hopkins & allen model 722

[Helvetia]

Hello, I present to you a small rifle acquired recently. It is a Hopkins & Allen model 722 sold by Hibbard Spencer, Bartlett & Co., in Chicago in the years 1903-1915. I had never seen these rifles with rolling block system before this one. It has lived well but is still perfectly operational but without precision unfortunately. Sincerely

 

[30-30remchester]

I study firearms design. Antique arms are a particular favorite. Top that with a peculiar fascination with single shot guns. I have never seen this model before. Just by the pictures you posted I can tell this is a high-quality firearms. Most single shots fit into one of 2 categories. Extremely cheap for the kids or once in a year shooter. Or very high dollar handmade guns. Then there are the few exceptions to each of these rules. The high quality, but no excessive priced models of which this is one. My first observation on any single shot is the trigger guards. Nearly all are cheap, stamped metal afterthought attached by screen door screws. Your is milled steel, integral to the action itself. Well done. Winchester's seldom seen model 20 single shot 410 from the early 1900's has the same setup. I am not a fan of takedown firearms, but I would be proud to add that to my collection if the opportunity arose.

 

[2152hq]

Neat little rifles. Hard to find them in good condition today.
The values have risen remarkably from where they were some yrs ago when they were very inexpensive prime candidates for rebuilding.
Good project guns to learn the 'smithing trade on.

The 822 Model used a RB type lock-up as well. The difference being it was an under lever design and,,the breechblock and the underlever were one-piece.
The hammer still locked the breech closed upon firing by a ledge on the forward face of the hammer slipping under the locking notch on the breech(lever) piece as on the RB.

The 922 was the strongest . A full dropping block action with supporting recv'r wall.


None of these, especially the 722 and 822 should be fired with HV ammo.
They were made at least 20yrs before the intro of .22rf HV ammo.
None are any newer than 1914/15. That's when H&A quit the sporting arms biz all together to try making Mod 1891 Mausers for Belgium. That ended in the Companys bankruptcy.
They will often loosen up when shooting StdVel ammo as well.,,even .22Short.
I usually stick to CB Longs for these oldsters.
A 922 in good mechanical shape and a tight HS and lock-up can handle .22 StdVel OK in my experience.

The axel & pivot pins are soft and parts are not precision fitted. Frames are cast with minimum machining especially on the inside.
Though Case Hardened, they can wear quickly through the thin hardened surfaces. Firing pins often are soft and give problems in peening over. They are often too long and can dent the chamber edge even if not dry fired.
They were one of the Boys Rifles of that era and most exhibit many of the same qualitys or lack of.

IIRC, they made a Military looking version of the 722 called the Royal Enders Scout. This was made for Shaplies(sp?) HArdware I think, or one of the big customers at the time.

A pistol grip stock, near full length forend with a barrel band up front.
Sheet Steel butt plate with top tang, sling swivels, the front one attached to that bbl band.
Seems that there was a small Bayonet available with the rifle as well, but I might be thinking of some other offering from another maker,,maybe the #4 Rem RB?.

The left side of the frame was marked Royal Enders Scout and also had the image of an American Indian Chief roll marked on it as well.

I have a trashed 722, might be a good project to build a 'Scout on that remains of it.

 

[waynes1861]

Nice find, thats super nice! I've been searching for parts for one. There where different generations. Mines like yours, with the screw in pins for the action. The other version has pins that go through the receiver, so you see all 4 on each side. 2152hq, which is yours? What do you have vs what's missing?

 

[Helvetia]

Hello, I think there is a start of an answer in this video. Not speaking English I can only guess. When I take mine apart I will take detailed photos for you. Kind regards
https://youtu.be/NKxDxLP3ooc?si=ddcLefXNL4dcwKML

 

[2152hq]

The action for mine uses the screws (screw heads) on both ends of the 2 pins.
Coil spring main spring and the trigger spring is the formed wire torsion spring in the hair-pin shape.
I think these are all features of the later mfg'rd 722.

I can't find the butt stock, probably hidden in a pile of stuff yet.
The bbl along with the forend IIRC, wasn't anything I would call usable for a project, so that's probably stowed away as well. I usually never throw anything away, but I'll make something before I'll use a part that's really bad shape.

The action looks better than I remember it, so it looks like another project on the To-Do list.

I resurected a basket case H&A Model 3922 Jr. Schuetzen a couple yrs back. Came out nice. Kind of a rare rifle itself.
I've always been interested in H&R, Meriden and other of the lesser thought of brands.