H&R Topper Model 58

[yoda2nd]

I recently picked up a H&R Topper Model 58 and was curious as to exactly how old it might be. Serial Number is AS258372.

[b.goforth]

H&R used the AS letter codes in 1978

MODEL 058 TOPPER-------------------------------------------1974-1981
Single Barrel, Side Lever Break Open Action (Patent No. 2,876,576), Self-Adjusting Barrel Latch, Auto-Ejector, Three Piece Take Down (Screw Retained Forearm), 12, 20 Gauges & 410 Bore (3 inch Chambers), 16 Gauge (2¾ inch Chambers), Barrel Lengths 26 to 36 inches Choked Full or Modified, Finish Case Hardened Frame & Blue Barrel, Pistol Griped Walnut Stained Hardwood Butt-Stock & Semi Beaver-Tail Forearm, Hard Rubber Butt Plate, Butt-Stock Length of Pull 13¾ inches, Drop: at Comb 1½ inches, at Heel 2½ inches, Overall Lengths 41 to 51 inches.
1974-1976-Production-Rebounding Hammer
1977-1981-Production- Transfer Bar Ignition System (Patent No. 3,988,848 dated November 2, 1976)
VALUE: 100%=$165 60%=$65

[yoda2nd]

Thanks for the response! That was very helpful. I do have one last question. Given its age and the gun being a full choke, should I be able to use standard steel shot with no problem? Probably nothing bigger than BB. I know that some manufacturers do not recommend steel shot with certain chokes as they can put too much stress on the barrel.

[butch72]

Hello I also have a H&R Topper model 58, serial AM385935
any idea when the gun was made?

[jamesjo]

Butch,
AM prefix = 1974 manufacture for your topper
Jim

[b.goforth]

to the best of my knowledge none of the original H&R single barrel shotguns (up to 1986) were built with steel shot in mind. i personally would not use steel shot in any H&R shotgun manufactured before 1986.
bill

[chris_smith]

my 20 guage topper has a AP prefix can you tell me when it was made when i got it the factory finish on the wood was pretty much worn so i refinished it heres how she came out

[jamesjo]

Chris,
AP prefix = 1976 manufacture of your topper.
Jim

[largebelly]

Hey,
I have a H&R Topper Model 58 with the serial code AN260735. Can anyone tell me when it was made? I cant find the year for the prefix AN anywhere.
Thanx ~Mike

[b.goforth]

H&R used the letter codes AN in 1975.

bill

[gsbrowneleader]

I have a AR in my serial number. Would you have any idea when it was made?

[jamesjo]

AR = 1977

[gsbrowneleader]

Thank you! Would you know how much it might be worth? I want to have it insured!

[Jim Hauff]

G = 1946 Total production, at least for now, is not available.

[b.goforth]

H&R used the G letter code in 1946. total production for that year is unknown. in 1946 the model 48 was in production.

MODEL 48 TOPPER (FIRST USE OF TOPPER NAME)---1943-1956
Single Barrel, Top Lever Break Open Action, Rebounding Hammer, Self-Adjusting Barrel Latch, Auto-Ejector, Three Piece Take Down (Snap On Forearm), 12, 16, 20 Gauges (2¾ inch Chambers) & 410 Bore (3 inch chamber), Barrel Lengths 26 to 32 inches Choked Full Or Modified, Finish; Case Hardened Frame & Blue Barrel, Pistol Griped Walnut Butt-Stock & Semi Beaver-Tail Forearm (oil Finished), Hard Rubber Butt-Plate, Butt-Stock Length of Pull 13 ½ inches, Drop: at Comb 1¾ inches at Heel 2½ inches, Overall Lengths 41 to 47 inches.
VALUE: 100%=$150 60%=$65

the JR model have the butt stock shortened to a length of pull of 12 1/2 inches otherwise they are the same as the regular model.

bill

[Z32C.com]

I have a distant family member trying to sell me a .30 .30 version of the Model 158.
The barrel has some surface rust and light pitting within it. What would be a fair value on this gun? From what I see it is in firing shape and the bore is bright, the blueing is faint, and thin, and there appear to be patches of varnish/shellack on the stock.

Here are a few pictures of it, including its stampings.

Thanks in advance for any help, I have hunted the internet and found a good bit on the shotgun variety, and almost nothing on the 3030 version.

