H&R Model 65 Reising .22LR Semi-auto

dalpra · September 22, 2000, 01:44 AM

Folks, I need some help in identifying an H&R Model 65 .22LR semi-auto rifle that I recently picked up. I am confused as to whether this model has a military connection. I have solicited responses on several of the firearms discussion forums, but I don't believe I've gotten a conclusive answer yet. I was told that both civilian and military models were produced and that because mine did not have the "US Property" markings or stock cartouches, it was a civilian model. The "Blue Book of Gun Values", however, lists only a military version, named the "Model 65 Military", produced from 1944-46 for the US Marines.

Here is a description of my rifle. It appears nearly identical to the MC-58 model pictured on page 49 of the book, "US Martial .22RF Rifles", by Thomas Batha (other page references are for this book).

overall length: 43 1/4"
barrel length: 23" (medium-heavy weight, tapered)
receiver marking (top):
MOD. 65-H. & R. REISING 22 CAL
HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS CO.
WORCESTER, MASS. U.S.A.
receiver marking (left, just forward of rear sight): 63XX
barrel marking (left):
MFG. BY HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS CO.
WORCESTER, MASS U.S.A.
22 LONG RIFLE ONLY
barrel marking (top, just forward of receiver): D
front sight: post with protective ears (like M1 Carbine)
rear sight: Redfield receiver mounted, blued (looks identical to picture on page 50)
operating rod accessed through cutout in bottom of stock
bolt hold open mechanism is similar to that pictured on page 50 except forward slotted screw and pin positions are reversed
safety lever located on right side of receiver, at the same location as the selector switch pictured on page 52, grooved knob, receiver marked "SAFE" (rear position) and "FIRE" (forward position)
trigger guard is stamped metal, attached to stock with 3 screws
trigger is grooved
single takedown screw (11/16") forward of magazine well
barrel, receiver and trigger group take down as one complete unit
stamped sheet metal (?) magazine release lever is curved (rearward), not straight as in pictures
flat steel buttplate has short horizontal grooves on left and right edges, attached with 2 screws
stock appears walnut, target style with no apparent markings
there are 2 pins or studs in the lower half of the forearm, one forward of the magazine well, the second 2" from the forend tip
metal finish is a silvery gray, with some greenish hints; barrel has a few darks spots
magazines appear to be the same shape as that shown on page 53

What do you folks think? I've also contacted Tom Batha for his opinion. TIA.

[This message has been edited by dalpra (edited September 22, 2000).]

fal308 · September 22, 2000, 08:18 AM

SAR has recently done a couple of articles on the Reising 50. According to the author, Frank Iannamico, there was no factory designation of military or commercial for the Reising. This was a connotation stuck on the firearms by collectors and enthusiasts. He specifically writes about the Model 50 but I presume this meant across the board with Reising, though I may be mistaken.
You may also try to contact fellow TFLer Bruce Canfield at www.brucecanfield.com, he is an expert in US martial arms and should be able to steer you in the right direction.

former 173rd · February 26, 2009, 11:22 AM

I know this is probably way late, but did you get any good info on your Reising? I just got one yesterday, and dont know if I should shoot, restore, sell, or what!
Thanks for any input.

32 Magnum · February 26, 2009, 06:36 PM

Shoot it! Enjoy it! There's lots of them out there and more showing up all the time. Good shooting guns.
Jim Hauff, H&R Collector

paraklete · June 26, 2009, 03:37 PM

I “inherited” my Model 65 from my dad (Alzheimer’s had it stored under his bed for who knows how long and he doesn’t remember anything about it) and knowing my dad, I was unsure of the gun’s condition (he would take things that weren’t working in trade at a discount with the intention to “fix them later” many times). I had mine looked at by a gunsmith and after MUCH soaking to removed built up carbon and such, I have it back.

It rivals my M1 Garand in how much fun it is to shoot. With the scope that was installed on it when I got it, it seems like “taking pictures”… <grin>. As fast as you can pull the trigger, those little bullets pop down range in easy view through the scope… It is also fun to watch other people try to figure out how to open the bolt...

According to the research I have done (not extensive, but a little), the only ones that have a military connection will have USMC on the top of the barrel.

Also, be careful buying magazines for it if you don’t want to do some modifications. The mags for the later models (M165) have a small square of metal on the front of the mag that will not allow it to seat all the way into the gun. The mags that are made for it have an angled piece (i.e. like a ramp with the “low” end toward the top of the mag and the high end toward the bottom of the mag, the bottom end hooks in the mag release and holds it in place). If you get the mags with the square block, they can be ground to fit, probably with a Dremel tool.

