H&R Defender 38 3rd Variation Model 25 38 S&W 4″ DA Revolver 1943-1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,502.00
LSB#: LSB2501107RG004
Make: Harrington & Richardson
Model: Defender 38 3rd Variation Model 25 (“H&R ARMS CO. 1871-1986 – A Historical Reference for the Modern Collector” – by W.E. “Bill” Goforth)
Serial Number: 6739
Year of Manufacture: 1943-1945 C&R
Caliber: .38 S&W
Action Type: Double action, 5 shot, top break.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “DEFENDER 38”. The top of the barrel is marked “H&R ARMS COMPANY / WORCESTER,MASS.U.S.A.”. The right side of the barrel is marked “38S.&W.CTGE”. The front strap is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with a brass head set in the top of the solid barrel rib and screwed at the front. The rear sight is a square notch, set in the barrel latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece checkered plastic grip, with smooth borders. The grip shows light wear, with some light scattered scratches and dings throughout. The checkering is well defined, and the grip fits tightly to the frame with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minor handling and storage wear throughout the metal surfaces. There is a crisp turn line on the cylinder. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads range from tooled to sharp, but all retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. The timing and lock up are solid, with minimal side-to-side play. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Produced during the World War II era, the H&R Defender 38 represents Harrington & Richardson’s effort to provide a sturdy, utilitarian revolver at a time when both civilian and defense-adjacent markets demanded practical handguns. The Third Variation Model 25 reflects the streamlined wartime configuration: a solid top-break frame, simple adjustable sights, and the compact five-shot .38 S&W chambering that H&R had long mastered. Its mechanical design traces back to late 19th-century break-open revolvers that emphasized ease of loading and extraction, making it a reliable and approachable sidearm for non-military users in an era defined by resource constraints and rapid production cycles.
The .38 S&W cartridge, introduced in the 1870s, persisted well into the mid-20th century as a mild-recoiling, straightforward revolver round suitable for defensive, police, and civilian carry applications. While lower in pressure and velocity than the later .38 Special, its accuracy and manageable recoil made it a popular choice in compact break-top revolvers like this Defender. The bore condition of this example suggests limited use, retaining sharp rifling and bright lands and grooves despite its wartime production timeframe.
This particular revolver presents remarkably well for its age, with strong original finish, a crisp action, and intact wartime markings that speak to its period origins. As a collectible, it offers an appealing glimpse into the simplified sidearms produced during the closing years of World War II, while its solid mechanics and clean bore highlight the durability of H&R’s long-standing break-top design. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
