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H&R Expert Needed Target Revolver
hulkaru
Member Posts: 24 ✭✭
I have looked over gunbroker and google for a H&R 922 with this setup to no avail. I am thinking this is something Grandpa did himself. Question then being does this lower the value of the gun? In looking at the model 922 it is a low end revolver in the first place. Would I do better to just put it in the back of the safe or is there a market for something that has been altered? I can tell you surprisingly it is a right on shot. When manualy cocked back the triger pull is like the S&W 41 short and crisp. But loading and unloading what a pain. This is not stock correct? Thanks, Tom
Comments
The front sight looks similar to a Colt Ofcrs model Target revolver. If it were mine, I would just leave it alone and shoot it.
We see a lot of "home-gunsmithing jobs" , most are of questionable quality and workmanship and of questionable reasoning ???
and we do occassionaly see what should be a valuable (collector?)? gun absolutly ruined by 'home gunsmithing' ??????
Good Luck !!!
d.a.stearns
Gunsmith / LEO
Niota , Tn
the round barrel was introduced in 1938 and the four inch barrel in 1948. with out knowing the serial number and letter code i would guess this revolver was manufactured between 1948 and 1952. the model 922 frame was changed in 1953 and two piece plastic grips became standard. if like i supect this is a pre1953 model it will have what collectors call "the rice frame" (birds head shape gripe frame). if it has this frame the 11 or so different style one piece walnut grips that were made for the model 999 sportsman and the single shot u.s.r.a model can be fitted with just a little work.
the grips may be original H&R grips but the sights are not. please let us know the serial number and letter code.
bill
Update: Bill, My Grandfather started the military back in the early 40's as a navagator on a bomber plane, finished up as a Commander on a destroyer ship. During this time he was also a member of the Naval Marksman Team. He did like to work with wood. But you would never know he had anything to do with firearms as it was never discussed. Upon his passing we came into all the medals and awards. Wish I would have had the though to bring up firearms when he was around. You live and learn. Thanks for the information thus far.
H&R used the "G" letter code in 1946. this revolver should have the rice frame (birds head grip). this can be confirmed by the presence of a threaded screw hole on the rear of the grip frame.
the model 922 was manufactured between 1926/27 and 1979. the original grip frame was of square butt confrigation and used a two piece over size walnut grip. the rice frame was used between about 1937 and 1952 and took a one piece walnut grip that will only fit the rice frame. after wwII a one piece Tenite (plastic) grip was standard, this grip attached the same as the walnut, a single screw at the rear. this is the grip that was standard in 1946. after 1952 the grip frame returned to the square butt configuration and a two piece Tinite grip was used until the end of production.
the "G" letter code on this revolver is interesting as the model 922 was not listed in the H&R catalog in 1946 and did not reappear again until 1947 and then only a 6 inch barrel was listed. H&R during this time was working on just what to put back in production (war time restraints were lifted in 1946).
without looking at the gun in person i am not will to commit to saying what this revolver exactly is. there have been some very unusual H&R prototypes from this era turn up. i have a prototype of a centerfire pump rifle H&R manufactured using a patent by eugene reising.
is this one of the revolvers you are going to list at auction.
bill
This one definitely has the "flat-top" frame seen on the post 1952 pieces. The contour pretty much matches the ones in my collection from that change over. However, the barrel appears to be a 1st Model - the markings and placement fit 4" 1st Mod. styles, the front sight is like nothing I've seen on any H&R, the hammer is not "stock" and the grip panels look to be "custom" or home made, and that is definitely not an issue rear sight for an H&R
I'd really like to see pictures of the left and right grip frame and all markings there, with the grip panels removed. As you said, the 'G'prefix doesn't match up with the time of the frame change. It may very well be a "put together" prototype or pattern gun preceding the new model change over. I just noticed also, that the cylinder bolt cut-outs are not "standard" to either of late '40s or early '50s variations, either. It looks like a put together, either at the factory or by home work. Compare the pictures attached below:
Jim Hauff
http://links.pictures.aol.com/pic/2390LFWxanmIv-31pTxbjgXOb7vNSmLf0ZBDv4xQp5Fd3Ig=_l.jpg
[url][/url]http://links.pictures.aol.com/pic/2390LFWxanmIv-31pTxbjgXOb3Gx4*aXtiLuv4xQp5Fd3Ig=_l.jpg
[url][/url]http://links.pictures.aol.com/pic/2390LFWxanmIv-31pTxbjgXOb*qnm3uZPFeAv4xQp5Fd3Ig=_l.jpg
the new pictures just deepen the mystery. if it was done by tom's grandfather he was a very skilled machinist/gunsmith and wood worker. was he known for this type of ability?
this revolver has an early cylinder with the patent number for the safety rim and it appears to be one of the early freewheeling type. the grip frame has been shorten and the grips made to fit the 'rice frame'. the barrel appears to have the marking of the 4 inch used after 1948. does the finish appear even through-out (barrel-vs-frame)?
i have save these pictures for additional study and i will check with the retired H&R plant manager to see if he has any information.
bill