H&R 44 caliber shotgun

terryhannah · January 18, 2012, 09:52 AM

I have an old Harrington and Richardson shotgun that I found in my father's basement.

I believe this is a H&R single shot, break barrel 44 caliber shotgun, smooth bore, bead sight, 44 caliber shot shell or 44 caliber XL shot shell, model 1905, barrel 26 inches, removeable hinge pin, small frame, slim forearm, hard rubber butt plate, weight about 4.5 pounds.

I still don't know if it is possible to order ammunition with the correct powder/load, and fire the shotgun, or if it is best not to try. I also cannot find a value for it. It is in very good condition. Photos are attached.

There must be a number of these around.
Can anyone provide any additional information?

James K · January 18, 2012, 12:12 PM

I know of no reason not to fire that shotgun if you can find or make ammo. The shell is basically the same as .44-40 with a shot capsule, though the case length and overall length are greater. I don't know if .44 XL or .44-40 shot shells are being made by anyone today, but Speer sells .44 caliber shot capsules suitable for 7 1/2 or smaller shot.

You might be able to fire lightly loaded .44-40 in that gun, but don't even think about something like .44 Magnum.

Jim

32 Magnum · January 18, 2012, 12:25 PM

terryhanna,
You have a VERY well taken care of Model 1905. They were chambered for that round into the late 19teens.
Jim K, as usual, is right on the mark about the ammo.

terryhannah · January 26, 2012, 09:39 AM

Thank you for the help.

32 Magnum · February 1, 2012, 05:40 PM

Terry,
You're welcome.

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January 18, 2012, 12:12 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I know of no reason not to fire that shotgun if you can find or make ammo. The shell is basically the same as .44-40 with a shot capsule, though the case length and overall length are greater. I don't know if .44 XL or .44-40 shot shells are being made by anyone today, but Speer sells .44 caliber shot capsules suitable for 7 1/2 or smaller shot. You might be able to fire lightly loaded .44-40 in that gun, but don't even think about something like .44 Magnum. Jim

January 18, 2012, 12:25 PM	#3
32 Magnum Member In Memoriam Join Date: January 17, 2009 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 364	terryhanna, You have a VERY well taken care of Model 1905. They were chambered for that round into the late 19teens. Jim K, as usual, is right on the mark about the ammo.

January 26, 2012, 09:39 AM	#4
terryhannah Junior Member Join Date: January 18, 2012 Posts: 2	Thank you for the help.

February 1, 2012, 05:40 PM	#5
32 Magnum Member In Memoriam Join Date: January 17, 2009 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 364	Terry, You're welcome.