I know a bunch of you guys are have knowledge of H&R firearms. I have a black powder frame "American" Double Action in 38 S&W. I think it is a earlier one due to the serial number under the grip. The serial number is 3052. Anyone one of you guys have the manufacture date it would be helpful.
Barrel has been changed out. This one is stamped 38 S&W cartridge. The original was not. The original was octagon as well, same length, no markings. I changed it out due to the bore was shot! It is an early BP frame. I have included the before and after pictures. I bought the pistol originally in a lot of old top breaks at $5 bucks a piece at a local auction. This was the only solid frame in the lot. The rest are top break H&R's, Iver Johnson's, an F&W and a Belgium Top Break "Cottage" clone of a Smith. I just tinkered on this one to have something to do. The re-finish pictures were taken when I was still re-assembling the pistol.
If so, and given that the original barrel didn't have the caliber marking, it is a American Double Action, First Model, 3rd Variation - which puts production between 1888 and 1897(no way to narrow it down further).
And as you already know, it is a blackpowder only gun. BP cartridges can be had. And they are easy to load if you "roll" you're own.
I like what you're doing with it. That nickel-blue contrast has some pop for the eyes.
Thanks for the info. I figured it was an early one. I picked up the nickel parts cheap. The nickel on the original frame was gone, so I figured it would give it a good contrast.
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