H&R 44cal/.410. Feb 27,1900

[btomlin]

I just purchased an old H&R 410-44cal(according to barrel) that does not have a model number.  Just " HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS CO. WORCHESTER, MASS U.S.A PAT FEB 27, 1900" stamped on side.  Serial # is "A 58xxx".

It is in good cond., but not great.  Prob. won't shoot, just added to collection.

Anybody have any info or place where you could age by serial number?

Is it safe to shoot with today's loads and is it worth the $30 I had to part with to buy/"steal" it??

Thanks!

[gjdykeman]

I just purchased an old H&R 410-44cal(according to barrel) that does not have a model number.  Just " HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS CO. WORCHESTER, MASS U.S.A PAT FEB 27, 1900" stamped on side.  Serial # is "A 58xxx".

It is in good cond., but not great.  Prob. won't shoot, just added to collection.

Anybody have any info or place where you could age by serial number?

Is it safe to shoot with today's loads and is it worth the $30 I had to part with to buy/"steal" it??

Thanks!

I did see some of these for sale on several auctions. I believe they take a special shell. The 44 designation was for a limited edition shell just designed for this gun. It was like a slug. Hand loadable but not readily available. There is info on the web. I have fired 44/40s in my Tamer 410, they shoot but not accurate.

[quickdtoo]

Here's a similar thread answered by B Goforth.

Tim

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=72223

H&R marked their small frame model 1915 410-44 between 1916 and 1921. the 44 stand for 44 caliber shot cartridge.

MODEL 1915-------------------------------------------------1916-1942
Single Barrel, Small Size Frame, Top Lever Break Action, Barrel Lock is Non-Self Adjustable, Three Piece Take Down (Non-Removable Hinge Pin), Available as Ejector & Non-ejector, 24, 28, 12mm, 14mm Gauges and 410-44, 45 Shot chambering, barrel Length 26,28, & 30 inches, Walnut Pistol Griped Butt-Stock Fore-Arm, Hard Rubber Butt Plate, Frame is Case Hardened and Barrel is Browned, Weight 4 to 4¾ Pounds.
The 410 Bore can be dated by its markings,
410-44=1916-1921,
410-12MM=1922-1936
410= 1937-1941 (this is the only 410 Pre WWII chambered for the 3 inch shell
First Variation identifying features- Slim and Short Fore-Arm----1916-1921
Second Variation identifying features-Long Forearm, Squared off Pistol Grip, 45 caliber dropped-----1922-1930
Third Variation identifying features- Now Known as the Model No.5 Standard (which may be marked on the frame)-----1931-1936
Fourth Variation identifying features- 410 is chambered for 3 inch shells ---1937-1942
This Model was made available to the Mail-Order Trade as a Brand Name Shotgun
VALUE: 100%=$365 60%=$155

bill
__________________
Author:
Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works 1871-1993
H&R Arms Company 1871-1986 (due spring 2010)
available from www.gunshowbooks.com

website;
iverjohnsoncollector.x10hosting.com

[Froghunter]

Tim,

Are we talking that the frame is smaller and barrel profile is slimmer with these models. It's a smaller and slimmer gun?

Froghunter

[quickdtoo]

I dunno, it sounds just like my 12ga which has the same "A" serial number prefix which I thought meant 1940 production, but maybe not, frame is comparable to an early Topper, but built different, has the side lever barrel release, metal trigger guard and spacer.

Tim

[btomlin]

Here are some pics of my "new" .410.