H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

I was looking for information on a H&R Sportsman 9 shot single action revolver. It is blued with a checkered walnut grip, 6" Barrell and is in pristine condition only has been shot a dozen times or so. I do not have the original box. I have looked high and low and can not find anything else other than double action. It is about 50 or 60 years old. I am looking for the value. Is the single action more rare? I have been to gun shows and alot of dealers try to buy it for $100 - $150 going on book price for the double action. There was nothing in anyones books on the SA. They are very eager to purchase it but not for more than $150. Any help would be appreciated. Email is ggallet1@twcny.rr.com.

Thanks

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

the model 199 single action was never manufactured in the numbers the double action model 999 was. the exact number is unknown for now. the model 199 single action sportsman was introduced at the same time as the double action model 999, october 1932. it was manufactured until 1950, however there was no production between 1943 and 1948.

the serial number of prewwII revolver will be found on the left side of the grip frame under the grips. very early production 1932-1934 will have the letter S (for single action) as a prefix and production between 1940 and 1950 will also have a letter prefix 1940=A, 1941=B, 1942=C, 1948=I, 1949=J, 1950=K. i have a working serial number list for pre 1940 models but it is not 100% and may be off a year or so. what is the serial nummber of your revolver? the post war production was even less per year that the pre war production. i consider those manufactured in 1948 thru 1950 extremely rare.

in the condition you state i would value prewar version at $300+ and post war about 25% higher to a collector.

for your information; there were two other prewar single action sportsman models that are even rarer than the model 199. they are the model 777 ultra sportsman and the model 196 euerka sportsman.
bill

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

Awesome info.... Thank you. My gun's serial number is S 13908.

Thank you so much

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

my serial number list indicates manufacture date of late 1933
bill

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

Bill,
My name is Rick and I read your info regarding H&R Sportsman model 199.
My friend is looking for info on his model 199. Serial # is S19885 ...
Any info would be helpful.
Thanks in advance,
Rick

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

the model 199 single action was not as popular as the m999 double action and fewer of them were made serial number S19885 is most likely pre 1937 manufacture. i have information on serial number S18974 with features that date it to post 1937.

to be more accrurate i would need to know the marking and where they are, where the firing pin is (hammer or frame) and type of cylinder retainer.
bill

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

Firing pin is on the hammer and cylinder retainer is a spring loaded bar located on the frame just in front of the cylinder. The serial number is stamped on the forward side of the grip.... On the top of the barrel is stamped "Harrington & Richardson Arms Co. Worchester Mass"........On the side of the barrel there is written " H&R Sportsman Single Action.....on the frame above the barrel release lever there is stamped "22 long ctg" No additional hallmarks

Thanks for you help Bill

Rick


"the model 199 single action was not as popular as the m999 double action and fewer of them were made serial number S19885 is most likely pre 1937 manufacture. i have information on serial number S18974 with features that date it to post 1937.

to be more accrurate i would need to know the marking and where they are, where the firing pin is (hammer or frame) and type of cylinder retainer.
bill[/QUOTE]

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

rick,
this revolver has the same features as serial number S18974 so it would be the same variation, which is the fourth variation manufactured between 1937 and 1941. 1936 was the last year for a frame mounted firing in the pre war models. production was stopped in 1942 and did not resume until 1949 and in 1951 after a post war production of only 215 revolvers the single action model was discontinued for good. there are no known factory records for the single action model so i can't say for sure but most likely less than 25,000 manufactured before the war.

sorry i can't give you an exact year.
bill

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

I have a H&R "SPORTSMAN" double action with wrap-around walnut grips and no vent rib.My serial number is M5313 can anyone give me a year this firearm was made?

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

H&R used the M letter code in 1952. 1952 was the last year of the old prewar design. the second model 999 started in 1953 featured the new design grip frame that used a two piece walnut grip.
bill

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

Howdy All,

I have an H&R Sportsman .22LR DA with a serial number of 47965. There is no preceeding letter. My grandfather had this pistol and I spent many memorable afternoons shooting cans at his place.

My question is, "When was it manufactured?" I'm guessing it is before 1940. Any help would be much appreciated.

It still shoots great!

Thanks,
David

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

SPORTSMAN DOUBLE ACTION MODEL 999 LARGE FRAME TOP BREAK . ----------1932-1952
Large frame double action top break revolver; Caliber 22 rimfire (short, long & long rifle) cylinder capacity 9 rounds, 22 Winchester Rim Fire (WRF)
cylinder capacity 7 rounds; Safety rim cylinder; blue finish only; barrel length 6 inches (ribbed); Automatic cylinder stop; Sights: rear adjustable for
windage only, Three different front sights used, full Blade, Partridge type & Partridge type pinned to barrel top rib, all non-adjustable; Finger rest
trigger guard; One piece oversized checkered Walnut grips (birds head grip frame shape, Rice frame); frame mounted firing pin, hammer face is flat.
Cylinder release is long pivoting lever on right side of frame (there are two different version of this). Serial numbered in its own series from 01 up to at least 89761 by the end of 1939. Starting in 1940 letter codes were used.
Early production until about 1933 the letter code “D” was used to denote double action
First Variation; round heavy weight ribbed barrel with Blade non-adjustable front sight-1932- to before April 18,1933
Second Variation; adjustable front sight--------------------1933 (after 4-18-1933)-
Third Variation; firing pin moved to hammer------------------1934
Fourth Variation; three inch barrel was offered----------------1935
Fifth Variation; two patent dates marked on cylinder (before there was only one)---------1936 (after 3-17)-1937
Sixth Variation; top of barrel markings moved to right side of barrel---------1937-1939
Seventh Variation; 22 WFR caliber dropped, 3 inch barrel dropped----------1940-1941
Eight Variation; one piece over size plastic grips are standard, limited production during WWII years--1942-1952
VALUE: 100%=$425 60%=$195 Add 15% premium for 1st Variation; %0% for 22WRF caliber; 30% for 3” barrel (scarce) (See Post 1952 Section for Models 2 & 3)

