H&R .32 top break revolver - Page 3

bobnos · 02-04-2012, 03:47 PM

help! fixing an old har-rich. looks like from posts it's a 5Th var. last date april 7 1896. serial # on frame under handle 25823. hammered model. trigger will not return after being pulled. I took it apart to try and analyz, cleaned, polished (3m pad) oiled and reassembled, but still the same. everything works, double action only, half click safety, cylinder rotates, but need to manually push triger forward. notice mention of return spring above, where does it belong, what does it look like? pics or sketches? thanks, bob

TheChief94 · 02-04-2012, 06:40 PM

Hi guys, have seen your forums previously on Internet searches for repair information, and now need your help and expertise...

Have in a gent's H & R .32 Cal. top break revolver (with hammer) in. It has a 3" barrel; on the left side the barrel is engraved "32 CAL S. & W. CTGE." There is nothing on the right side of the barrel. Top strap reads "HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS COMPANY, WORCHESTER, MASS. U. S. A. PAT OCT 1895." Serial numbers under the top strap and left grip are "386XXX." Blue job is rough. The cylinder stop has a flat spot worn into it's upper surface, the fixed firing pin barely protrudes from the frame face, and cylinder is very loose in the frame when (supposedly) locked up. All this being said, (1) am I correct in believing this is a second variation, (2) other than Numrich and Jack First, are there any antique/old gun parts suppliers I could try to find parts for it, and (3) would it be worth a salvage? The gent says it was his daddy's gun, and he wants it fully operational - I think it would be a nice conversation piece and possible cost-prohibitive to do a rework on. Thanks so much in advance!

Jim Hauff · 02-05-2012, 10:20 AM

To help you ID the gun and then hopefully find the right parts:
You have a 2nd Model PREMIER (small frame auto ejecting) 3rd Variation made between 1908 -'13. It will handle modern smokeless loads (in moderation) in .32 S&W only, 5 shots. It will be considered "THE NEW MODEL" by Numrich (having been made after 1904. You might try Wisner's or perhaps one of our members here (STONE CHIMNEY) can help you?? Good luck.

TheChief94 · 02-05-2012, 03:40 PM

Thank you for the quick response, Mr. Hauff!

Jim Hauff · 02-05-2012, 04:01 PM

You're welcome Mr. Chief - always glad to help out.

recroominc · 02-17-2012, 11:07 PM

I just purchased a Harrington & Richardson Arms Company .32 Top Break six shot revolver in very good condition. I would love to know aprox. what year it was made and exactly what ammunition I should buy. Left side of barrel reads "auto ejecting .32 s&w ctge".... On top of barrel reads make and where is was made. Under that reads "pat May 14 Aug 6/89 April 8/95 April 7/96".... It has the targets on the grips and the serial number is 130296.... Any definate info. would be greatly appreciated. I read all the posts but would rather learn about it from someone who really knows this gun
.... Thanks.

Jim Hauff · 02-18-2012, 08:57 AM

recroominc,
Welcome to the forum.
You have a 3rd Model AUTOMATIC EJECTING 1st Variation made between 1905 - 1908. It was made to handle smokeless powder loaded .32 S&W and .32 S&W long (if the longs will fit - some early cylinders were not bored for them. Considering the age 106+ years, I'd stick with the .32 S&W (the shorter one.)
I could provide a bit more info if you'd share the barrel length and finish - the grips are standard.
Here's a pic of one serialed close to yours that is in pretty good (NIB) condition.
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Name: IMG_1835.jpg
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recroominc · 02-20-2012, 12:05 AM

Thanks Jim. You rock!! Mine looks exactly like the picture. All nickel except for the trigger guard, trigger, and hammer. The barrel lenth is the same and it's in nearly the same condition.... Also it's a six shot. I noticed a lot of these are five shot. I have a box of Remington 71 grain .32 shorts I'm worried about using cuz' I'm not sure if I have to use S&W loads.... I walked into a shop for a box of .38's and there it was in the consignment display case. I paid the $115 on the sticker for it without even trying to haggle. There was just something about it. I got home and realized I forgot the box of .38's....Ha!!

