Author Topic: H&R grips and alternatives (Read 4225 times)

Bluelick · « **on:** October 10, 2011, 05:56:40 AM »

Greetings,
Greetings,

I'm new to this board and glad to find such a good resource!

I recently bought an H&R model 649 made in 1977. The grips have been reworked rather badly, exposing the bottom front corner of the frame. I'd like to replace them. I see that the one-piece grips are rather scarce and noticed two-piece grips that are supposed to fit on this site.

http://www.bamatraders.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13_87_101&products_id=252&viveid=r7mscqgg4b8mv0n9reccsqkti2

Anybody know anything about the two-piece grips or a source for one-piece grips at a reasonable cost, or other grip substitutions that would work? Not going for original/collector status, it's a shooter.

Sorry if this has been covered already, I did a search but didn't seem to turn it up.

Thanks!

Old Fart · « **Reply #1 on:** October 10, 2011, 06:39:13 AM »

First welcome to the premier H&R site on the internet.
This is the home of the experts. I'm not one of them...

Seems I just saw something on this, but for the life of me I can't find it.

Might check with Numrich and Brownells.
Either way I suspect someone will come along with a good option very soon.

jim ritchie · « **Reply #2 on:** October 10, 2011, 09:12:20 AM »

Go to

schuldershots.com

H&R parts, go to the model 686 section, they have one piece grip listed, used, but looks good 34.95
Not cheap but the one piece grips for these revolvers are very tough to find.
I have a bunch of these revolvers ( 9).
I have never tried the 2 piece grips to see if they will interchange.
I think gun broker pistol parts has a couple sets listed right now also.
If you are interested, I believe I still have a new unfinished one piece grip stashed downstairs somewhere.
jim

Here's a gun broker listing

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=255192926

Here's another

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=255131068

Bluelick · « **Reply #3 on:** October 11, 2011, 03:44:22 AM »

Hi Jim,
Thanks for the leads. What would you want to have for the unfinished grips? I'm an old woodworker, so finishing is no problem.

I should probably also say I'm trying not to get too much "invested" this 649. Eventually I'd like to find a 686 or 676 at a good price (shooter grade, I'm not a collector). I like the look of the case coloring and I think I'd like the trigger guard spur. At that point I'd look to sell the 649 and so I want to not have so much tied up in it that I can't recoup that.

I've also considered just seeing if I could swap out a trigger guard with the spur onto the 649. Any thoughts on that?

Again, thanks!

jim ritchie · « **Reply #4 on:** October 11, 2011, 10:48:31 AM »

Bluelick,
I'll have to get downstairs, and see if I even still have it. I may have sold it sometime ago, and don't remember.
I know I have not seen the grip lately, but haven't been looking either.
Schuldershots also had a grip that I didn't post because it was in serious need of refinishing.
it was listed somewhat cheaper though.
I can't remember which model # that set was listed under.
you'll just have to scan through the ad until you see them.
I like the trigger guard on the 676, and 686 models also.
Never did any kind of comparison to see if they may interchange with the 649's.
Here's some pics of my convertibles

Model 649 5.5" 1980

Model 649 7.5" 1980

Model 650 1980

Model 686 4.5" 1980

Model 686 5.5" 1980

jim ritchie · « **Reply #5 on:** October 11, 2011, 10:53:34 AM »

Here's the rest!

Model 686 7.5" 1980

Model 686 10" 1982

Model 686 12" 1980

Model 676 12" 1980

If you decide to switch, I would suggest the 686 over the 676.
It has fully adjustable rear sights, while the 676 is windage adjustable only.
However some people don't like the more modern looking 686 sights. The 676 has more of the classic western look to the sights.
Jim

Bluelick · « **Reply #6 on:** October 11, 2011, 03:43:11 PM »

Nice collection, Jim! My dear wife would not understand this at all. With me it's old left-handed Mitchell spinning reels, but that's another story.

