This is a late example of H&R's premier target revolver, Model 999, made in 1981. Note that the barrel rib isn't ventilated, but merely fluted. For at least a few years prior, some such had been observed, but by this time all 999 production had faux vents. Still. the gun is nicely finished, and its quality couldn't be cited as a presage to H&R's filing for bankruptcy as 1984 drew to a close. The print advertisement dates to an earlier and more happily prosperous era in the company's history.

Attached Images

	999.jpg (55.2 KB, 715 views)
	999ad.jpg (90.2 KB, 624 views)

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Beautiful guns aren't they? I had one years ago, but the rear sight was missing and I couldn't find one anywhere, so I finally sold it.

The rear sight blade is held in place with a double set screw. You have to loosen one, then tighten the other to make adjustments. Make sure you keep an eye on those screws.

At least that's the way the one I had worked. They may have changed it over time.

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John 3:16 .

Those things seem to be a little pricey these days. Like everything else I suppose.

Well, the top one should have been made after 1952 but before 1967, while the bottom one could well be as late as the one I posted above. H&R's are generally pretty easy to date as the letter(s) serial number prefix advanced alphabetically (albeit with some gaps) each year. Here's the rundown -

A 1940
B 1941
C 1942
D 1943 *
E 1944
F 1945
G 1946
H 1947
I 1948
J 1949
K 1950
L 1951
M 1952
N 1953
P 1954
R 1955 **
S 1956 ***
T 1957
U 1958 ****
V 1959
W 1960
X 1961
Y 1962
Z 1963
AA 1964
AB 1965
AC 1966
AD 1967
AE 1968
AF 1969
AG 1970
AH 1971
AJ 1972
AL 1973
AM 1974
AN 1975
AP 1976
AR 1977
AS 1978
AT 1979
AU 1980
AX 1981
AY 1982
AZ 1983
BA 1984
BB 1985
BC 1986

* For some 1930's Sportsmans a "D" serial number prefix did not denote year of manufacture but rather "double action".
** An "R" serial number prefix will also be found on the circa 1940 Model 196 Eureka Sportsman.
*** For some 1930's Sportsmans an "S" serial number prefix did not denote year of manufacture but rather "single action".
**** A "U" serial number prefix will also be found on the circa 1938-39 Model 777 Ultra Sportsman.

In 1981 H&R offered a special, engraved version of the 999 to commemorate their 110th anniversary. These "1 of 999" revolvers were numbered from 999001 to 999999.

After Harrington & Richardson proper had ceased operations, manufacture of 999's continued under the aegis of New England Firearms (H&R 1871) utilizing a new series of serial number prefixes -

HA 1987
HB 1988
HC 1989
HD 1990
HE 1991
HF 1992
HG 1993
HH 1994
HJ 1995
HK 1996
HL 1997
HM 1998
HN 1999


Additional notes on 1930's era Sportsman serial numbers -

Since H&R's records from this period aren't extant, an accounting of serial numbers can only be based on observation and to some degree conjecture.

It may be that prototype and pre-production samples were numbered beginning with 1 (or 01), while regular production started at 101. Low serial numbers have been documented up into the 1600 range. By the 3000 range, the "S" prefix (for "single action") had appeared, and by 4000, the "D" prefix (for "double action") was being applied. It isn't at all clear whether the single and double actions shared a serial number sequence with the "S" or "D" prefix being utilized as appropriate, or if each was numbered in separate sequences (so that there could theoretically exist two guns with the same serial number save for the preceding "D" or "S"). It seems certain that the Ultra Sportsman and Eureka Sportsman had their own serial number sequences (preceded by "U" and "R" respectively). In any case, at some point above the D28000 range (circa 1937), the "D" at least was dropped and serial numbering reverted to a straightforward all numeric progression that reached as high as perhaps 90000, ending there as the practice of date code prefixes (starting with "A") with yearly recurring numbers was adopted in 1940.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

40 years ago RSR Wholesale was selling them for $99, many as you want. 929's were $59 though and it was easier to sell them for $100 than 999's at $150. Then again S&W 520's were $189 a couple years later. Missed opportunities in the "Retail Trade." Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

I had one a few years back but just couldn’t warm up to it. Not a bad gun in any way but just not up to S & W standards of finish and function.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I just checked my Father's. He told me he bought it in '48 or '49 at a gas station on his way to University of Oregon to visit my Mother. He remembered he paid 28$ for it. It has an "A" prefix, so made in '40 according to the chart.