45flint · 02-20-2012, 08:36 AM

Latest addition from a gunshow this weekend. Paid $190 (I am hoping I didn't get taken too bad) was in just about perfect shape, I don't think it had been fired. It is a 32 S&W long. Looks like Auto-Ejecting Third Model Fourth Variation. Massachusetts is spelled out on the top of barrel that means 1916-1924 Serial number is #177XXX don't know where that puts it in that range. These are really well made guns when you find them almost new. Don't know how often you find the 32SWlongs I mostly see them in SWshort.

45flint · 02-21-2012, 07:18 AM

"this is a second model large frame H&R Hammerless. if you were to call any H&R's rare this would be one. the six shot 32 S&W Long caliber was only offered in the second model. there are no know records to tell how many were made they do not show up very often." B. Goforth earlier posting

This is interesting that the gun I purchased see posting above may actually be one of the rarer H&R's. Steve

rockislandfan · 02-25-2012, 05:14 PM

Hi Fellas,
I just purchased a revolver from a friend and would like to know its age and value.
It's a H&R .32 Topbreak. Cylinder measures 15/16". It's in very good condition and hasn't been shot much.

Top says:
Harrington & Richardson Arms Company
Worcester, Mass, USA Pat Oct 8, 1895

Barrel says:
.32 S&W CTGE

Serial #424XXX

I'm Guessing It's ok to shoot .32 S&W Short?

Thanks!
Brett

neller · 02-26-2012, 10:55 AM

Hello, I acquired an H&R 38 S&W Top break this weekend at a gun show. I believe it is a first variant, black powder made between 1890-1892. No markings on left side of barrel, Rib is marked with only one patent date, hard to see, though it appears to be OCT-4-87. Serial number is O226XX. Number on frame under handles, on ejecter and on cylinder is 0655. Am I correct in my dating of this top-break? Also, how complicated are they to take down and put back together? Pat

Lanrezac · 02-26-2012, 03:54 PM

Neller, the person in this thread:

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=102525

has the twin brother of your gun, except that his is chambered for 32 Long, instead of 38 S&W. I hope the information there, especially Jim Hauff's post (you might want to skip to it) is what you are looking for.

mreffex · 03-10-2012, 08:30 PM

i need help, friend of mine gave me a gun in a box, i have identified all parts but don't know where or how to put the trigger spring in. hammerless model, does anyone have a assembly manual? i have the schematic for it.

Jim Hauff · 03-13-2012, 12:14 PM

mreffex,
Refer to forum member STONECHIMNEY, he has working experience with these guns and is quick and responsive to questions - I suggest you start a new thread to catch his attention.

Lanrezac · 03-13-2012, 10:08 PM

mreffex, Charleston probably has a good public library. You might see if they have any copies of the "The Gun Digest Book of Firearms Assembly/Disassembly" by J. B. Wood. The volume on revolvers (there are about 4 different volumes) covers this general style of revolver. You could buy a used copy via the Internet, but it might be $15 or so.

Shawnwil · 03-15-2012, 11:59 PM

After reading through this thread I can't seem to figure out what my H&R is.

Nickle plate .32S&W 5 shot top break with a 3 inch barrel.
Printed on the top rib:
HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS COMPANY
WORCESTER MASS USA PAT OCT 4 87 APR 2 95 APR 7 96

Serial # A15517
No other lettering on the barrel. It has plastic grips with the target on the top.

It was my grandfather"s pistol, it is not getting sold, so I really don't need to know a value on it. I don't think it's black powder but could someone tell me a year so I know for sure?

Jim Hauff · 03-16-2012, 12:19 PM

Shawnwil,
Welcome to the forum - YOU have a 1st Model PREMIER (small frame auto ejecting) 3rd Variation - made 1897-98. It is chambered for BLACK POWDER .32 S&W cartridges. Nickel plate, black-molded hard rubber grip panels and 3" barrel is standard for that model - other barrel lengths (2, 4, 5, 6") and blued finish were options, along with some other grip panel materials. Sounds like a nice hierloom piece from your Grandpa - take good care of it, pass it along.

Shawnwil · 03-16-2012, 11:01 PM

Thank you very much sir!

Next step is to put the gun under glass in the office, right next to the old family photos.

Jim Hauff · 03-17-2012, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawnwil

Thank you very much sir!

Next step is to put the gun under glass in the office, right next to the old family photos.

