Member Posts: 10 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a Harrington Richardson Model J97602. I bought this gun 30 years ago, and it is still in it's original box with all of the paperwork. It's been fired very little. The action is extremely bad, which is probably why I haven't fired it much. It has a case hardened frame, 7.5 in. blue barrel, smooth, grips, and adjustable sights. It is in "as new" condition. I am thinking about taking it to a gun smith to have the action worked on, or selling it. Could someone give me an estimate as to the value of this gun? Any offers to buy would be considered also.
    Thank you for your help.
    billeyboy
  • b.goforthb.goforth Member Posts: 982
    edited November -1
    MODEL 976 (TRANSFER BAR IGNITION)
    1977-1981
    Solid Frame, Double Action, Rod, Ejection, Western Style Grip. 22 Long rifle. 9 Shot, Finish Blue/Case Harden Color, barrel Length 7? inches, Fixed Sights.H&R Model number 97603
    VALUE: 100%=$295 60%=$175

    MODEL 976 DELUXE (TRANSFER BAR IGNITION)
    1978-1981
    Solid Frame, Double Action, Rod, Ejection, Western Style Grip. 22 Long rifle. 9 Shot, Finish Blue/Case Harden Color, barrel Length 7? inches, Adjustable Sights. H&R Model number 97602
    VALUE: 100%=$305 60%=$185

    this information different slightly from what i posted above but it is the newest and latest information availble.
    bill
  • ChrisInTempeChrisInTempe Member Posts: 15,562
    edited November -1
    I am posting here because it was mentioned that my model 949 H&R was the basic version of the fancier 976.

    The 649 is a 6 shot revolver, single and double action, side loading gate with .22 Long Rifle and .22 WMRF cylinders. My serial number is
    AU034264, bought new in the early 1980's.

    What jumps out at me is that if the 976 is the fancy version, but it's a 9 shot while the 649 is a 6 shot, is the 976 really a fancied up 949 or is it a completely different model?

    I recall when I bought my 649 the deciding factor was the magnum cylinder. Would have liked to have a 9 shot, but that was not offered in .22LR/.22 WMRF convertible.

    One more curiosity, the first time I went hiking/small game hunting with my 649, I experienced the ejector rod housing falling off when I pulled the gun from it's holster to fire on a rabbit. The screw threads for the retaining screw were stripped. I'd never touched it, it came from the factory that way.

    I have owned a few H&R's over the years, and fired a number of other people's guns. This was the only problem I ever encountered. Other than that stripped thread experience, H&R's are good guns that deserved wider recognition.
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