February 26, 2009, 11:22 AM	#3
former 173rd Junior Member Join Date: October 16, 2008 Location: Northwest WA Posts: 10	Got answers? I know this is probably way late, but did you get any good info on your Reising? I just got one yesterday, and dont know if I should shoot, restore, sell, or what! Thanks for any input.

September 22, 2000, 01:44 AM	#1
dalpra Senior Member Join Date: March 4, 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 187	Folks, I need some help in identifying an H&R Model 65 .22LR semi-auto rifle that I recently picked up. I am confused as to whether this model has a military connection. I have solicited responses on several of the firearms discussion forums, but I don't believe I've gotten a conclusive answer yet. I was told that both civilian and military models were produced and that because mine did not have the "US Property" markings or stock cartouches, it was a civilian model. The "Blue Book of Gun Values", however, lists only a military version, named the "Model 65 Military", produced from 1944-46 for the US Marines. Here is a description of my rifle. It appears nearly identical to the MC-58 model pictured on page 49 of the book, "US Martial .22RF Rifles", by Thomas Batha (other page references are for this book). overall length: 43 1/4" barrel length: 23" (medium-heavy weight, tapered) receiver marking (top): MOD. 65-H. & R. REISING 22 CAL HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS CO. WORCESTER, MASS. U.S.A. receiver marking (left, just forward of rear sight): 63XX barrel marking (left): MFG. BY HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS CO. WORCESTER, MASS U.S.A. 22 LONG RIFLE ONLY barrel marking (top, just forward of receiver): D front sight: post with protective ears (like M1 Carbine) rear sight: Redfield receiver mounted, blued (looks identical to picture on page 50) operating rod accessed through cutout in bottom of stock bolt hold open mechanism is similar to that pictured on page 50 except forward slotted screw and pin positions are reversed safety lever located on right side of receiver, at the same location as the selector switch pictured on page 52, grooved knob, receiver marked "SAFE" (rear position) and "FIRE" (forward position) trigger guard is stamped metal, attached to stock with 3 screws trigger is grooved single takedown screw (11/16") forward of magazine well barrel, receiver and trigger group take down as one complete unit stamped sheet metal (?) magazine release lever is curved (rearward), not straight as in pictures flat steel buttplate has short horizontal grooves on left and right edges, attached with 2 screws stock appears walnut, target style with no apparent markings there are 2 pins or studs in the lower half of the forearm, one forward of the magazine well, the second 2" from the forend tip metal finish is a silvery gray, with some greenish hints; barrel has a few darks spots magazines appear to be the same shape as that shown on page 53 What do you folks think? I've also contacted Tom Batha for his opinion. TIA. [This message has been edited by dalpra (edited September 22, 2000).]

September 22, 2000, 08:18 AM	#2
fal308 Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,992	SAR has recently done a couple of articles on the Reising 50. According to the author, Frank Iannamico, there was no factory designation of military or commercial for the Reising. This was a connotation stuck on the firearms by collectors and enthusiasts. He specifically writes about the Model 50 but I presume this meant across the board with Reising, though I may be mistaken. You may also try to contact fellow TFLer Bruce Canfield at www.brucecanfield.com, he is an expert in US martial arms and should be able to steer you in the right direction.

February 26, 2009, 06:36 PM	#4
32 Magnum Member In Memoriam Join Date: January 17, 2009 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 364	Shoot it! Enjoy it! There's lots of them out there and more showing up all the time. Good shooting guns. Jim Hauff, H&R Collector

June 26, 2009, 03:37 PM	#5
paraklete Member Join Date: March 22, 2008 Posts: 22	I “inherited” my Model 65 from my dad (Alzheimer’s had it stored under his bed for who knows how long and he doesn’t remember anything about it) and knowing my dad, I was unsure of the gun’s condition (he would take things that weren’t working in trade at a discount with the intention to “fix them later” many times). I had mine looked at by a gunsmith and after MUCH soaking to removed built up carbon and such, I have it back. It rivals my M1 Garand in how much fun it is to shoot. With the scope that was installed on it when I got it, it seems like “taking pictures”… <grin>. As fast as you can pull the trigger, those little bullets pop down range in easy view through the scope… It is also fun to watch other people try to figure out how to open the bolt... According to the research I have done (not extensive, but a little), the only ones that have a military connection will have USMC on the top of the barrel. Also, be careful buying magazines for it if you don’t want to do some modifications. The mags for the later models (M165) have a small square of metal on the front of the mag that will not allow it to seat all the way into the gun. The mags that are made for it have an angled piece (i.e. like a ramp with the “low” end toward the top of the mag and the high end toward the bottom of the mag, the bottom end hooks in the mag release and holds it in place). If you get the mags with the square block, they can be ground to fit, probably with a Dremel tool.