You're very welcome - glad to help out. IMHO - an excellent choice for displaying along with the other family goods.

midwestrl · 03-20-2012, 08:42 PM

I also have a H & R top break revolver that appears to be a 32 caliber 5 shot. I would like to know if this is the model that fires the modern 32 caliber rounds. The barrel has the following stamped on it.

HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS COMPANY
Worcester, Mass,U.S.A. PAT.OCT.4.'87,APR.2.'95.APR.7.'96

The serial number under the cylinder is 70313. there is also a 313 stamped on the cylinder.

It is the auto eject model. It was my fathers and came with some 32 cal rounds.

I uploaded photos

Jim Hauff · 03-21-2012, 12:01 PM

midwestrl,
Welcome to the forum.
You have a 1st Model SMALL FRAME HAMMERLESS 1st Variation (1899 - 1903) made to handle the .32 S&W (the short one) BLACK POWDER cartridges of that period. It was NOT made to handle the rigors of the smokeless/Nitro powder loadings. H&R redesigned and certified that their handguns would be capable of handling smokelss loads starting in 1905.
Your gun is in the standard configuration with the 3" barrel, Nickel plated finish, blued trigger guard, black, molded hard-rubber grip panels. Mod1 Var1 pieces are SCARCE and do carry some collector value. At current retail, from the pics - I'd estimate your piece would sell in the $165 - $185 range.
The last three didgits stamped into the cylinder breech face (should also be visible on the ejector star) indicate they are original to the gun. The serial number under the left grip panel should also match. The "should" be an 'H' stamped into the bottom of the top strap/latch - usually above the serial number??????

durant7 · 03-21-2012, 12:36 PM

I thought I would post mine to add to the mix. First, how sad that Bill G. was lost. He left a wonderful legacy at the beginning of this thread. Update: I am still unsure of model and variation. WIP. I have removed the cylinder and find O5241X. Or leading zero. I thought I had things sorted but I don't. More reading. Not sure what model this is.

(It reads: WORCESTER,MASS.U.S.A.PAT.OCT.4.'87, APR,2,'95,APR,7,'96) Commas or periods is hard to tell.

Mine belonged to my Dad who sold most of his guns in 1992. I guess the H&R was a junker by his standards and it stayed in his desk drawer with a cigarette pack filled with ammo. Interestingly, the primers/head stamps have US stamped on them. Then some is just old UMC.

I thought this picture was kinda fun. I will take a better one some day. I am not an expert at rating guns but I would put it at 95%. Zero wear. Pin sized rust started on handle. The trigger appears to be case hardened.

What I find a bit odd is the fact there is no caliber marked on the gun, anywhere! That to me seems quite odd. When I first read that the guns w/o a caliber were BP guns I was truly scratching my head. I guess I skimmed the posts and need to dive back in and see if I can figure it out. I had removed the "Bakelite" type grip to see the SN and find a very low number...update...it's not the whole number. there is an O and a five in front. Is there a source to date the gun better than 1897 to 1904?

Would these guns fall under the BATF Curio classification? Do people shoot these things or just put away and admire once a year?

hrf · 03-21-2012, 12:49 PM

Just a comment re. the ammo shown: The cartridge on right is a .32 Auto (.32 ACP) round, which will chamber and fire but should NOT be used, as the .32 ACP creates significantly more pressure than the correct .32 S&W ammo.

durant7 · 03-21-2012, 01:58 PM

HRF: First, thanks for the observation. I had yet to truly review the ammo issue. I am a rifle person not a pistol person.

As to the ammo. First, I find the cigarette bag had four of the following. 32-7.65mm which are longer and are semi-rimless cases. The balance are all marked 32 S&W. The vintage box are also marked 32 S&W and smokeless.

So, as I educate myself, the 32-7.65mm is the ACP. Thanks!

The box of smokeless 32 S&W may be the correct cartridge but until I determine which model/variation the gun is, smokeless may be inappropriate for this gun. Rest assured I am not shooting it anytime soon and I will lean on my pistol buddies to ensure we head down the right path.

Thanks again for the heads up. A good reason store ammo in correct cases, labeled!

