Rare H&R Top-break: Model 299 "New Defender"

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Old No7
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Rare H&R Top-break: Model 299 "New Defender"

Post by Old No7 »

This is what you get when you combine the frame and features of an H&R Model 999 Sportsman -- with the concealability of an "Avenging Angel" cut-down handgun...

You get the Model 299 "New Defender".

H&R New Defender 01 (Small).jpg

The late Bill Goforth (author of THE book on H&R Arms) described it this way:
"Model 299, New Defender: 1935 to 1939. Large frame top-break revolver, 22 rimfire caliber, 9-shot cylinder capacity, 2 inch barrel only, adjustable sights, one-piece walnut grip, pocket size, marked on right side of barrel with model name and caliber, modified 'Rice Frame' (birdshead), automatic cylinder stop, finger-rest trigger guard. Overall length only 6¼ inches, serial number range unknown, but is believed to be in the same series as the Model 999 Sportsman."

Here's a period ad for it too -- and I like that price!

H&R New Defender Ad 01.jpg

One of these rare H&R's sold in July 2017 on GB for over $800, in about the same condition! :shock:

I'm glad to say I snagged this one for only $175 -- and now I just need to get it out to the range and shoot it. The action rivals the best of my 999 Sportsman's, just as you'd expect. I'll bet this will be a fun one -- which will probably garner some second looks from other shooters.

Tight groups!

Old No7
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J Miller
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Re: Rare H&R Top-break: Model 299 "New Defender"

Post by J Miller »

Old No 7,

I worked with Bill Goforth some years back dating my 999 and at that time he asked me if I'd mind him using pics of my revolver in his book. I told him to go ahead. Then I found out he'd died. Book wasn't finished then.

Can you tell me where to get a copy of his book? I'd still like to have it.

Joe
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yooper2
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Re: Rare H&R Top-break: Model 299 "New Defender"

Post by yooper2 »

Neat little gun, it'd be a dandy on the trapline!

Eric
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Old No7
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Re: Rare H&R Top-break: Model 299 "New Defender"

Post by Old No7 »

J Miller wrote: Tue Sep 12, 2017 2:48 pm Old No 7
Can you tell me where to get a copy of his book? I'd still like to have it.
Joe
Hi Joe:

It's a hardcover, so not inexpensive, but I found the best price on Amazon. Just search for "H & R Arms Co. 1871-1986" by W.E. "Bill" Goforth (1st Edition, Hardcover)

Much of the H&R info in my files came from Bill, and I believe that Jim Hauff and Jim Ritchie -- 2 other H&R collectors -- stepped in to help finish the book after Bill passed. Unless I'm mistaken, I think both Jim's are gone now too (Jim H used to post as "32'Magnum" on message boards).

Good luck.

Old No7
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Re: Rare H&R Top-break: Model 299 "New Defender"

Post by J Miller »

Old No7 wrote: Tue Sep 12, 2017 7:03 pm
J Miller wrote: Tue Sep 12, 2017 2:48 pm Old No 7
Can you tell me where to get a copy of his book? I'd still like to have it.
Joe
Hi Joe:

It's a hardcover, so not inexpensive, but I found the best price on Amazon. Just search for "H & R Arms Co. 1871-1986" by W.E. "Bill" Goforth (1st Edition, Hardcover)

Much of the H&R info in my files came from Bill, and I believe that Jim Hauff and Jim Ritchie -- 2 other H&R collectors -- stepped in to help finish the book after Bill passed. Unless I'm mistaken, I think both Jim's are gone now too (Jim H used to post as "32'Magnum" on message boards).

Good luck.

Old No7
Thanks, I found it. Now to put the funds together to get my copy.

Joe
***Be sneaky, get closer, bust the cap on him when you can put the ball where it counts ;) .***
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Re: Rare H&R Top-break: Model 299 "New Defender"

Post by Ysabel Kid »

Now that is a COOL twist on the "avenging angel" concept. And factory to boot? VERY cool! 8) 8) 8)
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Re: Rare H&R Top-break: Model 299 "New Defender"

Post by gamekeeper »

That is an interesting top break indeed..… 8)
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Re: Rare H&R Top-break: Model 299 "New Defender"

Post by GunnyMack »

I've got a 999, it's a 6" like most, just 'found'it again in my TO DO pile. It needs parts that I just haven't found/ordered yet. It was a basket case when it came to me.needs a hand(pawl) and a set of grips.
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Re: Rare H&R Top-break: Model 299 "New Defender"

Post by Bill in Oregon »

That's a very cool little revolver. I had a 999 years ago. I am a sucker for top-breaks.
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