High Standard 1980 Olympic .22 Short Semi-Automatic Pistol & Case, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,600.00
LSB#: LSB251014RR029
Make: High Standard
Model: 1980 Olympic
Serial Number: USA0942
Year of Manufacture: 1980 / ATF C&R
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “.22 SHORT / -HIGH- / STANDARD”. The right side of the slide has the Olympic rings. The left side of the frame is marked “OLYMPIC”. The right side of the barrel is marked “HIGH STANDARD MFG. CORP. / E. HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A.”. The right side of the frame is marked “USA0942”.
Barrel Length: 6.75” W/ Ports & slots for barrel weights.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade on a ramped base screw set to the barrel. The rear sight is a fully adjustable square notch fixed to a frame mounted base.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered walnut with a left handed thumb shelf. The front and back-straps are heavily textured. There are no notable handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Polished Blue, Gold Accents
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. The action shows minor operational wear. There are faint handling marks throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 total of one 10rd .22 Short magazine, paperwork, display case, test fire casings, and cardboard box.
Our Assessment: The High Standard 1980 Olympic represents one of the final expressions of American-made target pistol craftsmanship during the golden age of bullseye and Olympic-style competition. Built in East Hartford and marked with the Olympic rings, this model was purpose-designed for precision rimfire competition, emphasizing balance, trigger quality, and mechanical consistency over general-purpose utility. The long, ported 6.75 inch barrel with provisions for barrel weights reflects High Standard’s deep understanding of competitive shooting requirements, allowing fine-tuning of recoil impulse and sight recovery during rapid-fire stages. Chambered for .22 Short, the pistol is tailored specifically to Olympic rapid-fire disciplines, where the cartridge’s low recoil and consistent ignition were critical to performance. The fixed barrel and refined blowback system contribute to excellent inherent accuracy, and this example’s bright bore with sharp rifling underscores its limited use and careful maintenance. The adjustable rear sight and ramped front blade provide a clean, precise sight picture, while the anatomical walnut grips with a left-handed thumb shelf demonstrate the pistol’s competition-first design philosophy.
High Standard Olympic pistols remain highly regarded by collectors and competitive shooters for their mechanical excellence and historical significance in American target shooting. This example’s exceptional finish retention, crisp markings, and complete presentation with display case and paperwork enhance its desirability. As a C&R-eligible competition pistol from 1980, it stands as a refined and purpose-built artifact from the closing chapter of High Standard’s Olympic-target legacy. -R.E.