02-04-2012, 03:47 PM	#51
bobnos Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: hatfield, pa Posts: 3	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver help! fixing an old har-rich. looks like from posts it's a 5Th var. last date april 7 1896. serial # on frame under handle 25823. hammered model. trigger will not return after being pulled. I took it apart to try and analyz, cleaned, polished (3m pad) oiled and reassembled, but still the same. everything works, double action only, half click safety, cylinder rotates, but need to manually push triger forward. notice mention of return spring above, where does it belong, what does it look like? pics or sketches? thanks, bob

02-04-2012, 06:40 PM	#52
TheChief94 Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 2	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver Hi guys, have seen your forums previously on Internet searches for repair information, and now need your help and expertise... Have in a gent's H & R .32 Cal. top break revolver (with hammer) in. It has a 3" barrel; on the left side the barrel is engraved "32 CAL S. & W. CTGE." There is nothing on the right side of the barrel. Top strap reads "HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS COMPANY, WORCHESTER, MASS. U. S. A. PAT OCT 1895." Serial numbers under the top strap and left grip are "386XXX." Blue job is rough. The cylinder stop has a flat spot worn into it's upper surface, the fixed firing pin barely protrudes from the frame face, and cylinder is very loose in the frame when (supposedly) locked up. All this being said, (1) am I correct in believing this is a second variation, (2) other than Numrich and Jack First, are there any antique/old gun parts suppliers I could try to find parts for it, and (3) would it be worth a salvage? The gent says it was his daddy's gun, and he wants it fully operational - I think it would be a nice conversation piece and possible cost-prohibitive to do a rework on. Thanks so much in advance!

02-05-2012, 10:20 AM	#53
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver To help you ID the gun and then hopefully find the right parts: You have a 2nd Model PREMIER (small frame auto ejecting) 3rd Variation made between 1908 -'13. It will handle modern smokeless loads (in moderation) in .32 S&W only, 5 shots. It will be considered "THE NEW MODEL" by Numrich (having been made after 1904. You might try Wisner's or perhaps one of our members here (STONE CHIMNEY) can help you?? Good luck. __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie

02-05-2012, 03:40 PM	#54
TheChief94 Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 2	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver Thank you for the quick response, Mr. Hauff!

02-05-2012, 04:01 PM	#55
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver You're welcome Mr. Chief - always glad to help out. __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie

02-17-2012, 11:07 PM	#56
recroominc Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 2	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver I just purchased a Harrington & Richardson Arms Company .32 Top Break six shot revolver in very good condition. I would love to know aprox. what year it was made and exactly what ammunition I should buy. Left side of barrel reads "auto ejecting .32 s&w ctge".... On top of barrel reads make and where is was made. Under that reads "pat May 14 Aug 6/89 April 8/95 April 7/96".... It has the targets on the grips and the serial number is 130296.... Any definate info. would be greatly appreciated. I read all the posts but would rather learn about it from someone who really knows this gun .... Thanks.

02-18-2012, 08:57 AM	#57
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver recroominc, Welcome to the forum. You have a 3rd Model AUTOMATIC EJECTING 1st Variation made between 1905 - 1908. It was made to handle smokeless powder loaded .32 S&W and .32 S&W long (if the longs will fit - some early cylinders were not bored for them. Considering the age 106+ years, I'd stick with the .32 S&W (the shorter one.) I could provide a bit more info if you'd share the barrel length and finish - the grips are standard. Here's a pic of one serialed close to yours that is in pretty good (NIB) condition. __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie

02-20-2012, 12:05 AM	#58
recroominc Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 2	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver Thanks Jim. You rock!! Mine looks exactly like the picture. All nickel except for the trigger guard, trigger, and hammer. The barrel lenth is the same and it's in nearly the same condition.... Also it's a six shot. I noticed a lot of these are five shot. I have a box of Remington 71 grain .32 shorts I'm worried about using cuz' I'm not sure if I have to use S&W loads.... I walked into a shop for a box of .38's and there it was in the consignment display case. I paid the $115 on the sticker for it without even trying to haggle. There was just something about it. I got home and realized I forgot the box of .38's....Ha!!

02-20-2012, 08:36 AM	#59
45flint Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 30	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver Latest addition from a gunshow this weekend. Paid $190 (I am hoping I didn't get taken too bad) was in just about perfect shape, I don't think it had been fired. It is a 32 S&W long. Looks like Auto-Ejecting Third Model Fourth Variation. Massachusetts is spelled out on the top of barrel that means 1916-1924 Serial number is #177XXX don't know where that puts it in that range. These are really well made guns when you find them almost new. Don't know how often you find the 32SWlongs I mostly see them in SWshort. Last edited by 45flint; 02-20-2012 at 08:41 AM..

