Narrowing down a production date...... - The Firearms Forum

Mark K · 09-10-2009, 07:28 PM

Thanks to the forum I found out my H&R "defender" was from the last run from 1973 to 1978, and it was made in 1978 (serial number AS 54642). Do we know how many were made that year and how close to end mine is? I know it's not earth shattering, but it would be fun to know. I was 20 in 1978. :~O

Thanks Canada for the funky old ammo, I'll try some this weekend and post a range report.

RJay · 09-11-2009, 02:42 PM

Mark, I don't think anyone has access to that type of detailed information.

Mark K · 09-11-2009, 09:00 PM

it was produced on a rainy thursday afternoon by 22 yr veteran gunbuilder Arnie Schwartzenwanker @ 3:21 pm........................ who had a cold that day. Some secret records I found. :~) Thanks, I'll be happy just knowing the year.

b.goforth · 09-13-2009, 11:25 AM

the only information i have along these lines is that in 1978 H&R manufactured a total of 2,224 38 S&W caliber revolvers. all handguns were serial number in the same series and the company records from that period seem to have disappeared in the dark recesses of the federal government.
bill

09-10-2009, 07:28 PM	#1
Mark K Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 18	Narrowing down a production date...... Thanks to the forum I found out my H&R "defender" was from the last run from 1973 to 1978, and it was made in 1978 (serial number AS 54642). Do we know how many were made that year and how close to end mine is? I know it's not earth shattering, but it would be fun to know. I was 20 in 1978. :~O Thanks Canada for the funky old ammo, I'll try some this weekend and post a range report. Attached Images -->

09-11-2009, 02:42 PM	#2
RJay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,486	Re: Narrowing down a production date...... Mark, I don't think anyone has access to that type of detailed information. __________________ RonJames

09-11-2009, 09:00 PM	#3
Mark K Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 18	Thanks, I found out it was produced on a rainy thursday afternoon by 22 yr veteran gunbuilder Arnie Schwartzenwanker @ 3:21 pm........................ who had a cold that day. Some secret records I found. :~) Thanks, I'll be happy just knowing the year.

09-13-2009, 11:25 AM	#4
b.goforth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston, tx Posts: 3,174	Re: Narrowing down a production date...... the only information i have along these lines is that in 1978 H&R manufactured a total of 2,224 38 S&W caliber revolvers. all handguns were serial number in the same series and the company records from that period seem to have disappeared in the dark recesses of the federal government. bill __________________ Author: Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works 1871-1993 H&R Arms Company 1871-1986 (due spring 2010) available from www.gunshowbooks.com website; iverjohnsoncollector.x10hosting.com