OZ

I had one and really liked it, until it broke.
When I took it apart, to repair it, I discovered that they are really poorly made, and there were even some plastic parts inside.
I ordered some parts to make repairs, and there was quite a bit of work fitting the pieces in order to make it functional again.
When I got it back together, I test fired it, and it worked fine, both double and single action. I am sure it would have probably been serviceable for a long time but I was done with it.
I traded it for a really tight, but slightly worn model 15-4, and I think it was one of the best trades I ever made.
Later I found a 17-3 for a 22 to plink with, and bought that.
No plastic parts in either of those to break.

The nylon/plastic internal parts of the more modern H&R's admittedly constituted a very poor choice of material. Well known to be prone to breakage. Metal replacements have been available for quite some time.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Goony, thanks for that chart. I've been looking for one of those for years. It will come in handy.

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Why duck?? It's a 9mm!

I had 2, a 4" and a 2". I gave the 2" to my late, lamented ex-father-in-law and the 4" to a lady friend who needed a gun. Operative term = GAVE. No $.

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Come and take it!!

Yes, thanks, Goony.

Mine is an AJ. So it's over 50 YO.

I had my gunsmith get running again last year. Still fun to shoot.

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I've still got it made.

Goony, thanks for the chart. Mine is 1980. Great shooter, was training a grandson how to shoot a revolver and he lost the rear sight blade. Found it next day on the ground, what luck! I had another that I sold that was from the late thirties, so I am told. It belonged to a friend that passed and I sold it for his widow. It had more of what is called "wrapped arond grips".

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Kevin in Oregon

I've been enamored with the Sportsman for many years and have owned multiples over those years.

I'm down to one, a first year (1932) Sportsman, but it's not a Model 999, it's a Model 199 Single Action. These were only made from 1932-1940. And IMHO should have been the only Sportsman models as it eliminates any of the delicate DA sear issues of the 999 (especially the latter years of production). Just a slim, trim revolver that is a delight to handle.

This gun is an absolute tack driver and with Eley 40 grain match ammo is a thing to behold.

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	20201128_000801.jpg (76.7 KB, 112 views)
	20201128_000751.jpg (102.3 KB, 130 views)

These were based on the birdshead "Rice" frame, which was carried over after WWII up until at least 1952. I also have one of those 1930's vintage single action versions. Those were absolutely intended for serious, competitive target shooting, and are extremely accurate. I've yet to take a good photo of my example. Meanwhile, the photo I'm attaching is of an early (serial # D45XX) double action.

That isn't my earliest Sportsman, though. I'd previously posted here serial # 22: An H&R Resurrected

I've also posted a Rice framed Sportsman that confounds me: An Anomalous H&R Sportsman

Attached Images

Sportsman.jpg (108.6 KB, 100 views)

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

They are fun to shoot, aren't they? I bought mine new around 40 years ago. The only issues I ever had were a broken cylinder catch spring, which I replaced, and the backsight screws which I had Loctited into place............ with RED Loctite. Immovable. I finally managed to get them out with a bit of heat and replace them. No Loctite this time!

My dad won one back in the 60's on a sales promo, came in a pretty maroon box. He gave it to my mother for home defense. I started borrowing it when I was around twelve and by the time I left home at seventeen had managed to break the single action sear, probably from fanning it like Wyatt Earp. I did the same thing with a Colt Trooper 38/.357 years later so that can't be blamed on the mechanics, just the loose nut behind the sights. I remember having a definite advantage over just about everybody I shot with because I had at least three more rounds left over to finish off whatever we were trying to shoot. I used to look at H&R in much the same way as I did Hi Standard, they were good well made...and affordable. It wasn't until later that I learned what great shooters Hi Standard Victors and family were.

IIRC, the Rice frames on the pre war versions could be ordered from a selection of 7 different grip styles. Mine has a design by Roper.

As a side note, look at the front strap on my 199. It's serrated and I've never seen another like it out of many examined. H&R did LOTS of changes on these models, but I'm thinking this was possibly available only in the 1st year?

And yes, the SA versions were serious target shooters in their day. And that's how they were marketed, to Camp Perry competitors. I have several catalog reprints around here somewhere, I'll try and find them to post.

And Goony, I think I can speak for many here that we'd love to see a pic or two of your SA Sportsman. 🙂

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20230105_190219.jpg (65.0 KB, 77 views)

Below is an excerpt from a period print advertisement that shows the various optional grips that were available.

As to your gun, the serrations are located where these were normally serial numbered, but it looks to me as if the serial number is in this case behind the trigger guard extension. The question would be if that's factory or an end user modification. Highly intriguing.