02-21-2012, 07:18 AM	#60
45flint Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 30	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver "this is a second model large frame H&R Hammerless. if you were to call any H&R's rare this would be one. the six shot 32 S&W Long caliber was only offered in the second model. there are no know records to tell how many were made they do not show up very often." B. Goforth earlier posting This is interesting that the gun I purchased see posting above may actually be one of the rarer H&R's. Steve

02-25-2012, 05:14 PM	#61
rockislandfan Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 4	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver Hi Fellas, I just purchased a revolver from a friend and would like to know its age and value. It's a H&R .32 Topbreak. Cylinder measures 15/16". It's in very good condition and hasn't been shot much. Top says: Harrington & Richardson Arms Company Worcester, Mass, USA Pat Oct 8, 1895 Barrel says: .32 S&W CTGE Serial #424XXX I'm Guessing It's ok to shoot .32 S&W Short? Thanks! Brett

02-26-2012, 10:55 AM	#62
neller Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 1	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver Hello, I acquired an H&R 38 S&W Top break this weekend at a gun show. I believe it is a first variant, black powder made between 1890-1892. No markings on left side of barrel, Rib is marked with only one patent date, hard to see, though it appears to be OCT-4-87. Serial number is O226XX. Number on frame under handles, on ejecter and on cylinder is 0655. Am I correct in my dating of this top-break? Also, how complicated are they to take down and put back together? Pat Attached Images

02-26-2012, 03:54 PM	#63
Lanrezac Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 685	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver Neller, the person in this thread: http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=102525 has the twin brother of your gun, except that his is chambered for 32 Long, instead of 38 S&W. I hope the information there, especially Jim Hauff's post (you might want to skip to it) is what you are looking for.

03-10-2012, 08:30 PM	#64
mreffex Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Charleston, South Carolina Posts: 10	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver i need help, friend of mine gave me a gun in a box, i have identified all parts but don't know where or how to put the trigger spring in. hammerless model, does anyone have a assembly manual? i have the schematic for it.

03-13-2012, 12:14 PM	#65
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver mreffex, Refer to forum member STONECHIMNEY, he has working experience with these guns and is quick and responsive to questions - I suggest you start a new thread to catch his attention. __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie

03-13-2012, 10:08 PM	#66
Lanrezac Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 685	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver mreffex, Charleston probably has a good public library. You might see if they have any copies of the "The Gun Digest Book of Firearms Assembly/Disassembly" by J. B. Wood. The volume on revolvers (there are about 4 different volumes) covers this general style of revolver. You could buy a used copy via the Internet, but it might be $15 or so. Last edited by Lanrezac; 03-13-2012 at 10:09 PM..

03-15-2012, 11:59 PM	#67
Shawnwil Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 2	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver After reading through this thread I can't seem to figure out what my H&R is. Nickle plate .32S&W 5 shot top break with a 3 inch barrel. Printed on the top rib: HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS COMPANY WORCESTER MASS USA PAT OCT 4 87 APR 2 95 APR 7 96 Serial # A15517 No other lettering on the barrel. It has plastic grips with the target on the top. It was my grandfather"s pistol, it is not getting sold, so I really don't need to know a value on it. I don't think it's black powder but could someone tell me a year so I know for sure?

03-16-2012, 12:19 PM	#68
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver Shawnwil, Welcome to the forum - YOU have a 1st Model PREMIER (small frame auto ejecting) 3rd Variation - made 1897-98. It is chambered for BLACK POWDER .32 S&W cartridges. Nickel plate, black-molded hard rubber grip panels and 3" barrel is standard for that model - other barrel lengths (2, 4, 5, 6") and blued finish were options, along with some other grip panel materials. Sounds like a nice hierloom piece from your Grandpa - take good care of it, pass it along. __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie

03-16-2012, 11:01 PM	#69
Shawnwil Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 2	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver Thank you very much sir! Next step is to put the gun under glass in the office, right next to the old family photos.