serial number 47965 is most likely a 6yh variation 1937-1939
bill

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

Bill,

It's been a while since my last post, but I have (2) H&R 999's and I was wondering what year they were produced and possibly a value? #1 is 85 to 90% condition with a serial # P2329. #2 is 99% condition with a serial # AM55055. Any info would be appreciated. Gun #1 was the first gun I ever shot with my Grandfather @ the age of 4 (1970). It was handed down to me when he passed. I'll try to attach some pictures. Any info would be appreciated, Mike...

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

serial number P2329 manufactured in 1954 and is a Second Model.
serial number AM55055 manufactured in 1974 and is a Third Model

MODEL 999 SPORTSMAN SECOND MODEL (NEW FRAME)-----------1953-1972
Top Break, Double Action, 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 9 shot, Blue Finish, Barrel Length 6 inches, Adjustable Sights
VALUE: NIB:=$425, 95%=$365, 60%=$195

MODEL 999 SILVER SPORTSMAN-------------------------------1963-1966
Top Break, Double Action, 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 9 shot, Chrome Finish, Barrel Length 6 inches only, serial number letter codes Z, AA, AB only
VALUE: (very seldom seen) 100%=$450 60%=$325

MODEL 999 SPORTSMAN THIRD MODEL (TRANSFER BAR IGNITION)-----------1973-1986
Top Break, Double Action, 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 9 shot, Blue Finish, Barrel Length 4 & 6 inches (4 inch not added until 1979, Adjustable Sights, In 1979 Only, the Model name was advertised as Model 999 Automatic-Ejecting and it was offered in that year only in 32 S&W Long caliber, 6 shot.
VALUE: NIB:=$425, 95%=$350, 60%=$175

MODEL 999 SPORTSMAN I OF 999 (TRANSFER BAR IGNITION)----1979-1986
Engraved with Fitted Wood Case, Top Break, Double Action, 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 9 shot, Blue Finish, Barrel Length 6 inches, Adjustable Sights
VALUE: Collector value only if unfired, with all original tags, manuals, commemorative medallion, wooden presentation case and cardboard box;
100%=$700+ if in other than described condition it is valued as the Model 999 3rd Model plus 20% premium for engraving.

bill

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

hey every one im new to the forum and i just got my great grandfathers harrington and richardson model 999 sportsman 22 lr top break revolver it is single action and is a 9 shot. im trying to figure out when it was made. the serial number is on the bottom of the handle between the wooden grips. the serial number is AU087163 any help on figuring out when this gun was made and any additional info about the gun would be very helpful to me thank you all

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

the letter codes AU were used in 1980. this is a third model see the above post for values.
bill

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

thank you b.goforth for the info

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

could anyone tell me where i could find parts for my .22 it is missing the rear sites. and i would like to replace them.

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

i have no source for a missing rear sight.
bill

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

I inherited a Sportsman 999 seriel number AE45239 in 1985. Have shot it sparingly. I like shooting the gun but it seems to misfire at least one out of every cylinder reload no matter what manufacturer's ammo is used. Examining the rim primers shows strikes. Move the misfire to a different hole and they almost always fire.

Two questions: does anyone know when this firearm was made and second, what may cure this problem or should I just sell it and move on?

Vince

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

H&R used the letter codes AE in 1968. this would make your M999 a second model.

MODEL 999 SPORTSMAN FIRST MODEL ------------------1932-1952

MODEL 999 SPORTSMAN SECOND MODEL (NEW FRAME)---------1953-1972
Top Break, Double Action, 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 9 shot, Blue Finish, Barrel Length 6 inches, Adjustable Sights
VALUE: NIB:=$425, 95%=$365, 60%=$195

MODEL 999 SPORTSMAN THIRD MODEL
(TRANSFER BAR IGNITION)--------------------------------1973-1986
Top Break, Double Action, 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 9 shot, Blue Finish, Barrel Length 4 & 6 inches (4 inch not added until 1979, Adjustable Sights. In 1979 Only the Model name was advertised as Model 999 Automatic-Ejecting and it was offered in that year only in 32 S&W Long caliber, 6 shot.
VALUE: NIB:=$425, 95%=$350, 60%=$175

bill

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

GF: Thanks for the reply. Do you have any suggestions about the misfires?

Vince

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

the most common cause of misfires in H&R revolvers of this era are caused by the hammer spring. remove the grips and check the plastic head on the hammer spring guide rod. if broken new one are available. another area to look at is the firing pin attached to the hammer, if worn a new hammer is the only cure.
bill

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

Will do, thanks again.

Vince

Re: H&R Sportsman 22 LR
 

HI I have a H&R sportsman 999 serial number y8657. Can anyone advise a year of manufacture. Thanks Shawn