Attached Images

grips.jpg (61.2 KB, 78 views)

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

I'm 99.9% sure it's a factory serial number rollmark due to both its uniform font appearance compared to other Sportsman I've compared it with, and that the bluing in that area matches the rest of the gun, which hasn't been refinished. Additionally, the serrations are deep and uniform and it would be odd for an aftermarket gunsmith to produce the necessary jigs for a "one off".

H&R did multiple variations of these, often within the same production year (firing pin on hammer vs firing pin on frame, round frame release vs square frame release, etc), particularly pre WW2. So who knows? And H&R didn't leave behind a known reference file.

Whichever the case, and we'll probably never know, someone cared enough about it to order the #4 Grips and to have properly cared for the gun before I became it's caretaker. It's really a delightful shooting machine and never fails to make me smile when I take it out.

On a secondary note, I'm pleased to see these guns finally starting to get some collector interest.

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	20190928_185254.jpg (131.9 KB, 67 views)

Yesterday my retired neighbor stopped by to show me his latest acquisition. It was a late model H&R Sportsman with 4" barrel that was a trade in at local dealer. It was very nice. I had never seen one. I was very impressed with the fit and finish and especially the heftiness for a .22 revolver.

I picked up a 1981 version and experienced the same issue with the rear sight blade- was cock-eyed in the slot and would not stay straight because it was too thin for the screws to grab.
Fortunately, Numrich carries a wide reproduction, and it fits much better. Agree that the screw setting is finicky and tends to come loose. Needs some Loctite after you get it where you want it. Numrich also carries the screws.

Since Bill Goforth didn't mention any such variation in his comprehensive and authoritative book on H&R's, if this is factory work (and you've given solid reasons to believe it's so), I'd have to think it done pursuant to a special order, perhaps at the behest of an upper echelon competitor who the company wanted to accommodate.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Here it is, "S" prefixed serial number, circa 1935.

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SA Sportsman.jpg (78.7 KB, 82 views)

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

The 4" version seems to be not nearly so common as the 6", so I think your neighbor has a bit of a prize there. Here's a relevant article: Classic Test: H&R's Model 999 - American Handgunner

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

I spotted a couple of Sportsman 999's online this morning, one made in 1965 and the other from 1969, neither anything special insofar as condition, no boxes or anything like that, either, priced at $525 and $799 respectively. Now for what they are I like these H&R's just fine but even relatively recently I've seen decent S&W K-22's offered in that price range.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Back in the 1950s a friend and I fell upon a H&R 22 revolver. It looked a bit like OP’s revolver but I have no idea what model it was.

It had problems. My friend and I (we were about 8) under took its repair. Disassembly kept us busy for several afternoons. Once we had it apart, we commenced its reassembly. We spent a lot of afternoons working to reassemble it.

We each reassembled the revolver several times, but we couldn’t get it to work. Truth is, I think we added to it’s problems.

We didn’t know anyone to help us AND let us keep the revolver. Our parents wouldn’t dream of turning us loose with a functional 22 revolver.

Over time, we lost interest in fixing it. I’m not sure where it landed. I think my friend ended up with it. No way my parents would let me keep it!

One thing I had the gunsmith work on to get it running again was that the hammer wouldn't drop hard on the primer. He found that the sight blade had slipped down to where the hammer was glancing off the blade, slowing it down.

(Aside to CB) I used to live down on Qualla Rd. Moved back to Carolina in 1987.

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I've still got it made.

I've mentioned in passing the Model 777 Ultra Sportsman and the Model 196 Eureka Sportsman. These deserve a little more space in this thread.

The Ultra Sportsman was offered in 1938-39 as an improvement on the standard Sportsman single action. Its most notable feature was a cylinder shortened to precisely the length of a .22 LR cartridge. Very much intended for the most serious and discerning competitive target shooter, the action was hand honed so that the trigger pull would come in within the narrow range of 2½ to 3 pounds. The Eureka Sportsman was produced only in 1940 and was very much along the same lines as the Ultra Sportsman but having an action wholly redesigned with the sole goal of even further reducing lock time. Both of these models are very scarce.

Below is an example of an Ultra Sportsman, serial number U146. Note the adjusting screw installed in the trigger guard for the purpose of limiting the trigger's rearward movement. This wasn't a standard feature.

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ultra.jpg (138.3 KB, 101 views)

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Thx for sharing, Goony.

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I've still got it made.

I seem to recall that only something like 1000 of the 777 Ultra Sportsman were made. Now that would be a prize to come across indeed.

Yes, that's the accepted figure. For the 196 Eureka Sportsman, it's on the order of only a little more than 250.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Here's an advertisement for the Eureka, showing that at the time it retailed for $2.95 more than the standard Sportsman.

