H&R 949

otis24 · Jun 7, 2017

Just picked up an H&R 949 (double nine) .22 revolver. Any other fans of this and other H&R revolvers? When the guy told me about it, I was hoping that it was a top break 999. It wasn't. I liked the fact that it is a nine shot and double action. The serial number starts with a "BA". From what little I was able to gather, I would put it towards the end of H&R production (1986ish). The revolver appears to be well made. I like the weight and heft of this revolver. Any opinions on the 949?

kip595 · Jun 7, 2017

H&R's aren't everyone's cup of tea, but for the most part they exhibit builds of decent, if for some models rough, quality, and are good plinkers/camp/tacklebox/truck guns, depending on what you want to use it for. My grandfather often used a 949 with rat shot to dispatch snakes in his garden, and a 732 .32 often goes with me for light hikes and such. If it's in good mechanical condition your double-nine should be a fun little shooter within its limitations (it's never going to be a K-22), and if you're okay with that I say enjoy.

Wee Hooker · Jun 7, 2017

I've had a few H&R's roll through the collection over the years. The nicest as far as fit, finish and quality were the 999, 649 and (my first revolver) a 939. All were decent shooters and not unattractive. However, all were held back by somewhat tough triggers. The 939 and 999 also suffered from rear sights that seemed to always work themselves out of adjustment. Eventually they were traded off in favor of S&W 17's/617s (and a Ruger Single six or two.) I miss the 999 in particular. H&R's bring back memories of my youth. I'd buy another tomorrow if I stumbled into a clean one at the right price.
Enjoy your 649! They are good shooters.

bearfoot · Jun 7, 2017

suggestion, a good http: for 22's is rimfirecentral.com. the guys there are like on this forum, they will help you to the best of their knowledge. hunter holsters fit/ carry well.

BigMuddy · Jun 7, 2017

My first handgun was a 950, which is a nickel version of your 949. I still have it. In fact it dispatched an armadillo two days ago. It rides in the console of my ranch truck.

I put MANY thousand rounds through that gun when I was in college. I bought at minimum 500 rounds per week and shot every one. You can get pretty good with a gun when its the only one you own and you shoot it that much. It has held up quite well all these years. (37)

You probably know, but the actual "Double Nine" is a High Standard and not an H&R.

Enjoy your "classic" 22.

Dan

glenncal1 · Jun 8, 2017

One thing to watch out for on the h&r's the mainspring assembly. Some of the guns have a plastic head on the assy that tends to get brittle and break with time Numrichs has replacements for about $25.

Tenn2 · Jun 8, 2017

I have my Grandfathers 622 that he would have bought in the early 50s (V70xx)? I grew up shooting it for years on his farm. Very slow to reload but for a 6yo never thought about it.

It is still in excellent condition as he made me clean it after each outing,
Russ

otis24 · Jun 9, 2017

glenncal1 said:
One thing to watch out for on the h&r's the mainspring assembly. Some of the guns have a plastic head on the assy that tends to get brittle and break with time Numrichs has replacements for about $25.

I checked mine last night. Thankfully, it is metal.

nutsforsmiths · Jun 9, 2017

I have a few H&R pistols and I like them. Pretty well made for what they are. I have a 732 made in around 1980 and the finish is a bit rough, but it works just fine.

The 22s I have are pretty accurate and reliable. The 2 Sportsman I have are very accurate, as is the 922.

Yes, the mainspring is of concern if it has a plastic head, which yours probably does. Also, I have found that the cylinder hand can also cause some trouble. My 732 needed a new one of those, which wasn't hard to find, but getting it fitted properly was a bear!

They are fun to shoot. I think Iver Johnson 22s like the Sealed 8 and Super Shot Sealed 8 are made a little bit better.

Have fun with it.

bananaman · Jun 12, 2017

I bought a 949, from a pawn/gun shop near my house. 1974. Price was $52.00, NIB. It did not stay with me for long. No issues with it though. Bob

Old Corp · Jun 13, 2017

Have both a c.1970 H&R M999 6" 'Sportsman' and an old IJ 'Sealed Eight', 6".
Both are accurate, except the H&R shoots high, even beyond the slight adjustment offered by the adjustable front sight blade.
The IJ has what must be the world's smallest sights with what appears to be a 'german silver' front blade.
These things, even though DA, are obviously meant to be fired SA.

Think what really appeals to me about these pieces of pedestrian hardware is that they represent a time in the U.S. firearms world when even the very basic handguns were of a quality and level that exists no more at any sort of comparable (even adjusted for time) level.

Even found an old used Hunter holster that works great for the H&R. Roughly a K frame size.

H&R 949

otis24

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kip595

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Wee Hooker

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bearfoot

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BigMuddy

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glenncal1

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Tenn2

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otis24

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nutsforsmiths

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bananaman

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Old Corp

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