Details about a H&R 22 Special?? - The Firearms Forum

New To Shootin' · 08-24-2009, 11:24 AM

Hello, I just got a H&R "22 Special" from my grandfathers estate when he passed away. It is serial number 5033.. - I am wondering a couple things about it. First, how old is it? I think from the other post that it is from the late 20's. It says "22 Rimfire" on the right side of the barrel and holds 7 shots. Second question is should I shoot it at all? If so can I shot standard .22 LR through it or does it need something else?? Any help/aid would be great - my screen name says it all......

b.goforth · 08-24-2009, 08:04 PM

this H&R 22 special is from the 1926 to 1927 era. all serial number ranges are estimates

22 SPECIAL LARGE FRAME TOP BREAK------------------1925-1941
6 inch barrel only, 22 Rimfire 9 shot & 22 WRF Caliber 7 shot, blue finish only, 2 piece walnut grips (after 1932 I piece grips)
First Variation, 7 shot 22 rimfire only, over sized 2 piece saw handle shaped walnut grips (serial number range above 490000*)------1926-1928
Second Variation 9 shot 22 rimfire and 7 shot 22WRF (serial number range 510000-559100*)---------1928-1930
Third Variation new rounded 2 piece grip (saw handle shape eliminated) (serial number range unknown)-----------1931-1932
Fourth Variation safety cylinder and new grip frame (RICE FRAME) (serial number range 559100-590000*)------1933-1938
Fifth Variation automatic cylinder stop (serial number range above 590000*)--1939-1942
After 1930 listed in catalogs as: MODEL 944 LARGE FRAME TOP BREAK .22 RIMFIRE CALIBER 9 shot. After 1930 listed in catalogs as: MODEL 945 LARGE FRAME TOP BREAK .22 Winchester Rim Fire CALIBER 7 shot
VALUE: 100%=$330 60%=$150 Add 50% premium for 22 WRF chambering; 15% for 1st Variation; 10% premium for 4th & 5th Vatiation

bill

RJay · 08-24-2009, 09:57 PM

Be advised that WRF ( Winchester Rim Fire ) is not the same as 22 Winchester magnum. Good news, CCI has started producing the 22 WRF. If a 22 cartridge is a very loose fit then it takes the 22 WRF. If you shoot a 22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle in a 22 WRF chamber the case will rupture and may spit gas and unburned powder at you. The 22 WRF is a thicker or fatter case than the normal RF, but shorter than the 22 Winchester Magnum. Now if you're not confused, then you having been paying attention

, Any questions, post back.

b.goforth · 08-25-2009, 01:41 PM

the 22 specials that were chambered for the 22 winchester rimfire are marked 22 WRF.
bill

08-24-2009, 11:24 AM	#1
New To Shootin' Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Woodbury, VT Posts: 2	Details about a H&R 22 Special?? Hello, I just got a H&R "22 Special" from my grandfathers estate when he passed away. It is serial number 5033.. - I am wondering a couple things about it. First, how old is it? I think from the other post that it is from the late 20's. It says "22 Rimfire" on the right side of the barrel and holds 7 shots. Second question is should I shoot it at all? If so can I shot standard .22 LR through it or does it need something else?? Any help/aid would be great - my screen name says it all...... -->

08-24-2009, 08:04 PM	#2
b.goforth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston, tx Posts: 3,174	Re: Details about a H&R 22 Special?? this H&R 22 special is from the 1926 to 1927 era. all serial number ranges are estimates 22 SPECIAL LARGE FRAME TOP BREAK------------------1925-1941 6 inch barrel only, 22 Rimfire 9 shot & 22 WRF Caliber 7 shot, blue finish only, 2 piece walnut grips (after 1932 I piece grips) First Variation, 7 shot 22 rimfire only, over sized 2 piece saw handle shaped walnut grips (serial number range above 490000)------1926-1928 Second Variation 9 shot 22 rimfire and 7 shot 22WRF (serial number range 510000-559100)---------1928-1930 Third Variation new rounded 2 piece grip (saw handle shape eliminated) (serial number range unknown)-----------1931-1932 Fourth Variation safety cylinder and new grip frame (RICE FRAME) (serial number range 559100-590000)------1933-1938 Fifth Variation automatic cylinder stop (serial number range above 590000)--1939-1942 After 1930 listed in catalogs as: MODEL 944 LARGE FRAME TOP BREAK .22 RIMFIRE CALIBER 9 shot. After 1930 listed in catalogs as: MODEL 945 LARGE FRAME TOP BREAK .22 Winchester Rim Fire CALIBER 7 shot VALUE: 100%=$330 60%=$150 Add 50% premium for 22 WRF chambering; 15% for 1st Variation; 10% premium for 4th & 5th Vatiation 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 Last edited by b.goforth; 08-24-2009 at 08:05 PM..

08-24-2009, 09:57 PM	#3
RJay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,487	Re: Details about a H&R 22 Special?? Be advised that WRF ( Winchester Rim Fire ) is not the same as 22 Winchester magnum. Good news, CCI has started producing the 22 WRF. If a 22 cartridge is a very loose fit then it takes the 22 WRF. If you shoot a 22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle in a 22 WRF chamber the case will rupture and may spit gas and unburned powder at you. The 22 WRF is a thicker or fatter case than the normal RF, but shorter than the 22 Winchester Magnum. Now if you're not confused, then you having been paying attention , Any questions, post back. __________________ RonJames

08-25-2009, 01:41 PM	#4
b.goforth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston, tx Posts: 3,174	Re: Details about a H&R 22 Special?? the 22 specials that were chambered for the 22 winchester rimfire are marked 22 WRF. 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