The older receivers with the push-to-the-side barrel release

[Pardner]

I have seen an older version of the H&R single shot shotgun where instead of a 'button' you push down to open the breech, there's a lever that you push to the side.

What are these models called, and are the barrels compatible with the more modern version?

Thank you

[quickdtoo]

There are several models with the swing (top) lever release, all built early, they switched to the push button style (side lever) starting in 1959. Some may be compatible, I have an M1908 made in the early '20s, barrel won't lock (without modification) on any of the 50-60 modern frames I've had, the underlug locking shelf is shaped different than the later shelf due to the self adjusting catch on later frames, the old frames have a catch that moves in and out of the locking shelf fore and aft, the catch on later frames swings in an arc.

Tim

[Ranger99]

For steady field use, I'd look for
one of the "newer " models as
a user, and put the older one aside
for occasional nostalgic use, or
just as a display or memento if
there was some sentimental value

[Pardner]

Hi folks!

Thank you for the answers.  I should clarify, I have about 7 (? I should go count and see) of the modern versions with the 'push button' barrel release and only one of the swing/top lever release, so I don't know much about them, and I'm just trying to learn a bit about the older guns.  Someone offered me another old one but it's just a stocked receiver with no barrel so my first thought is maybe I could just drop in one of the extra barrels I already have (I never tried swapping one over to the older model I have)

Thanks for the description of the locking lug engagement, I guess I shouldn't approach it as a potential host for other barrels.

Are barrels for the older models hard to find at this point? Sounds like they'd all be over 60 years old...

[quickdtoo]

Older vintage barrels are available from Numrich and ebay occasionally, prolly on Gunbroker as well.

Tim