Awhile ago, I picked up a "Like new in box" Model 999 2nd Model (1953-1972) that the local Cabela's had seriously underpriced (<40% of the going rate on GunBroker), as it had the original box with it. But I've always been looking out for an earlier model that was in great shape.
Thanks to a visit to the Hamburg PA Cabela's while traveling on business, I got one. The $25 charge to ship it to Maine was 1/2 what it would have cost to pay shipping plus a transfer fee to my local FFL, plus it was offset by their (-10% Off) sale on all used handguns.
This one appears to have been shot or handled very little, and it's a 1st Model with the Rice frame (1-piece wooden grips, fit over a birdshead frame), and of the 6th variation (with the markings moved to the right side of the barrel flat). It has a rimmed cylinder with adjustable f/r sights and the firing pin is on the hammer (unlike my newer 2nd Model which is on the frame). I can't get enough of these nice old top-breaks with 5" or 6" barrels... Maybe that's because an H&R 999 was the first handgun I ever bought on my own back in the day, or maybe because I like the action, or maybe it's just because it is much easier on the wallet than collecting old Winchesters or Marlins?!?!
Either way, these old top-breaks easily find their way into my gun safe when I find a variation I don't have, that's in great shape. Can't wait to see how she shoots!
Tight groups!
Old No7
, I had a 999 in my sights before my government decided I couldn't be trusted with one..... 
