I shoot 38-55 in Black Powder, ONLY. I just purchased a second "Target Classic" off auction at gunbroker.com. The rifle was purchased for several reasons amoung them that it was fitted with a tang sight (Pedersoli) and had only been fired to sight in. In short it was almost new and the price was 1/2 of what the sight would have been before mounting.
This rifle has a serial number that begins with WH71 and then four digits. It also has the now optional steel fore end piece and steel trigger guard.
The other "Target Classic" has a serial number that begins with HS and then six digits and the common plastic fore end piece and trigger guard.
Both are 38-55 but the WH71 numbered rifle along with the optional steel pieces, lhas much better quality wood with very pretty grain and dark walnut color..
Question: When H&R began sale of the "Target Classic" did they have a limited run? I ask this as there is a decernable quality difference between the two rifles and I wondered if the WH71 stood for Wesson and Harrington and the 71 for 1871? Any information is appreciated. Thanks.