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Would like to evaluate a H&R Sportsman model 199 for date and value

4K views 7 replies 3 participants last post by  knight0334 
#1 ·
I have an old HR Sportsman. It is the Single action model 199. Nice condition, 90% remaining on bluing. Serial number is S10233. It has the Pat. No. 1904730 on the cylinder. Left side of barrel says H&R Sportsman Single action. Top of barrel has Harrington & Richardson Arms Co and Worcester, MASS USA. Right side of barrel says 22 Long Riffle CTG. Cylinder release is a bar on the right side of frame. Firing pin is in the frame, not on the hammer. Fully functional with no issues. Would like to find the manufacture date and what you believe it might be worth. Have shot it a few times and like it alot, accurate and comfortable. Let me know if I have missed anything or if anyone has a question. Thank you.

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#2 ·
It looks to be either a 2nd or 3rd variation, which would put production between May of 1933 and 1936. That "S" is for "Single Action" on pre-1940 guns. For post-1940 guns it is for the year 1956.

It looks like it was reblued at some point in time, which hurts its value. And the dent in the trigger guard really hoses things.

I'd put it in the 70%-80% range because of the booboos.. Which is around $250-$285 range. ...but of course, prices vary depending on area of the nation, and buyer/seller demand.
 
#3 ·
I would not have guessed this gun was reblued, because the wear on the bluing shows honest age, and all the markings on the frame and cylinder look very sharp. But it is notoriously difficult to tell this from photos, and knight0334 may have a better eye for it than I do.

I have one of these, and I'll have to get it out and check the shape of the trigger guard. They are very nice guns. This period was the peak of H&R's quality, IMO.

PS - Thanks for putting up pictures, Brock Glasser!
 
#6 ·
Pre-1940 guns the "S" was for "Single Action". Post-1940 an "S" is for the year 1956. (A=1940, B=1941, C=1942, etc, etc)

The way the bluing is worn by the grips makes it look like it was cold blued with the grips still on the gun. You usually don't get that type of bluing appearance unless the original finish was worn down, and it reblued in such a manner. Look at the picture with the gun pointed to the right.. You can see what I mean. Especially when there is no apparent corresponding wear on the grip at that same point.

I could be wrong though, but that is highly suspicious.

Regardless, it is a nice gun. And if you can find a replacement trigger guard it'd be in much better shape. I personally like it. :)
 
#5 ·
I have read a bunch of the posts from the late Mr. Hauff and found one where he reviewed a very similar gun with a slightly later serial number. From his post I would guess mine is a 1933 to 1934 second or third version. Thank you all for viewing and your input.
 
#8 ·
Other signs are the bluing on the hammer in the close-up from the left side, bluing on the hinge in the same picture.

And the bluing is mighty "purplish".

But, I could be wrong.

If you own it for a keepsake I wouldn't worry about whether it is original or reblued. Just get a new triggerguard and shoot it. Those single action 199's are great shooters!
 
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