H&R Sportsman RESEARCH

[jamesjo]

Jim,
Need more data?
I guess that means I HAVE to start buying some more vintage Sportsman pieces, all in the name of research!
Works for me!!
Jim

[Danny Van]

Hello. Just bought a sportsman. Found your forum on line and was curious as to what I have. No pics at this time. Condition is superb. All blueing intact,no dings or scratches or signs of excessive wear.
Grip is one piece, walnut with crosshatch on three sides.
Adjustable front and rear sites, front site pinned
Firing pin on hammer
H&R "sportsman" double action on left side barrel
Address on right side barrel
No patten #s on cylinder
22 long rifle ctg on right cyl
Serial# K1951 on frame with 951 on cylinder and ejector star
Serated trigger and hammer
Great pistol. Very accurate with light trigger.
Small cylinder release pin on left side

[Jim Hauff]

Danny,
Welcome to the forum.
Your SPORTSMAN 999 was made in 1950 and is a 1st Model 8th Variation - in 1953 the grip frame was changed starting thte 2nd Model. Your piece has all the characteristics of the final Variation. Thanks for the data, I've added it to my data base.
In condition described, current RETAIL value will range up to around $390 - $425. These ARE accurate and easy shooting guns. Can't beat popping out 9 empties at one time for a dramatic effect.

[Danny Van]

Thanks for the info Jim. Great site!

[FattySparks]

Jim,

I have a Sportsman that I inherited from my grandma. Here is all of the info:

1: D26572
2: Hammer Mounted Firing pin
3: Safety Rim, 2 Pat. #'s:1904730 & 2034632
4: 1" lever release
5: Address on Top
6: DA
7: Adjustable

I am having firing problems with it. I think I need a new cylinder. When I cock the hammer, the cylinder doesn't quite line up with the barrel and has sent lead shavings out of the side of the gun. Any ideas where I would be able to get a new cylinder?

*Edit: Updated with Pictures

TYIA,
Fatty

[Lanrezac]

FattySparks, others here will be able to tell you more than I can, but until they come along I can tell you this: You don't need a new cylinder as a whole, you need either a new ratchet (which is part of the extractor star, and removable) or a new "hand", which is the part that come up out of the recoil shield to push the ratchet and so rotate the cylinder.

Even more of a problem than finding parts, though, is getting them fitted properly. Adjusting these parts so that the firing chambers line up properly is called "timing". As you might expect, having nine firing chambers makes it harder on this revolver than on most, and finding a gunsmith who is willing and able to tackle it can be tough.

Fortunately, you have come to just the right place to find such a person. I will let the more knowledgeable members address that question. HTH!

[FattySparks]

Originally Posted by Lanrezac

FattySparks, others here will be able to tell you more than I can, but until they come along I can tell you this: You don't need a new cylinder as a whole, you need either a new ratchet (which is part of the extractor star, and removable) or a new "hand", which is the part that come up out of the recoil shield to push the ratchet and so rotate the cylinder.

Even more of a problem than finding parts, though, is getting them fitted properly. Adjusting these parts so that the firing chambers line up properly is called "timing". As you might expect, having nine firing chambers makes it harder on this revolver than on most, and finding a gunsmith who is willing and able to tackle it can be tough.

Fortunately, you have come to just the right place to find such a person. I will let the more knowledgeable members address that question. HTH!

It is the ratchet, but most places that I have checked only sell the cylinder as a whole piece. I bought one from numrich, but they gave me the cylinder for the design with the push button release, not the 1" lever.

Can you tell me what year my gun was made?

[Lanrezac]

Originally Posted by FattySparks

It is the ratchet, but most places that I have checked only sell the cylinder as a whole piece. I bought one from numrich, but they gave me the cylinder for the design with the push button release, not the 1" lever.

Can you tell me what year my gun was made?

I can't, but Jim Hauff, who posts here regularly, should be able to. Other members, like Stone Chimney or Jim K, might know what to do about your gun's timing problem. Good luck!

[FattySparks]

Originally Posted by Lanrezac

I can't, but Jim Hauff, who posts here regularly, should be able to. Other members, like Stone Chimney or Jim K, might know what to do about your gun's timing problem. Good luck!

