Rare H&R, Harrington & Richardson USRA, U.S.R.A. Single Shot Cal. .22 LR Target Pistol – C&R
LSB#: 120404JF03
Make: Harrington and Richardson
Model: U.S.R.A.
Year of Manufacture: 1928-1941
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Shot Break Top
Markings: The number “2645” is found on the left grip frame and on the bottom of the barrel assembly. The left side of the barrel assembly is marked “H & R 22 Single Shot / Long Rifle Cartridge / U.S.R.A. Model”. The top of the barrel is marked “Harrington & Richardson Arms Co. / Worcester, Mass. U.S.A.”.
Barrel Length: 7”
Sights / Optics: This pistol is mounted with a blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are one piece wood. There are some of what looks like scratches on the back of the grips and on both panels at the top, however it looks like an attempt to make serrations in the grip and they are not cracks. Please see the photographs. There is general wear and loss of finish and a few minor dings along the bottom of the panels. The grips rate in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no apparent erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 70% of its metal finish. There is wear and finish loss on the barrel, primarily towards the muzzle. There is some beginning surface erosion on both sides of the barrel flats and also on the round sections near the muzzle. This is evident on the right side of the barrel for the first 2 inches of the barrel. The top of the barrel shows light wear and some marking. The grip frame shows some rust and scratching on the front. There is scattered surface erosion under the grips. The Screw heads are in good serviceable condition with, a few showing only light wear and disfiguration. Please see our photos. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer cocks and the trigger fires. The trigger pull is very light. The top break functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Total production of this pistol was only 3300. In 1932, an H&R pistol was used to set a new U.S. pistol record, and would go on to become the most famous firearm of its kind—the U.S.R.A. single-shot target pistol. This pistol was so accurate that it was adopted by the U.S. Army Pistol Team.
From www.ogca.com: “The rifling equipment used in making the barrels for this match pistol cut the grooves while simultaneously scraping the top of the lands to remove marks. Barrels for this pistol were so smoothly rifled that lapping was unnecessary. The American Rifleman in the March, 1930 issue announced and described an improved model now called the “U.S.R.A. Model” and so marked on the left side. From this point on, it is inconceivable that H and R made any profit directly on the sale of this pistol. With the limited production on a no costs spared constant design change basis, any direct profit from the sale of the pistol was probably not achieved. What H and R wanted was a reputation for the best single shot pistol – which they achieved.
This particular pistol is in good shootable condition and should be as fun to shoot as it is accurate. These USRA pistols have become valuable for collectors as well as shooters.
Sold For: $2,080
