Daddy's .32

[Saint Dennis]

My father left me a Harington & Richards .32 top break. The latest patten is 1896 on the top of the barrel. I can't see anywhere on there which .32 it shoots. A .32 colt long fits in the cylinder, but seems sloppy. Anyone know what cartridge these magnificent mechanical marvels digest?

 

[seeker_two]

I'm betting that it's chambered for the .32S&W cartridge....unlikely that it would be rated for .32S&W Long....and don't even THINK about using .32H&R Mag in it.....unless you like handling live grenades.....

 

[32 Magnum]

Saint Dennis,
If you provide the stamping in the top of the barrel rib, exactly as it is stamped and the serial number, I will be able to provide quite a bit of information about your revolver including production year, within a couple years or less. The "full" serial number will be found under the top strap - you will need to remove the cylinder to see it.
If there is NO cartridge designation stamped into the left side of the barrel it was made before H&R switched to smokeless/Nitro powder capable guns in 1905. It would be chambered for the .32 S&W and .32 H&R Long BOTH black powder. The Colt cartridges should not be fired in this gun - they are heel crimped and too small for the chamber and bore.

 

[Saint Dennis]

Thanks 32mag, that would be awsome. I had to drag out the cheaters but here you go:
HARRINGTON & RICHARDS ARMS COMPANY WORCHESTER MASS USA
PAT. OCT, 4, '82. MAY 14 & AUG 6, '89. APRIL 2 '95. APRIL 7 1896. SER NUMBER E9440X (X BEING A NUMBER BLANKED OUT BY ME)

 

[pmeisel]

God bless you Jim, I have seen your good work on other forums.

RIP Bill Goforth. And my best wishes to those of you who keep these guns alive. I own a couple and want more.

 

[32 Magnum]

Saint Dennis,
You have an AUTO-EJECTING 2nd Model 5th Variation (1897-04). With the 'E' letter prefix, your piece was made in 1900 thru 1901. Probably late 1900. As stated before, it is a BLACK POWDER capable firearm, not made to shoot smokeless/Nitro powder loads. This variation was the last of the 2nd Models (all black powder) and led to the 3rd Model smokeless capable guns (1905-42).
Here's a pic of a couple of these (note variation is listed incorrectly on the pics - labeled during early research - changed later when more examples were available) so others can see what we're talking about:

 

[32 Magnum]

pmeisel,
Thanks for the kind words. I'm doing what I can to spread the word about H&R - all that research needs to be disseminated or it's worthless.

 

[Saint Dennis]

That's the one. I have the chromed version but not nearly as nice of shape as yours. I wont shoot it. Thank you very much for the info. I wish dad was alive so he could know what he had. I do not know the history of the gun. It alway sat in his drawer. He wouldn't repair it. He said he suffered from depression and didn't want a working handgun around.

 

[Usertag]

You are so LUCKY. H&R .32ACP are hard to come across. I have wanted one for While's now.

 

[32 Magnum]

St. Dennis - NICKEL plated. Chrome plating wasn't used until 1950s, and then only for a few years. You're very welcome - glad to help out - AND thanks for thanking.

Usertag - we're talking REVOLVER - the "SELF LOADING" .32 ACP semi-auto pistols are in a different H&R category. Any question(s) about those?