The Firing Line Forums

Go Back   The Firing Line Forums > Hogan's Alley > Handguns: The Revolver Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old May 8, 2013, 05:32 PM   #1
AraneaeFatalis
Member
 
Join Date: January 24, 2008
Posts: 51
H&R 999 Sportsman

I'm looking into getting one and have been trying to find more info on them. Can anyone tell me the difference in models and year ranges? So far I've been able to find out there were three different looking models and were made for quite some time. Seems the ones with the vents on the barrel are on Gunbroker for $300+, but how about the same ones without the vents, anyone know a value?
AraneaeFatalis is offline  
Old May 8, 2013, 07:13 PM   #2
Hawg
Senior Member
 
Join Date: September 8, 2007
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 16,177
Deleted. Not sure how that happened.

Last edited by Hawg; May 9, 2013 at 05:02 AM.
Hawg is offline  
Old May 8, 2013, 07:30 PM   #3
AraneaeFatalis
Member
 
Join Date: January 24, 2008
Posts: 51
The one I found doesn't have the vented ribs, unfortunately. But still a nifty looking gun for a .22 Long Rifle revolver.
AraneaeFatalis is offline  
Old May 8, 2013, 09:48 PM   #4
superpelly
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 17, 2005
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 499
In 1985 I purchased one ( sportsman 999) for 70.00, 6 years later it was stolen from my apartment. That was my 1st pistol and I loved shooting it. Wish i still had it. I'm on the market for one also, but the price will be a big factor!!!
superpelly is offline  
Old May 9, 2013, 07:46 AM   #5
PetahW
Senior Member
 
Join Date: September 19, 2008
Posts: 4,678
The 999 Sportsman has long been H&R's top-of-the-line revolver, sorrily now also long discontinued (25+ years) - after the design was in production for over 85 years.

As long as one hasn't been abused, they will still be accurate & smooth shooters, that one should expect to have to pay $350-$450 for, in tip-top condition. ("Today", not once upon a time, way back when)
NIB specimans would undoubtedly bring more $$$.

In the last year, I sold two, one an earlier, solid-rib specimen, the other a later VR model, for $395 & $375, respectively.

IIRC, they were issued with either a 4" or 6" bbl, and some were made as single-actions only (Sportsman 199), and early Target Models & Specials were available in .22lR or .22WRF.
PetahW is offline  
Old May 9, 2013, 10:03 AM   #6
rrruger
Senior Member
 
Join Date: March 9, 2012
Posts: 153
I have a 999 that doesn't sport the vented rib. I am told that the MFG date indicates that it the gun was made in 1936.
At 70 years old it still drives tacks. I would love to find a newer one as I have 'retired' this one to pass down to family.
They are great guns!
rrruger is offline  
Old May 9, 2013, 01:04 PM   #7
sandbag
Senior Member
 
Join Date: March 18, 2008
Posts: 642
Nice Revolver

About the only firearm I'd buy right now since I have enough(really,did I say that) is a 999-I just missed a chance at one a few years ago and haven't seen another-I think break tops are neat,but I only have one-a Uberti Schofield
sandbag is offline  
Old May 9, 2013, 10:45 PM   #8
MOshooter65202
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 16, 2011
Posts: 471
I've had my H&R Sportsmen 999 with the 6" vented ribbed barrel since I was 11 or 12?
They're really nice revolvers,mine has always been an excellent rabbit/squirrel hunter.
MOshooter65202 is offline  
Old May 10, 2013, 06:03 AM   #9
Zhillsauditor
Senior Member
 
Join Date: October 19, 2008
Posts: 635
Prices have shot up the last few years for the 999. While they are nice, with prices hitting $350-400 for one, I think there's a lot more value in a used S&W 17 for $50 more.
Zhillsauditor is offline  
Old May 10, 2013, 09:15 AM   #10
PetahW
Senior Member
 
Join Date: September 19, 2008
Posts: 4,678
FWIW, ANY used S&W .22 DA revolver in decent condition is a minimum of $650 in my state (about 25 gunshops, big & small, which I check every-other-week).


.
PetahW is offline  
Old May 10, 2013, 09:26 AM   #11
SaxonPig
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 24, 2006
Posts: 1,900
$300+? Heavy on the + in my observations. I see 999s going for $500-$600 on a regular basis. I like the 999 and think it's a cool revolver, but the asking prices seem way high for the medium quality of the guns. For that money a deluxe target grade Colt or S&W is easily within reach. I think a decent 999 is a $250 gun but sellers want at least twice that much.

I got this at a show about 2 years ago for $150. Older (1941) and has some finish issues but works great and is a lot of fun.