Thanks. I appreciate the help and the warm welcomes!

[Jim Hauff]

Fatty,
Your SPORTSMAN's serial number should begin with a 'D' ??? If so, it's a 1st Model, 5th Variation made in mid-1936 (two patent numbers on "Safety Rim" cylinder began in March of '36.) All other attributes point to this variation.
Welcome, again, to the forum and thanks for the information for my data base.
As to the timing problem - I'll have to leave that to the experts, as Lanrezac suggested.

[FattySparks]

Originally Posted by Jim Hauff

Fatty,
Your SPORTSMAN's serial number should begin with a 'D' ??? If so, it's a 1st Model, 5th Variation made in mid-1936 (two patent numbers on "Safety Rim" cylinder began in March of '36.) All other attributes point to this variation.
Welcome, again, to the forum and thanks for the information for my data base.
As to the timing problem - I'll have to leave that to the experts, as Lanrezac suggested.

It does, the auto emoticons got the best of me. I edited my OP and thanks for the info!

[Old Gun Guy]

Fatty,
As Lanrezac stated, it's more than likely the hand/lever that is worn to the point that it won't push on the cylinder ratchet far eough to line up the chambers with the barrel. These early model 999's have a different shaped hand/lever than the later models do. Here's a picture of what it looks like with the spring wire broken off. Let me know if this is what you need, and I'll see if I have one to send to you. ( A good one with the spring wire attached)
Old Gun Guy

[FattySparks]

Originally Posted by Old Gun Guy

Fatty,
As Lanrezac stated, it's more than likely the hand/lever that is worn to the point that it won't push on the cylinder ratchet far eough to line up the chambers with the barrel. These early model 999's have a different shaped hand/lever than the later models do. Here's a picture of what it looks like with the spring wire broken off. Let me know if this is what you need, and I'll see if I have one to send to you. ( A good one with the spring wire attached)
Old Gun Guy

Old Gun Guy,

In an attempt to not clutter up this thread, I have created a new post that has some pictures and some more info. Please take a look and let me know what you think.

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=106201

Thanks,
Fatty

[sn00byrd]

I got this from my dad who got it when my grandfater died in 2000.

sn34458
firing pin on hammer
2 patent #'s on cylindar
Cylinder release: 1" long lever on right side
manufacturers address right side
DA
fixed-pinned in slot

thanks for the help really wondering about it.

[Jim Hauff]

sn00byrd,
Welcome to the forum.
You have one of those SPORTSMAN pieces that falls into the mid 1930's "hole". The serial number and the right side cylinder release would indicate manufacture of the frame circa 1934, but some of the other attributes indicate final assembly post March of 1936. Examples such as yours indicate to me, that H&R made a lot of lower frames in the mid 1930s, but sales didn't reach anticipated levels, resulting in factory overstock - with completion as needed to fill orders. Some recently posted info on a gun with a serial number near yours - that was purchased along with original box and a factory QC acceptance slip with s/n and dated in 1944.
For right now - we'll have to call yours one of these "hybrids" - frame made before 1936, but final assembly with parts made after March of 1936 - 1st Model 6th Variation.
Thanks for sharing your data. I've entered it into my data base and it adds a bit more confusion - LOL.

[Lanrezac]

snOObyrd, thanks for putting up the ratchet picture. That may well help Fatty Sparks if he checks back on this thread. Have you fired yours lately, and does it spit lead?

[DanTguN]

1) Serial number = D24792
2) Firing pin = Hammer
3a) Safety rim on cylinder = Yes
3b) Patent numbers on cylinder = 2034632, 1904730
4) Cylinder release = lever on right side
5) Address location = top of barrel
6) DA or SA = double action
7) Front sight = Adjustable

Early 40s. Grandfather received as payment for making a wedding cake or roofing a house way back when.