I have had my eye out for an H&R 22 convertable for about 30 years. I saw one at the hardware store back then, used, for 40 bucks. It was a fair chunk of money for me at the time, but I was on the way home from work with money in my pocket and would have bought it but one of my buddies talked me out of it. I've regretted not getting it ever since! I think it was probably a 649, but I do like the look of the 676 and 686. Good point about the sights.

Thanks for the information!

jim ritchie · « **Reply #7 on:** October 11, 2011, 04:35:31 PM »

Thanks!
This is just the convertibles,
I've got a total of about 35 H&R's.
Not huge , but growing slowly.
It's a disease, there is no cure!!!

Bluelick · « **Reply #8 on:** October 31, 2011, 04:21:05 AM »

I got the grips on GunBroker, thanks for the tip. They will need refinishing eventually but for now they are a big improvement over what was on the gun when I got it.

jamesjo · « **Reply #9 on:** November 01, 2011, 05:14:10 AM »

bluelick,
Sorry I never got a chance to check on the grips for you, I ended up in the hospital, and am still not home.
Just got my laptop delivered and p and runing again.
Glad to hear you got a set, good luck on the refinish!
jim ritchie

tacklebury · « **Reply #10 on:** November 01, 2011, 10:34:37 AM »

Quote from: jamesjo on November 01, 2011, 05:14:10 AM

bluelick,
Sorry I never got a chance to check on the grips for you, I ended up in the hospital, and am still not home.
Just got my laptop delivered and p and runing again.
Glad to hear you got a set, good luck on the refinish!
jim ritchie

Sorry to hear you are having issue. God bless and hope you are home soon.

Bluelick · « **Reply #11 on:** November 01, 2011, 10:35:59 AM »

Hey Jim,
Real sorry to hear you're laid up, I'll send good thoughts your way and hope you're back on your feet real soon!
Peter (Bluelick)

jamesjo · « **Reply #12 on:** November 01, 2011, 11:38:44 AM »

Thanks guys!
I appreciate it.
Jim

Old Fart · « **Reply #13 on:** November 02, 2011, 02:19:49 AM »

Get to feeling better Jim.
We need you guys healthy around here to keep us straight.

Paul

32 Magnum · « **Reply #14 on:** November 02, 2011, 06:12:57 AM »

Jim,
Do well my friend.
Jim

jamesjo · « **Reply #15 on:** November 03, 2011, 05:19:25 AM »

Jim,
Giving it all I've got, should be back home by the weekend.
Not doing any IV's or anything else I can't do at home.
Just need to start building strength ( again)
Getting back up, and on the laptop, is the best therapy so far.
Much better than being on the ventilator, and staring at the ceiling all day!!
Jim

jamesjo · « **Reply #16 on:** November 03, 2011, 05:26:26 AM »

Bluelick,
Did you ever do any more investigation of putting a 686 or 676 triger guard on the 649?
I never compared frames side by side, but, by the pictures, it looks like the would interchange, all the pins seem to be in same location.
I think I even have a 676 guard in a bag of parts. Will have to check it out.
Jim

Bluelick · « **Reply #17 on:** November 03, 2011, 01:36:29 PM »

Hi Jim,
I'm real glad to hear you're up for thinking about trigger guards, I'm going to call that a bona fide Good Sign! Plus, people who like to help other people always have good things headed their way.

As far as the trigger guard, I haven't gotten beyond replacing the grips, other than finding some schematics and some tear down instructions online for a 922 (figured it would be very similar). I have to say the pins have me a little intimidated, and I don't have the kind if concave or recessed-end punch that I read about needing. Also, it seems like the pins that hold the trigger guard also hold the seer, the lifter, the cylinder stop and who knows what else, so it looks a little complicated. Have you ever had one of these apart?

I can imaging someone in the future trying to figure out why a 649 had the 676 trigger guard on it, I'd love to be a fly on the wall for that.

