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H&R 939 Ultra "Side-Kick" Questions
BigLoop22
Member Posts: 620 ✭✭
Gentlemen,
Here are some photos of a gun that was auctioned off recently:
There was no serial number given, just that it was manufactured in 1958.
My questions are:
(1)When was it made?
(2)Is it rare?
(3)What is the little button at the bottom, rear of the hammer for?:
My fuzzy memory tells me that the square button is a cylinder release.
Thanks,
Here are some photos of a gun that was auctioned off recently:
There was no serial number given, just that it was manufactured in 1958.
My questions are:
(1)When was it made?
(2)Is it rare?
(3)What is the little button at the bottom, rear of the hammer for?:
My fuzzy memory tells me that the square button is a cylinder release.
Thanks,
Comments
This feature was only offered from the model's introduction circa 1958 until 1965, when it was dropped at the introduction of the 2nd Model. The 1st Variation (except for those made in 1958) also had a patented key locking device in the butt, which locked the action. This feature was also dropped in the second variation (1966-1974).
The third variation was introduced in 1974 and ran to about 1980, and the major difference with this one was the introduction of the "transfer bar safety/ignition" system. The ventilated, raised barrel rib was a flat black painted, aluminum "add-on", affixed by two screws which seem to have a habit of coming loose during firing.
The YOM can only be determined by the "prefix" to the serial number. I have one that was originally a 'U' (1958) but apparently was retrofitted at the factory with the key lock and restamped with 'V' (1959).
This model was, apparently not very successful with regard to sales volume. While it is not rare, it is somewhat scarce. Originally intended as a "target" quality revolver, the rather difficult to regulate rear sight (both windage and elevation were controlled by the rear sight blade) and a pretty heavy trigger pull doomed that intention. From my experience shooting this model versus the Sportsman model of the same era - the 939 cannot compare with regard to accuracy. The thumbrest grip panels were set up for right handed shooters only and I am not aware (I've never seen) any after market panels that would allow comfortable left handed shooting.
I have sold a couple of these at auction, and NIB they have sold for over $320.
Note: historical data provided thanks to Bill Goforth's research - hardware data provided from my collection.
Jim Hauff
I asked, because I have a liking for some of these "oddball", fancy-gun wanna-bes from H&R, and from Iver Johnson.[;)] Also, I have an N.E.F. R92 revolver that came with a short barrel. I bought just the barrel for a 939 Ultra "Side-Kick" from an auction, with the intention of substituting it for the short barrel on my R92. I swapped the barrels, with no problems at all. Here is a gun like mine:
Here is the barrel that I bought:
The right side of the barrel is marked "ULTRA SIDE-KICK", like the one on the gun that I first asked about. I wanted to know about that gun, because it looks interesting, and I was curious to find out the span of years between when my "new", longer barrel was made, and when my R92 was produced. Except for color, you would never know that the two were not made for each other.
I also found an old Poly-Choke rib to put on my R92. Here it is:
With a little work, the rib will fit![8D]
Thanks, again, Jim.[;)]
Patent # on the one in your picture is 2830937, serial should be on the bottom of the grip. My e-mail is voltageoverload@hotmail.com if you would like a factory manual for that gun. I also saw an original box w/cleaning rod for them on ebay that is still active.
In regards to Jim's comment about DOM, my serial number begins with an AU. Would that be an earlier production model?
My question to you guys is: What are the possibilities for replacing the aluminum vent rib and/or front sight?
I also agree that it was difficult to sight in and keep it sighted, but a dab of lock tite helped the loose screw problem (mix in a bit of teflon, just a pin-points worth. A trick I learned from an old gunsmith who loved his chemicals), and i had the trigger reworked. It shoots nicely with a lighter trigger pull. I forgot what the LBS is on this one because I had my NEF done as well, and they are different weights.
I liked the way that little short-barrel in that picture is set up, nice little rig, and it has got my mind working. I have my rear sight problem worked out, but if I could replace the front sight, I would do it. The NEF descendant of this pistol had a solid rib and adjustible front sight. That would be the ticket. Any ideas?
For whatever reason, I have taken a liking to these 50's era oddball guns as well, and have owned 3 similar models, including the Iver Johnson predecessor and a 70's NEF, which I am not as attracted to. For whatever reason, I like the rectangular barrel on the 939. My NEF has a bull barrel, and it adds a lot of unnecessary weight, however I like the adjustable front sight. I am going to have to say it is the weight of my 939 that has kept me from selling it so far. It is fun to shoot, and if I can figure out another sighting solution, I will probably keep it. The NEF is set up a lot like the Ultra, but the holes on the solid rib do not line up[:(!]
I have worked with this little pistol so long, i feel I have to see a solution through for it, and have become attached to it.
The AU prefix on your Model 939 = 1980 manufacture.
Took the wooden grips off to check the action of the Key turning, and what I see is a worm gear shaft applying pressure to the bottom of the spring.
How does this "lock" the hammer....
Thanks
R
I have collected all the new parts, but am lacking detailed procedures
to replace the sight.
Anybody??
Thanks
R