Texgun,
Since no one else has replied.
Most of the group here is into the rifles, as you probably have noticed. One reason is that H&R1871 and NEF no longer manufacture handguns. Lots of speculation as to why.
This email address is for a gentleman that was active on the old HRTalk Collectors board. They knew a lot about the various models of the H&R 22 revolver. DeanCascio1@aol.com
Seems like he will know of someone who can give you more information. They will probably need the model number.
Neal