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  #1  
Old 11-26-2015, 08:45 AM
shoteddie shoteddie is offline
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Question High Standard

Recently I found a HI STANDARD H-D MILITARY pistol and I need some help on getting it REPAIRED and RESTORED. The pistol may not be worst the effort but I do not know that yet.
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Old 11-26-2015, 08:58 AM
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I had one that was repaired by High Standard (yes, they still exist albeit not really the same). It was not expensive but wasn't fast. They probably have the best knowledge and parts.

You'll need to call them and ask. I know a little bit about those guns and most of the damage is done by mistreatment. They aren't very valuable though.

What's the problem with it?

High Standard - High Standard Firearms Manufacturing

There's a High Standard section over at Rimfire Central, you might ask those guys too.

Last edited by glenwolde; 11-26-2015 at 09:00 AM.
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Old 11-26-2015, 09:08 AM
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Oh, and first look for a cracked frame. They are famous for developing a crack on the right rear that runs from the top of the hole in the frame for the takedown lever up towards the rails. If it's cracked it's a parts gun.
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Old 11-26-2015, 09:31 AM
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I suggest keeping your eyes open for one in good shape.
I picked up two High Standards this summer for under $500.
They were nice shooter grade guns.
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Old 11-26-2015, 10:50 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shoteddie View Post
Recently I found a HI STANDARD H-D MILITARY pistol and I need some help on getting it REPAIRED and RESTORED. The pistol may not be worst the effort but I do not know that yet.
You didn't say what you paid for it but I hope not too much considering it's appears to be obvious to you that it "needs" repairing and/or restoring.

However, I really feel that you best bet is to contact High Standard in Houston. They do offer repair on the HS's made in CT, and they probably are your best bet to bring the pistol back to top form.

HS's are GREAT shooters and worth keeping well maintained.
In their day, they were considered to be one of the best .22 target pistols, and nothing has changed. They are still one of the best .22 target pistols.
The only competition they have today in a reasonable price range would be the S&W Model 41, so if you don't want to work on bringing yours back to form, then just buy a new 41 and go shoot.

Over time, I have ended up with a HS Trophy, a HS Victor (both made in Hamdon), and a Model 41.
I bought the Trophy and 41 brand new (way back when...) and I picked up the like-new Victor at a gun show not long after HS closed down in CT and before the name was bought and brought to Houston.
I couldn't possibly choose which one to sell if I had to, so I'll keep them all till I'm dead and then let the wife sell them for 10 cents on the dollar like I know she will.

Last edited by Decker; 11-26-2015 at 10:51 AM.
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Old 11-26-2015, 12:29 PM
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Back in the day, some gunsmiths (like Jim Clark) made a good living doing custom work on H-S pistols for top-flight competitive bullseye shooters. Some today still do, such as Alex Hamilton at Tenring.com
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Old 11-26-2015, 06:51 PM
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I have also read that High Standard can do some work on the older models.

I have a H-D Military Model made in 1947, absolutely love it and I only shoot standard velocity ammo through it.



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Old 11-27-2015, 09:44 AM
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Default Thanks HS guys

My HS is also a 1947 H-D Military. It's condition is very rough and needs a complete rebuling. I had a local gunsmith take a look because it was inoperatible. He MADE two (2) springs and did some cleaning then fired it several times. I am not satisfied he understood the HS but I have not fired it myself.
The gun was given to me but it appears that it has a long row ahead to bring the gun back to condition. This is my first exposure to the HS and I believe I would like to keep. Maybe I could give the gun to anyone for parts and wait for the opportunity to buy a well conditioned HS.
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Old 11-27-2015, 10:17 AM
shoteddie shoteddie is offline
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Default Thanks HS guys

