And they walked into different gun shops...
But they eventually walked into my H&R collection...
I can't seem to shake this "bug" of collecting H&R top-break revolvers!
Here are 3 of my double-action Sportsman models (as I also have a Model 199 Single Action with a 2# trigger that is really sweet).
Before recently, I'd concentrated on collecting the longer 5" or 6" top-break H&R's (and I also have two 10" ones), all with over-sized or saw-handle target grips. But of course, I had to add the LNIB (like new-in-box) 6" Model 999 Sportsman (on the right) that I found with the box for only $199 at the local Cabela's. (That's a $550 package any day of the week on GunBroker... Sometimes their sellers just don't know what jewels they have... Lucky me!)
Moving to the left, I just added this new-in-box 4" Model 999 Sportsman that was liberated from Kalifornistan and it doesn't even have a turn line on it. In fact, it's very stiff to open and seems as if it's never been handled much or fired outside of the factory. I have to admit, I'm very tempted to shoot it -- as I do with all my other guns -- but so far, this one is still a virgin in my hands.
And on the left is the one marketed as the "Model 299 New Defender" from the late 30's -- but that is really just a 2" Model 999 Sportsman with adjustable sights, a Rice frame (birdshead shape) and a smaller, more concealable grip. The serial numbers for these run in the same series as the early Sportsman models, and it shares the same frame and action as the older Sportsman. This is a very rare H&R to find, and I was lucky to get this one for only $175. (Yet another seller didn't do 5 minutes of research to find out what he really had...) That one shoots great too, much better than you'd think it would with the short barrel.
I've got a bunch of others around here too, but I've avoided putting them all together for a "family shoot" as I'm afraid I might find I have too many -- or possibly realize I want MORE!!!
I know there are better revolvers out there for serious target work, and soon after I bought my very first handgun many decades ago -- a 6" H&R Sportsman, what else -- that was traded off for a S&W K17. But as I've gotten older, I've rekindled my love for the top-breaks from H&R and have had fun searching the web and guns shows for the less common models. I just wish I'd started decades ago when they were selling for less! But I'll bet the serious Winchester or Colt collectors can say the same thing...
Tight groups.
Old No7
