U.S. Marked High Standard Hi-Standard Supermatic S-101 .22 LR, 1957 C&R
SODL FOR: $1703
LSB#: 220307KW048
Make: High Standard
Model: Supermatic, Model S-101
Serial Number: 732147
Year of Manufacture: 1957 (“High Standard”, Tom Dance, p165)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Fed by Removable Magazine (no magazine included)
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SUPERMATIC”. The left side of the slide is marked “HI – STANDARD”. The left of the frame is marked “U.S.”. The right side of the barrel is marked “HIGH STANDARD MFG. CORP. / HAMDEN, CONN. U.S.A. / .22 L.R.”. The top of the frame is marked with the serial number. The right side of the slide is marked with the serial number and “S-101”.
Barrel Length: 6 3/4″, Ported with 2 oz. and 3 oz. weight.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a serrated, ramped base screwed to the barrel between the ports. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with brass Hi-Standard medallions. The left panel has a couple of losses at the front edge near the top and some scattered patches of compressed checkers. The right panel has only a few scattered compressed checkers. The checkering is generally well defined, sharp in most areas. There are no cracks. Based on the fit of the medallions, we believe that the grips are not original to the gun. Overall, the grips are in Good-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip areas. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. There are a few spots of minor surface oxidation. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel has no play to the frame. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 10-round magazine and the installed barrel weights.
Our Assessment: High Standard had a long history of manufacturing target pistols going back to before WWII, so they had lots of time to perfect the design. Their line of pistols changed significantly throughout their history and they even moved their factory from Hamden to Hartford in 1977. The Supermatic series was the most popular and enduring of their designs and even caught the attention of the United States Military.
Purchased for smallbore match shooting, the S-101 model pistols were available with 6 3/4″ ported barrels and 4 1/2″ barrels. The included barrel weights allowed the balance of the pistol to be adjusted to the shooter’s preference and the overall quality of the High Standard design made for a fantastic competition target pistol. This example was made in 1957 and bears the U.S. marking on the left of the frame which was applied to the military purchased guns. The pistol shows wear from use but retains a great bore and strong mechanics. The Supermatic models are a desirable piece among collectors, but should also prove to still be one of the finest rimfire target pistols around. In addition to the US marking, this pistol comes from the collection of author Kevin Williams, best known for his exceptional work on the topic of General Officers Pistols & Clandestine Organization Pistols of WWII. Whether you’re a fan of quality rimfire pistols, a High Standard or military handgun collector, this will make a great addition to even advanced collections. Please see our photos and good luck!