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Eureka ad.jpg (122.9 KB, 87 views)

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Here's a couple that've come up for sale. There ought to be at least 46 others (I don't know if the territorial governors received one).

Harrington & Richardson Model 999 Sportsman, #R517730, .22LR cal., 6” barrel, factory silver plate

SILVER PLATED HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON 999 SPORTSMAN PRESENTED TO GOVERNOR GEORGE N. CRAIG.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

I hope he shot it.

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I've still got it made.

I mentioned these in passing earlier in this thread. Here's one such that sold nearly a decade ago: Harrington & Richardson Inc 999 Revolver 22 LR | Rock Island Auction

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Check the prices of completed auctions on GB, the 999's have definitely become collectable.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

I picked one up a few months back in a LGS that I frequent. Had it out of the safe yesterday and tightened up the loose rear sight! Didn’t Ed McGivern practice with the Sportsman?

Have a 10 shot NEF R92 with plain 5.5"bbl, Gardner, MA with a NS or N8 sn on the butt and a small wood grip and non-adjustable frame cut sight. The basic frame and cylinder look like an H&R frame.

How does this fit in?

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TOMBECK

Without pix . . . .

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I've still got it made.

The following link will let you view the January, 1935 issue of The American Rifleman. On page 46 there's a shooting test report on H&R's, which includes the single action Sportsman: https://ia601801.us.archive.org/34/i...35-01_83_1.pdf

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Thanks Goony.

Interesting stuff.

Don't know if I enjoyed page 46 more or the thought of buying Colt SAAs for $18.00 (by mail no less) in the advertisement section. 🙂

how can i keep this list? thank you for the info.

You can copy and paste the text to a text file.

Attached Files

H&R Serial No Info.txt (2.6 KB, 4 views)

This Model 999 Sportsman variant isn't cataloged in Bill Goforth's book, and information on them is almost nonexistent. Note the unfluted cylinder and "pearl" grips. Aside from their dating to 1967, it remains unknown just how many were made, what their serial numbering range was, and whether the finish was nickel or in fact chrome. There has been one sold that was purported to be a prototype: Very Rare Harrington & Richardson Model 999 End of Chisholm Trail Centennial Prototype Revolver

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Chisholm Trail 999.jpg (88.8 KB, 44 views)

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

I own these two Sportsman pistols. Both made around 1938. They are fun pistols and when taken to the range usually draw some attention, since top break 22s are not seen too often! I also own an Iver Johnson Supershot Sealed 8, which I think id a bit better made. Also interesting in the cleaning and oiling it says to uses 3-In-One for lubrication. I think I'll pass on that suggestion!

Oh, I paid $150 for the one in the box back in 2003.

I came across a photo that shows what a Sportsman box looked like in 1952. I'm also posting an advertisement from the prior year. Note that at this time, H&R was still producing the Sportsman utilizing the prewar (birdshead or "Rice") frame pattern.

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	1952 Sportsman box.jpg (139.7 KB, 34 views)
	1951 H&R Ad.jpg (140.5 KB, 36 views)

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

There are a lot of nice Sportsmen pictured above, kinda renewed an itch. So I started looking for a Sportsman.

Been watching the Sportsman 999 for years but never bought one. Was watching the tables at the Berea gun show today and found one for sale in excellent condition with the box. It was at 575.00 and he wouldn’t budge, bought it. He said it would sell eventually because of the condition, ones this nice sell for more online. Been watching gunbroker and he was right. It looks to have not been fired much at all, no blue wear on the recoil shield by the firing pin. Made in 1979. Gonna shoot it Tuesday morning at the old guys shoot, can’t wait.

The trigger in single action is sorta heavy, any way to make it lighter?? Same in double action, Larry

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^
I have a few SA and DA Sportmen revolvers. Regarding improving the SA trigger, yes it can be done and is not nearly as difficult as it may seem.

H&R (and IJ) actions are quite different from S&W, Colt, Ruger in that the SA sear is not part of the trigger but is a separate tab that pivots between the trigger and hammer. You can actually drop the hammer without pressing the trigger when the hammer is fully cocked. Improving the SA trigger pull is simply a matter of cleaning up the SA sear and sear notch by removing the trigger, sear notch lever and hammer.

Removing the hammer is pretty straightforward if you want to limit yourself to that much disassembly.

RE the DA pull, there's not much camming action to it. Pretty much a straight up lift. So unless you lighten the spring I don't think there's a whole lot that can be done.

A few photos, just for the heck of it -

IMG_0179.jpg

IMG_0495.jpg

Sear lever is readily visible on the IJ.

This video discusses the U.S.R.A. model and also the Ultra Sportsman -

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"