03-20-2012, 08:42 PM	#71
midwestrl Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 2	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver I also have a H & R top break revolver that appears to be a 32 caliber 5 shot. I would like to know if this is the model that fires the modern 32 caliber rounds. The barrel has the following stamped on it. HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS COMPANY Worcester, Mass,U.S.A. PAT.OCT.4.'87,APR.2.'95.APR.7.'96 The serial number under the cylinder is 70313. there is also a 313 stamped on the cylinder. It is the auto eject model. It was my fathers and came with some 32 cal rounds. I uploaded photos Attached Images Last edited by midwestrl; 03-20-2012 at 08:47 PM.. Reason: Photos didn't upload.

03-21-2012, 12:01 PM	#72
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver midwestrl, Welcome to the forum. You have a 1st Model SMALL FRAME HAMMERLESS 1st Variation (1899 - 1903) made to handle the .32 S&W (the short one) BLACK POWDER cartridges of that period. It was NOT made to handle the rigors of the smokeless/Nitro powder loadings. H&R redesigned and certified that their handguns would be capable of handling smokelss loads starting in 1905. Your gun is in the standard configuration with the 3" barrel, Nickel plated finish, blued trigger guard, black, molded hard-rubber grip panels. Mod1 Var1 pieces are SCARCE and do carry some collector value. At current retail, from the pics - I'd estimate your piece would sell in the $165 - $185 range. The last three didgits stamped into the cylinder breech face (should also be visible on the ejector star) indicate they are original to the gun. The serial number under the left grip panel should also match. The "should" be an 'H' stamped into the bottom of the top strap/latch - usually above the serial number?????? __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie

03-21-2012, 12:36 PM	#73
durant7 Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 4	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver I thought I would post mine to add to the mix. First, how sad that Bill G. was lost. He left a wonderful legacy at the beginning of this thread. Update: I am still unsure of model and variation. WIP. I have removed the cylinder and find O5241X. Or leading zero. I thought I had things sorted but I don't. More reading. Not sure what model this is. (It reads: WORCESTER,MASS.U.S.A.PAT.OCT.4.'87, APR,2,'95,APR,7,'96) Commas or periods is hard to tell. Mine belonged to my Dad who sold most of his guns in 1992. I guess the H&R was a junker by his standards and it stayed in his desk drawer with a cigarette pack filled with ammo. Interestingly, the primers/head stamps have US stamped on them. Then some is just old UMC. I thought this picture was kinda fun. I will take a better one some day. I am not an expert at rating guns but I would put it at 95%. Zero wear. Pin sized rust started on handle. The trigger appears to be case hardened. What I find a bit odd is the fact there is no caliber marked on the gun, anywhere! That to me seems quite odd. When I first read that the guns w/o a caliber were BP guns I was truly scratching my head. I guess I skimmed the posts and need to dive back in and see if I can figure it out. I had removed the "Bakelite" type grip to see the SN and find a very low number...update...it's not the whole number. there is an O and a five in front. Is there a source to date the gun better than 1897 to 1904? Would these guns fall under the BATF Curio classification? Do people shoot these things or just put away and admire once a year? Last edited by durant7; 03-21-2012 at 03:43 PM.. Reason: SN correction.

03-21-2012, 12:49 PM	#74
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,276	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver Just a comment re. the ammo shown: The cartridge on right is a .32 Auto (.32 ACP) round, which will chamber and fire but should NOT be used, as the .32 ACP creates significantly more pressure than the correct .32 S&W ammo.

03-21-2012, 01:58 PM	#75
durant7 Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 4	Re: H&R .32 top break revolver HRF: First, thanks for the observation. I had yet to truly review the ammo issue. I am a rifle person not a pistol person. As to the ammo. First, I find the cigarette bag had four of the following. 32-7.65mm which are longer and are semi-rimless cases. The balance are all marked 32 S&W. The vintage box are also marked 32 S&W and smokeless. So, as I educate myself, the 32-7.65mm is the ACP. Thanks! The box of smokeless 32 S&W may be the correct cartridge but until I determine which model/variation the gun is, smokeless may be inappropriate for this gun. Rest assured I am not shooting it anytime soon and I will lean on my pistol buddies to ensure we head down the right path. Thanks again for the heads up. A good reason store ammo in correct cases, labeled!