SaxonPig is offline  
Old May 10, 2013, 11:49 AM   #12
Zhillsauditor
Senior Member
 
Join Date: October 19, 2008
Posts: 635
Quote:
FWIW, ANY used S&W .22 DA revolver in decent condition is a minimum of $650 in my state (about 25 gunshops, big & small, which I check every-other-week).
In the past four years I have bought the following S&W 22lr revolvers (OTD prices):

1) 17-9 ($550 display model local shop)
2) 17-8 ($500 used local shop - full lug, alum cylinder)
3) 63-2 ($425 (traded a used M&P 9c for it at a gun show))
4) Pre-model 35 ($625 gunbroker, not in great condition, but very rare gun)
5) 617-? ($550 private sale, included speed-d-loader and loading blocks--didn't like the weight and sold it for same)

None of those felt like a great deal. A friend of mine two years ago found a 63-2 at a gun show and paid $325 for it OTD. I see well used model 17s going for well under $500 often (one was just sold for $485 delivered on the S&W gun boards http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-sa...2-c-r-spf.html).

I bought an Iver Johnson Supershot 8 at a show last year for $145 and am going to rust blue it when I find the time. I'd like a 999, but unless it is immaculate with box, I don' think I'd pay more than $250 for one on a day that I really, really, really wanted to buy a gun. Other people seem to place more value on them, but that is the glory of the marketplace.
Zhillsauditor is offline  
Old May 10, 2013, 06:08 PM   #13
AraneaeFatalis
Member
 
Join Date: January 24, 2008
Posts: 51
Despite if S&W may or may not be better, they are more expensive and I more like the H&R 999 Sportsman for the looks. I've always wanted a top break revolver and preferably in .22lr.
AraneaeFatalis is offline  
Old May 10, 2013, 07:37 PM   #14
PetahW
Senior Member
 
Join Date: September 19, 2008
Posts: 4,678
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zhillsauditor

Quote:
FWIW, ANY used S&W .22 DA revolver in decent condition is a minimum of $650 in my state (about 25 gunshops, big & small, which I check every-other-week).

In the past four years I have bought the following S&W 22lr revolvers (OTD prices):

1) 17-9 ($550 display model local shop)
2) 17-8 ($500 used local shop - full lug, alum cylinder)
3) 63-2 ($425 (traded a used M&P 9c for it at a gun show))
4) Pre-model 35 ($625 gunbroker, not in great condition, but very rare gun)
5) 617-? ($550 private sale, included speed-d-loader and loading blocks--didn't like the weight and sold it for same)
With all due respect - that was then, this is now, not 4 years ago.
While prices on many guns have gone down in the past 24mos, quality still sells.

And then, there's "condition" also - most of the S&W's on the used gun shelves here are in excellent + condition ( I can't remember the last time I ran across a ratty S&W F/S)

Semantics, though - the OP wants an H&R top-break .22.

.
PetahW is offline  
Old May 10, 2013, 08:35 PM   #15
Zhillsauditor
Senior Member
 
Join Date: October 19, 2008
Posts: 635
Quote:
With all due respect - that was then, this is now, not 4 years ago.
That is a list during the last four years. The latest was the model 17-8 for $500 six months ago.

With all due respect, I think your local gun shops are robbing you blind.

Here's a list of model 17s sold on gunbroker the last six months, all for under $600, and one for under $500.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=338718205
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=335845527
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=332279322
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=331399922
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=336315878

Last edited by Zhillsauditor; May 10, 2013 at 08:45 PM.
Zhillsauditor is offline  
Old May 11, 2013, 07:53 AM   #16
SaxonPig
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 24, 2006
Posts: 1,900
No percentage in estimating values or discussing what a gun will bring. Prices will vary wildly from one location to another and seemingly one day to another. Beyond stating what I would pay for something I stay out of value discussions as I have found that for some reason many folks get very passionate about making you agree with them on what guns are worth.
SaxonPig is offline  
Old May 11, 2013, 06:21 PM   #17
oldgunsmith
Senior Member
 
Join Date: January 9, 2013
Posts: 278
My first revolver was a 999. Even then I knew it was a cheaply made barely adequate handgun. It didn't take long in the repair business to confirm that. Can't imagine anyone mistaking it for a well made quality piece.
oldgunsmith is offline  
Old May 12, 2013, 05:42 PM   #18
marv
Senior Member
 
Join Date: January 10, 1999
Location: South coast of Indiana
Posts: 116
Speaking of "that was then", I 'member when the H&R 999 and the Iver Johnson were $30 new. And the S&W and Colt were a little more than twice as much at $65.
__________________
Too old to fight. Knees won't let me run.
Good reasons to carry.
marv is offline  
Old May 13, 2013, 01:28 AM   #19
22-rimfire
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 19, 2005
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 5,323
I really like the top break feature of the H&R 999. A 999 was my very first handgun. Cost ~ $100. Loved it for a while until I realized that it had problems (timing, and cylinder gap) and I retired it for a new Colt Diamondback for about $100 more. 22LR Diamondbacks now run at least $1000 in excellent condition and I suppose the H&R is being dragged along behind the Colt and S&W 22 revolvers. But I feel much like SaxonPig in that it is at best a medium quality 22 revolver and I just don't see much value over $250, $300 tops.