[Jim Hauff]

Z32C,
In that condition, even though .30-30 is a desireable chambering, the piece pictured is in "FAIR" condition and worth $75 +/- $20. If you feel generous, offer him a hundred.
Can't make out the serial number, if you supply that, including letters in prefix, we can date the piece. I'm sure Bill G. will be along to provide all the background info on the M158.

[Z32C.com]

Thanks for the reply! I looked for a serial number, and the closest thing to a changeable stamping(what I thought might be the serial number) I found was the 1118 stamped into the barrel. I don't see any evidence of a serial number or any tampering-though I only looked for the obvious.

[Jim Hauff]

I see a "Z" letter just in front of the PATENT #. This should indicate year of manufacture: 1963.

[b.goforth]

an H&R Model 158 made in 1963 will not have a serial number on the reciever. this is the first year production of this model before it was turned into a combo model. jim is correct top dollar in this condition would be about $100. if in better shape it would be more desireable because of the year it was manufactured.

MODEL 158 COMBO SINGLE SHOT-------------------1963-1984
1963-Only Production-Topper-30 & Topper Jet, Side Lever Break Action, Calibers 30-30 Winchester or 22 S&W Jet, 22 inch Barrel, Drilled & Tapped for Scope Mount, Pistol Griped Walnut Stained Hardwood stock & Fore-arm, Blade Front Sight, Adjustable Folding Rear Sight, Blue Barrel & Frame Color Case Hardened, Weight 6½ Pounds, Overall Length 37 inches
1964-1967 Production- Topper 4 in 1, Standard with 4 Barrels 1 30-30, 1 22 Jet, 1 410 bore Full Choke and 1 20 gauge Modified Choke
1968-1974 Production- Topper Combo Standard with 2 barrels I 30-30 or 22 jet and 1 20 gauge, Stock is now Straight Griped
1975-Only Production- Topper Combo as above except 22 Jet caliber dropped and 22 Hornet Caliber added
1976-1984 Production- Model 158 Rifle Only, the 20 gauge shotgun barrel dropped only available in 30-30 or 22 Hornet
VALUE: Original Production of a complete set of barrels for the 4 in 1 complete set worth a 100% premium and any 22 Jet Barrel worth a 25% Premium
100%=$225 60%=$125

[Z32C.com]

Gentlemen,
Thank you! My wife's somewhat estranged brother was doing his best to cast the impression this was worth much more than it is, and told me about it being his Great Grandfathers boyhood hunting rifle, and wanting to keep it in the family rather than having to sell it off. Given the plastic trigger guard, and rubber pad, I suspected the the gun was much newer than his story would allow(I have My great Grand Fathers first Rifle-all Steel and Walnut(though not H&R ).
My wife's Family verified that his Great Grandfather had his first rifle before 1900,and it is still in the family, and that there is no way the Brothers story could be true.
If he asks, I'll give her brother $75 as an honest value(he needs to learn the value of that word), and have a good project to clean up with my sons for their first hunting rifle.
Originally, I had intended to buy it to pass to his son when appropriate-because of the "family significance".
Thanks again!

Is there any reason not to completely refinish this rifle? I could make up a story to excite my boys, or just start the known history of this firearm with them, and after cleaning it up, let all of the patina put on it be theirs!

[22shot]

Sheesh!

I also have a Toppper #58, 20ga.

Don't care when it was made; or how much it's worth; it's a great cary gun for quail and partridge in the feild. Light, very quick response time.

The pump and double stay at home.

[Jim Hauff]

Z32C,
You know the history, you know the value - you have the family heirloom status cleared up, the piece is of no real "historical" significance - it would make a fine first hunting rifle for your son(s). A complete refinish would, most likely, cost north of 200 bucks. A complete clean-up - would cost only what the cost of cleaning supplies would be. Your call - thanks for sharing and thanks for thanking.

[nuke submariner]

This may have been covered already and regrets if I am duplicating info request, but can you tell me when the book, "H&R Arms Company 1871-1986" will be out and where/how one may procure one?

Thanking you in advance, Mick - Abilene, TX

PS: I could use a couple of good used or OEM brass 158 topper shotgun sight beads. Not sure if the aftermarket ones are machined the correct shape; could use confirmation one way ot the other on those too. Mui gracias!

[jamesjo]

Try here for your parts.
http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/...spx?catid=8113

You can get on the waiting list for Bill's book, by contacting Gun Show books.
Still no set release date, but it is getting closer!!