I see someone is selling a NIB 686 on GunBroker for $280. Nice, but it would be wasted on me, I'd want a shooter. Of course, maybe someone else out there has an eye on that new one for their collection and will want to sell a shooter 686 at a really good price!

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=258792296

Be well and keep us posted on your progress.

Peter

jamesjo · « **Reply #18 on:** November 03, 2011, 04:03:03 PM »

Never had one apart, doubt I ever will!
Would be big trouble for me.
I have bought a NIB piece from the guy with the 686 for sale.
I was told about him by someone on another forum.
Bought a 976 Deluxe from him.
He is a good guy, I would already own that 686 to, if it would have been the right year.
That's certainly not out of line moneywise.
I'm surprised someone hasn't grabbed it yet.
I was going to post a pic of the 976, but this laptop won't let me in my photobucket account.

Bluelick · « **Reply #19 on:** November 03, 2011, 04:41:50 PM »

Looks like somebody bid on that 686 not long after my post above, hope it's going to a good home!

jim ritchie · « **Reply #20 on:** November 04, 2011, 09:08:45 AM »

It's about time!
That one was too nice to just be sitting there, wrong year or not, I should have bought it from him before he ever listed it on GB.
He offered it to me cheaper than that, and free shipping. I should have jumped on it, and stuck it away.
Oh well, I can't have them all.
Here is a pic of the 976 Deluxe I purchased from him.
It is Unfired, in original box also.

Bluelick · « **Reply #21 on:** November 04, 2011, 12:40:22 PM »

There are two old guys who set up at the local flea market on Fridays. Generally they have pretty beat up firearms well overpriced. I've never bought from them for both those reasons, so I don't actually know how much the prices come down if you know what you're looking at. I usually just look and chew the fat.

I poked my head in there this afternoon and lo and behold there was a 686. Seemed all there, not at all "pristine" to say the least, and with only the mag cylinder. Priced at $225. They immediately said they'd take $210. Not even close to the price IMHO.

I told them I'd just bought a 649 with both cylinders for $150 and mentioned the NIB 686 on GB for $280. They hemmed and hawed some, mostly I think they were just getting the picture that I wasn't buying it, and my impression was they'd just wait until someone came along who didn't know what they were looking at.

However, it was my first time to handle a 686 (had my hands on a 676 a few weeks ago at a gun show) and I noticed that it had two-piece grips and a curved backstrap. Is that unusual? Also, it seemed a little heavier than the 649, but of course I didn't have them sided by side. I thought you might be able to enlighten me.

Also, if I were to get them down to a reasonable price (and I'd be interested to know what you think that might be) would my 22lr cylinder from the 649 fit and work without smithing, or would it need to be tuned to the gun (and therefore no longer work in the 649)?

Thanks in advance for your help, I hope your having a good day and this thread is provided some good diversion!

Peter

jim ritchie · « **Reply #22 on:** November 04, 2011, 03:03:09 PM »

bluelick,
Yeah, that's a little pricey for a used 686 missing a cylinder.
Especially when it's missing the lr cylinder.
They are EXTREMELY hard to find.
In the past 3 years or so, I have probably bought and sold over 20 cylinders for the convertible H&R's.
They are all getting very hard to find, and expensive too.
But if you watch the auctions, you will find 10 Mag cylinders for sale to every 1 long rifle cylinder.
Mostly I think it is because everybody always leaves the lr cylinder with the gun, and the one that gets separated is the mag cylinder. Years later after the gun is sold, someone finds the mag cylinder, and puts it up for sale.
Just my thoughts.
I had about 12 spare cylinders sitting here a while back, have sold them off until I am down to 2.
They are just bringing too much money anymore to buy them and try to make any money on them. So, I may sell one more, and keep 1 for a spare.
Yes, your lr cylinder will fit the 686.
Should be no problem.
Never say never, but, I have never had to return or replace any cylinder I have sold.
H&R's for me have been very forgiving in what they fit.
I have 9 different models, and just for a test once, I switched cylinders around in lots of models. I had no problems with any of them.
I am confident in telling you, you should be able to switch also.
Jim

OOOps, didn't address the grip question.
The answer is, I don't know.
I will have to dig out some of my convertible pieces, and see which ones have which grips.
Not sure if it was a model # thing, or if it was a year of production thing, as to which grips were used.