Quote:
Despite if S&W may or may not be better, they are more expensive and I more like the H&R 999 Sportsman for the looks. I've always wanted a top break revolver and preferably in .22lr.
I wish S&W made a top break 22 revolver. I'd buy that. Like I said, I really liked the top break feature.

If I had to pay $450 for a used 999, I would buy the much better made S&W Model 17. (There is no doubt in my mind that the S&W is higher quality.) I purchased my last one for $550 OTD. But they sell on average for a bit more now; $650-ish for a nice one. I'd stil pay the extra $ for the S&W. I saw a slightly used 4" M63 for $400 and I consider that a better made 22 revolver.

So, I don't see the value people are placing on these used H&R 999 revolvers over what I know to be better made S&W revolvers. However, I would prefer one over a new Taurus M94 if they were priced equally and the H&R was taken care of.

Last edited by 22-rimfire; May 13, 2013 at 01:50 AM.
22-rimfire is offline  
Old May 13, 2013, 05:29 PM   #20
45_auto
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 21, 2011
Location: Southern Louisiana
Posts: 1,399
They're out there if you look around. I've always kind of wanted one, but not bad enough to really do anything about it. I've passed up a bunch at $200 or so just because they were always beat up.

I ran across this one in a pawn shop for $199 last month. Bought it just because I had never seen one in as good condition. Looks like it just came out of the box, and turns out that it's a factory-chromed (not nickel) "Silver Sportsman" only made in 1964, 1965, and 1966.




Last edited by 45_auto; May 13, 2013 at 06:20 PM.
45_auto is offline  
Old May 13, 2013, 05:49 PM   #21
Hawg
Senior Member
 
Join Date: September 8, 2007
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 16,177
I've got one made in 36 I've had for over 30 years. Never had a lick of trouble out of it. Its very accurate and doesn't spit lead.
Hawg is offline  
Old May 14, 2013, 09:26 PM   #22
j3hill
Member
 
Join Date: February 6, 2008
Posts: 26
Here is my 999 from 1942. My dad worked at a golf course when he was 14 to buy it. It was his first gun. I have never shot it. It just sits in a case under the bed. I was offered a little over a year ago 800 cash for it.
j3hill is offline  
Old October 20, 2015, 04:13 PM   #23
virrob
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 3, 2012
Posts: 4
H&R model 999

H & R 999 AU code 1980. I recently bought it at a pawn shop. When I purchased it their gunsmith had had it for about 3 months. It would not extract reliable. The gunsmith said that he could not find parts for it. I replaced the hook, slide, and pivot bolt. That fixed the ejection problem. The gun works fine except I cannot remove the cylinder. The pawn shop man implied that his gunsmith may have replaced the cylinder catch. There seem to be no movement when the release is depressed.

Any idea on removing the cylinder without depressing the release? I have a
new catch on the way however, I have never seen what is visible with the
cylinder removed. I don't want to damage anything other than maybe the
catch. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
virrob is offline  
Old October 20, 2015, 09:08 PM   #24
James K
Member In Memoriam
 
Join Date: March 17, 1999
Posts: 24,383
Have you tried just pulling the latch up all the way, beyond the point needed for opening the gun, and holding it there while you turn the cylinder backwards?

The 999 was the top of the line for H&R, and underwent a lot of small changes over the years, but still suffered from the old type lockwork and H&R's inability to find capital for a "clean paper" redesign. The trigger pulls were never as good as that on an S&W or Colt, the chambers were not always in alignment, the barrels were not always as good as they should have been, the hammer fall had a lot of "bounce", the grip was never as good as other DA revolvers, etc.

A big problem was that the 9 shots resulted in a fine ratchet that wore out easily.

Jim
James K is offline  
Old October 21, 2015, 01:54 AM   #25
gyvel
Senior Member
 
Join Date: August 30, 2009
Location: Northern AZ
Posts: 7,172
Quote:
My first revolver was a 999. Even then I knew it was a cheaply made barely adequate handgun. It didn't take long in the repair business to confirm that. Can't imagine anyone mistaking it for a well made quality piece.
I find that a little harsh and judgmental. While I will admit they are not on a par with a Smith or a Colt, the 999s were still pretty decent guns compared to some others. The workmanship was excellent, albeit the design was archaic. I had some come across my bench for repair as well, and I do have some criticisms about them, but I never saw them as "barely adequate."
__________________
As always, YMMV.
__________________________________________
MIIAA
SIFE
gyvel is offline  
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:12 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
This site and contents, including all posts, Copyright © 1998-2021 S.W.A.T. Magazine
Copyright Complaints: Please direct DMCA Takedown Notices to the registered agent: thefiringline.com
Page generated in 0.12068 seconds with 10 queries