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Got my revolver back from the "gunsmith"
Raupleminze
Member Posts: 1,385 ✭
Some of you may remember a few weeks back when I posted a thread regarding the identification of a Harrington and Richardson 5-shot revolver. I posted the information that the "gunsmith" read to me over the phone in hopes that I could ask you experts out there to help me identify. Well it turns out he left out some pretty obvious numbers on the gun. I am enclosing a picture of the gun disassembled and wondering if you guys could help me find the parts it needs or even identify the model. On the underside of each handgrip is the # 32393, underneath the left hangrip was the # 32393, the trigger guard is stamped 393, the cylinder is stamped 393 on the loading side, and the ejector is stamped 393. On the top of the barrel is the info as follows:
Harrington & Richardson Arms Company Worcester Mass. U.S.A.
PAT. Oct. 4.'87. May 14 & Aug. 6.'89. April 2.'95. April7. 1896.
I was told by the "gunsmith" that I needed a Hand and a Hand spring. I could use a hand tracking down these parts if anyone has any ideas. In the picture of the gun it shows all of the parts I have from inside so I may be missing other parts.
Harrington & Richardson Arms Company Worcester Mass. U.S.A.
PAT. Oct. 4.'87. May 14 & Aug. 6.'89. April 2.'95. April7. 1896.
I was told by the "gunsmith" that I needed a Hand and a Hand spring. I could use a hand tracking down these parts if anyone has any ideas. In the picture of the gun it shows all of the parts I have from inside so I may be missing other parts.
Comments
as i said in my original post the 5 patent dates on your revolver were used between 1898 and 1904. to determine the exact year look on the bottom of the top strap (remove the cylinder to see) for another serial number location. this location should have a letter code prefix
C=1898
D=1899
E=1900 & 1901
F=1902 & 1903
G=1904
the actual model is H&R auto-eject second model third variation.
in most parts catalogs such as numrich this is simply called auto-ejector old model. since there are several minor variations in some of the parts for the second model (it was manufactured from 1890 until 1904) it is best to send the old part in so they can match it. when the part is actually missing it can be a big hassle trying to find the exact correct part for your revolver and one of the most common mix-up of parts is the cylinder hand and spring (which should come as unit) your revolver uses a small flat leaf cylinder hand spring while those manufactured after your (after-1904) will use a round wire cylinder hand spring. it should come longer than needed because even when new these were hand fitted to individual revolvers.
even though i consider the H&R auto-ejector collectible it is some times better just to reassemble and leave as is. one reason for this is all second models 1890-1904 were designed for black powder cartridge pressures and are not safe with modern ammo. most likely the reason it needs repair now is someone continued to use this revolver with smokeless powder after black powder cartridges became hard to get.
before wwI black powder cartridge were plentiful but after that they were phased out of production by most ammo manufacturers although a couple continued to manufacture them until wwII but not ever sporting goods, general, hardware or feed store who sold firearms stocked them after wwI. the gun shop as we know it today did not become popular until after 1932 when the first federal laws were enacted to regulate firearms and a company selling firearms had to obtain a federal license to do so.
bill
But am unsure if that is the correct model to look under and if the hand and hand spring go under a different name.
Thanks,
Brian
it is a second model 3rd varitaion. the only difference the caliber would make of course would be in the barrel and cylinder which you have.
i looked at the link you provided and it appears to be the correct model. i have found it very helpful to make an old fashion telephone call to numrich. their sale reps. are usually very helpful. a lot of time a part may not be listed but are available.
i have tried several time to enlarge your picture but i just not smart enough so i really can't tell if any parts are missing.
bill
bill
bill