Best of H&R and High Standard revolvers?

Casimer · March 30, 2010, 12:26 PM

I don't know much about either of these makes, but I've run into some examples that seem decently built. Though I've also seen a lot that haven't held up well.

What are some good models and series to look for among the H&R's and High Standards?

Are the later ones generally better than the early ones, or vice versa?

Are the 32 & 38 S&W break top H&Rs typically shootable w/ modern loads?

SigP6Carry · March 30, 2010, 12:45 PM

Most old top break revolvers, you'll want to shoot lightened loads in them. I've heard that modern ammo is downloaded to account for it. There's also a lot to say about the old IJ's, H&Rs and HSs concerning whether or not they can accept smokeless powder. When you get down to talking about a specific revolver, you'll find all the answers you need.

I've got a 47 Iver Johnson Sealed 8, which is a .22 Revolver, and ran a few hundred rounds of high velocity .22lr through it every week until the lockup went bad and ended up shooting myself in the gut with shaved lead. (I thought I got hit with a ricochet and was afraid to look at my stomach for a few seconds). I'm not sure if the HV rounds did it or the revolver is just so old. So, there's a anecdote pertaining to caution for you.

jamesjo · March 30, 2010, 12:56 PM

H&R produced several very well built, good shooting models.
Mostly all, utility grade revolvers.
I think mosr will agree with me when I say the Sportsman models, produced from the early 1930's through 1990 something were for the most part thier biggest claim to fame.
Several varaitions, from single action competition target shooter, to double action hunter/plinker.
They were just all around, quality pieces!

I only have 2 western style High Standards, which I really like also, but can't really say too much about the company as a whole, other than at one time, they were some popular pistols.

mega twin · March 31, 2010, 05:52 AM

I had a 38s&w top break in about 1975, and it was less than a year old at the time. It always seemed to work well for the time that I had it,even tho the factory ammo was pretty anemic.

I traded it off not too long after I aquired it,so don't know how it would have held up,but I actually miss it now.
Sorry, don't remember the model number.

Hawg · March 31, 2010, 06:43 PM

Best H&R is the early model Sportsman. Best Hi Standard is the Double Nine. Of the two I prefer the Sportsman.

Casimer · March 31, 2010, 08:33 PM

I've seen a few Sportsmen. Did they only come in 22lr?

jamesjo · March 31, 2010, 08:34 PM

Here's a pic of my personal favorite H&R.
1939 model 777 Ultra Sportsman.
Single Action., factory built competition target shooter.
2-2.5# trigger, crazy accurate, just a true joy to shoot
approx. 1000 made.

Here's a couple more
1955 model 999

1951 Sportsman

Set of 3 1980 model 999's
2 4", and 1 6"
1 4", and the 6" are unfired
All are wearing aftemarket Jay Scott grips.

Hawg · March 31, 2010, 08:44 PM

I had one like that 51 but think my grips were wider. Was a real joy to shoot. First wife has it now.

March 30, 2010, 12:26 PM	#1
Casimer Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2007 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,918	Best of H&R and High Standard revolvers? I don't know much about either of these makes, but I've run into some examples that seem decently built. Though I've also seen a lot that haven't held up well. What are some good models and series to look for among the H&R's and High Standards? Are the later ones generally better than the early ones, or vice versa? Are the 32 & 38 S&W break top H&Rs typically shootable w/ modern loads?

March 30, 2010, 12:45 PM	#2
SigP6Carry Senior Member Join Date: August 27, 2009 Posts: 1,086	Most old top break revolvers, you'll want to shoot lightened loads in them. I've heard that modern ammo is downloaded to account for it. There's also a lot to say about the old IJ's, H&Rs and HSs concerning whether or not they can accept smokeless powder. When you get down to talking about a specific revolver, you'll find all the answers you need. I've got a 47 Iver Johnson Sealed 8, which is a .22 Revolver, and ran a few hundred rounds of high velocity .22lr through it every week until the lockup went bad and ended up shooting myself in the gut with shaved lead. (I thought I got hit with a ricochet and was afraid to look at my stomach for a few seconds). I'm not sure if the HV rounds did it or the revolver is just so old. So, there's a anecdote pertaining to caution for you. __________________ -liberal gun nut = exception to the rule- -1.24274238 miles, because Russians don't need scopes- -Gun control was the Klan's favorite law, how can you advocate a set of laws designed to allow the denigration of a people?-

March 31, 2010, 08:34 PM	#7
jamesjo Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 195	Here's a pic of my personal favorite H&R. 1939 model 777 Ultra Sportsman. Single Action., factory built competition target shooter. 2-2.5# trigger, crazy accurate, just a true joy to shoot approx. 1000 made. Here's a couple more 1955 model 999 1951 Sportsman Set of 3 1980 model 999's 2 4", and 1 6" 1 4", and the 6" are unfired All are wearing aftemarket Jay Scott grips. Last edited by jamesjo; March 31, 2010 at 08:42 PM.

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March 30, 2010, 12:56 PM	#3
jamesjo Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2007 Location: Nebraska Posts: 195	H&R produced several very well built, good shooting models. Mostly all, utility grade revolvers. I think mosr will agree with me when I say the Sportsman models, produced from the early 1930's through 1990 something were for the most part thier biggest claim to fame. Several varaitions, from single action competition target shooter, to double action hunter/plinker. They were just all around, quality pieces! I only have 2 western style High Standards, which I really like also, but can't really say too much about the company as a whole, other than at one time, they were some popular pistols.

March 31, 2010, 05:52 AM	#4
mega twin Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2006 Posts: 434	I had a 38s&w top break in about 1975, and it was less than a year old at the time. It always seemed to work well for the time that I had it,even tho the factory ammo was pretty anemic. I traded it off not too long after I aquired it,so don't know how it would have held up,but I actually miss it now. Sorry, don't remember the model number.

March 31, 2010, 06:43 PM	#5
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	Best H&R is the early model Sportsman. Best Hi Standard is the Double Nine. Of the two I prefer the Sportsman.

March 31, 2010, 08:33 PM	#6
Casimer Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2007 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,918	I've seen a few Sportsmen. Did they only come in 22lr?

March 31, 2010, 08:44 PM	#8
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	I had one like that 51 but think my grips were wider. Was a real joy to shoot. First wife has it now.