My HS is also a 1947 H-D Military. It's condition is very rough and needs a complete rebuling. I had a local gunsmith take a look because it was inoperatible. He MADE two (2) springs and did some cleaning then fired it several times. I am not satisfied he understood the HS but I have not fired it myself.
The gun was given to me but it appears that it has a long row ahead to bring the gun back to condition. This is my first exposure to the HS and I believe I would like to keep. Maybe I could give the gun to anyone for parts and wait for the opportunity to buy a well conditioned HS.
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Old 11-27-2015, 10:22 AM
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In my opinion, unless the gun has some sort of sentimental value I would not put money into it. Now replacing a part or two to make it functional is different than restoring. These guns are plentiful and if your are looking for a shooter gun infinite choices are out there.
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Old 11-27-2015, 12:45 PM
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I have a Bob Shea model The victor 10× it is an amazing pistol. The fact Bob S. worked on it makes me want to keep this gun forever.
The high standard pistols in my opinion are like a fine watch and unfortunately need to be cared for as such. Replace warn springs, never shoot high velocity ammo, be careful with the magazine lips..a real pain in the butt if you ask me..are they even worth it for a 22 target pistol ..and if something breaks god forbid now what?
But damn ..once you shoot them small groups into a target it all seems worth it.
The people at high standard in TX. Are nice to deal with. The company has had lots of issues over the years, but still make one of the best semi auto 22 pistols money can buy. The frame can be welded, but better to replace. Call them and they will direct you.
Also there is a lot of extremely knowledgeable people over at High Standard - RimfireCentral.com Forums
Who are quick to reply and know the industry very good.
I hope this info is helpful.
Never part with a high standard pistol.

Last edited by 1coolcat; 11-27-2015 at 12:49 PM.
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Old 11-27-2015, 05:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1coolcat View Post
I have a Bob Shea model The victor 10× it is an amazing pistol. The fact Bob S. worked on it makes me want to keep this gun forever.
The high standard pistols in my opinion are like a fine watch and unfortunately need to be cared for as such. Replace warn springs, never shoot high velocity ammo, be careful with the magazine lips..a real pain in the butt if you ask me..are they even worth it for a 22 target pistol ..and if something breaks god forbid now what?
But damn ..once you shoot them small groups into a target it all seems worth it.
The people at high standard in TX. Are nice to deal with. The company has had lots of issues over the years, but still make one of the best semi auto 22 pistols money can buy. The frame can be welded, but better to replace. Call them and they will direct you.
Also there is a lot of extremely knowledgeable people over at High Standard - RimfireCentral.com Forums
Who are quick to reply and know the industry very good.
I hope this info is helpful.
Never part with a high standard pistol.
I gave up on the HD's. I really like them because of the exposed hammer, but at this point they are too old and anyone you find is likely to have issues. Most people are not aware how hard High Velocity ammo is on these guns and a steady diet of that over a couple of decades really takes it's toll. The second HD I owned went back twice, but I do confess I shot it quite a bit. Now I have a Houston 10-X instead.
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Old 11-27-2015, 07:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by glenwolde View Post
Oh, and first look for a cracked frame. They are famous for developing a crack on the right rear that runs from the top of the hole in the frame for the takedown lever up towards the rails. If it's cracked it's a parts gun.
Many would argue that these cracks are the result of firing high velocity rounds in a firearm designed for standard velocity.

User error rather than a design flaw or use of inferior materials.
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Old 11-28-2015, 02:27 AM
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I use only standard velocity ammo in my HS.
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Old 11-28-2015, 06:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crankyoldlady View Post
Many would argue that these cracks are the result of firing high velocity rounds in a firearm designed for standard velocity.

User error rather than a design flaw or use of inferior materials.
Absolutely correct. I did not intend to imply otherwise.
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Old 12-10-2015, 10:39 PM
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Oooorrrrr, you can do it yourself.

The steel in those old Hamden, CT guns is quite good, in fact, better than average.
If you wish you can simply remove all the bluing with a blue remover,
polish the heck out of it, then protect it with a nice synthetic oil

Before...


After...hrm, didn't realize that was so blurry, need to do a new one
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Last edited by Big Shrek; 12-10-2015 at 10:45 PM.
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