Has for the most part of it's existence been in a sock under a bed. When it came into my possession 15 years ago, it was fired 18 times and put back in the sock. Recently, my new co-workers expressed interest in shooting and asked me to join them. After a few times at the range, they were noticing that this is getting a little expensive but it was also too much fun to not want to explore other options. I mentioned the cost of 22 bullets and the next weekend we went to the store and I helped them pick out a Ruger mk3 and a Sig Mosquito. Got to the range and I pull out a Single-Six Bi-Centinial edition and the H&R. I love firing the pistol, just wish it wasn't such a collectors item.

[sn00byrd]

thank you so much for the info. i appreciate it.

[sn00byrd]

I fired it the day that I posted everything. Ran about 200 rounds through it. spits out a little lead every once in a while but not much.

[tlbailey1]

Thank you for having me to the forum, I have a few questions I'd like to try to get some help with before I call my grandfather to give him more info on the revolver he passed down to me. I too have an H.& R. "SPORTSMAN" Double Action 9-shot.

On one side it says: H.&R. "SPORTSMAN" Double Action
Other side says: Harrington and Richardson Arms Co. Worcester, MASS USA 22 Long Rifle CTG

The cylinder has two numbers: PAT 19047 and 20346 on it, the face has the number 233 twice, and is also located on the inside of the rear sight, serial # is 52233, and appears to be a one piece grip. It does have a pinned front sight. All I know is that my great uncle bought 2 of these a long time ago, and gave my grandpa one of them. I'm trying to find out as much as I can before calling my grandpa. I will be trying to get in touch with my great uncle to see if he still has his, or if one of his sons does, and also the serial number. If so, I'm really hoping to find a consecutive serial number!

Any clues as to which model/variation it is, when it was made, etc.

Also, what type of ammo would be safe to shoot in it? I have a few different kinds, but normally shoot CCI MiniMags, but I have yet to fire it. Here are some pictures I snapped real quick with my phone.

Your help is much appreciated!

Thanks,

Tom

[texasleaguer]

Hello, great forum, great site, great info.
I just took in trade a H&R Sportsman 999. I'm looking for info.

serial number- AU1632xx
firing pin- frame
cylinder release- button on frame
address location- frame above trigger
H&R INC. GARDNER MASS. U.S.A. in gold
DA/SA
"Sportsman" on left side of barrel in gold.
22LR, model 999, made in usa on left side of frame? near cylinder, also in gold.
6" barrel that has rib that isn't milled completely through.
adjustable front site.
wood stocks, checkered with diamond around screw, and gold H&R medallion.
this piece is a hoot to shoot.
thanks in advance

[mattppls1986]

I have one that I would like info on, and maybe it would help with your research.
serial no.-A10221( on the frame under when you take the grip off it has 10221 with a Z under it.
firing pin- on hammer
patent no- xxx2034 ( could only find one located on the cylinder)
H&R " SPORTSMAN " DOUBLE ACTION. in two lines on left of the barrel
address info on the right of the barrel
cylinder release is a small button directly in front of the cylinder
one piece wooden wrap around grip

thanks
Matt

[Heyford]

Hello Jim and All.

This thread has been educational.
This is my inherited H&R Sportsman.
I believe it falls into the late 30's time frame of no prefix
sn 68312
last 3 didgit match on cyl
no model designation.
fp on hammer
left side barrel H&R Sportsman Double Action

Thought you might like to see it H&R holster made by Eubanks Leather in Boise, ID.

Regards

[Llomatt]

I'm brand new to this or any forums so bear with me. I have a nifty H&R 999 that was a gift from a family friend and I love the little pistol. In response to your questions, I will list them in order:
1. Serial # N70422.
2. Firing pin on hammer.
3. No patent applied for markings.
4. Cylinder release is the small button on left side.
5. Address on right side of barrel.
6. Double action.
7. Pinned with an adjustment screw on front just above crown.

Additionally, it has H&R walnut grips, and came with a very nice fitted holster by "Brauer Bro's Mfg. Co., StLouis (sic)" I would love to learn a bit of the history of this piece, keep up your good research work. Llomatt

[Griff64]

Hi, I was doing some research when I found this site, and I have some info for your research.

Serial # S13048
Single pat. number
Adj. sights front & rear
Internal firing pin
Single action
1 inch long release

I'll try and get some pics up.hope this helps your research if this thread is still alive