Bluelick · « **Reply #23 on:** November 04, 2011, 03:56:33 PM »

Thanks for all that info, Jim! What's your take on the exposed, curved backstrap on the 686 with two piece grips, is that unusual? The backstrap on my 649 is straight, and entirely shrouded in the one-piece grip. From what I can tell from pictures of other 686's, it looks like they have the same one-piece grip shrouding the backstrap. Have you ever seen one with the exposed backstrap?

jim ritchie · « **Reply #24 on:** November 04, 2011, 04:07:08 PM »

bluelick,
As I said, I just don't know.
I will have to dig out some different models, and check.
Maybe I will be up to it tomorrow.
Let you know when I can.
Jim

Bluelick · « **Reply #25 on:** November 04, 2011, 04:11:14 PM »

I'm sorry Jim, I totally missed the last part of your previous message!

I hope your mention of looking at some different models tomorrow means you're back home again. Rest well and many thanks for your help.

Bluelick

jim ritchie · « **Reply #26 on:** November 04, 2011, 06:54:01 PM »

Yeah, I'm home.
Not doing to well yet, but, I am here.
Hopefully just being here in a comfortable bed, and my own ventilator, will improve the situation!
Jim

jim ritchie · « **Reply #27 on:** November 04, 2011, 07:02:17 PM »

There is a 1979 model 676 listed on GB right now.
It has 1 piece grips.
There is also a 1980 model 686 listed now. It has 1 piece grips also.
Almost all of my convertibles are 1980 manufacture.
The 10" 686 is of 1982 manufacture, maybe they went to the 2 piece grip after 1980?
I will look at my 1982 piece,and see what I can find out.

Bluelick · « **Reply #28 on:** November 05, 2011, 01:57:18 AM »

Hey Jim,

I looked at all the 686's and 676's I can find on GB right now and was not able to spot those, can you post a link? Either I'm overlooking a telltale clue in the photos or you're using a more effective search than I am.

EDIT: OK, nevermind. Now that I have had my coffee I reread what you wrote and I see you said those are one-piece grips, which is what I see there also. If you find out anything about two-piece grips, let me know. In my earlier posts on this thread I had noted that there are two piece grips available that are said to fit these revolvers, and my guess is there are two different frames, one with a flat backstrap for the one-piece grips, and the other with the curved backstrap for the two-piece grips. The schematic on Numrich seems to show two different frames, although the backstraps look the same on both. Curious.

If I get back over to the flea market, I'll take a picture and get the serial number.

Thanks!

Bluelick

jim ritchie · « **Reply #29 on:** November 05, 2011, 06:59:09 AM »

bluelick,
I pulled out my convertibles today.
I have 8 , 1980 models.
1 model 650, 2 model 649's, 4 model 686's, 1 model 676.
All have 1 piece grips.
Also have a few other western style 22 lr of 1980 vintage. 1 model 949, 2 model 976's etc. They also are 1 piece grips.
I do have 1 1982 model 686. Only because I wanted every barrel length ever offered. this Is a 10" barrel, and they were not offered until 1982.
It has 2 piece grips.
So with my limited amount of pieces to compare, I would say that in 1981 or 82 H&R went to the 2 piece grip.
As I said. I only have 1 piece made in that time frame, not really enough to get a definite answer, but it is a reasonable answer.
I need to start looking at 1980 and newer pieces to get a better idea when the change occurred.
Maybe Jim Hauff could sound off on this question.
If anyone would have the answer, it would be Jim.
Jim, are you out there?
Jim