Harrington and Richardson Model USRA 195 “EXPERIMENTAL ARMORY GUN” 22 Cal
SOLD FOR: $1,104
WOA#:WY240318RU018
Make: Harrington and Richardson Inc.
Model: 195 EXPERIMENTAL ARMOY PISTOL
Serial Number: EXPER2
Year of Manufacture:1928
Caliber: 22
Action Type: Single-Shot, Break action
Markings: This being an experimental pistol developed in the Armory There are NO discerning Marks accept for the serial number “EXPER2”
Barrel Length: 10 inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a partridge pinned and recessed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is not attached to the weapon, giving us one more neat thing to prove our armory connection.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece walnut and they show zero wear!. The grips rate in about excellent overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: No Magazine single shot
Type of Finish: Polished Blue with matte blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is strong. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. Gun has some Rust removed from the muzzle end of the barrel on the left. The screw heads are Sharp with good slots. The markings are clear where we can find them. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions as it should. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Box
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.
This Harrington & Richardson USRA Model 195, 22 CAL Single Shot Pistol, with Serial Number “EXPER2” was Manufactured in 1928 by H & R of Worcester, Mass…it is considered a Curio and Relic Gun, but not an Antique Gun because of its Manufacture Date and Caliber…
It is a Harrington & Richardson USRA Model 195, 22 CAL Single Shot Pistol, Chambered in 22 Caliber Long Rifle, with a Top Release Pull Up Lever to open the Breach & Tip The Muzzle Downward, an Ejector, a shinny Rifled Bore, a nicely Blued Receiver & Components, a 10 inch Round Barrel, a Fixed Front & no Adjustable Rear Sight, a Fancy Swept Back Trigger Guard and were we should see the normal markings of “H&R 22 SINGLE SHOT, LONG RIFLE CARTRIDGE, USRA MODEL” inscription on the Receiver Face…We see nothing. For this is a supreme example as an experimental weapon. it has two Piece, Checkered Walnut Wood Grips that are Affixed to the Back Strap by a Single Screw…This Harrington & Richardson USRA Model 195, 22 CAL Single Shot Pistol is an excellent example of early 1900 American Ingenuity and Manufacturing that gets many compliments when it is displayed in public for sale. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary buy.
The Harrington & Richardson (H&R) USRA 195, also known as the USRA Single Shot Match Target Pistol, is a fascinating piece of firearm history. Here are some key details about this unique handgun;Introduction and Production:The USRA 195 was introduced in 1928 and was approved for use in handgun matches by both the United States Revolver Association (USRA) and the National Rifle Association (NRA).Approximately 3,500 of these pistols were made before production ceased in 1941.Variations and Features:The USRA 195 had four major variations, but due to its customizability, there were many options available within each variation.Features could include different triggers, grips, and sights, making each pistol somewhat unique.
It’s essential to note that finding an “original” factory-issued USRA 195 in pristine condition is quite rare.This Specific Pistol, the USRA 195 “Experimental armory” appears to be a mix of various features:Old-style Keyhole barrel with a fixed front sight. Round ejector from the mid-production range.No rear adjustable sight. Early Curved trigger.Two piece grips.These pistols were often customized based on customer preferences, so the combinations of features could vary significantly.Some USRA 195s were even sent back to the factory for upgrades or modifications. Additional Important Details about his pistol that i can’t say enough, This was and is an experimental Armory Gun and there were NO OTHERS LIKE IT! In summary, this H&R USRA 195 is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship, reflecting the individual choices made by its original owner, the 1928 Armorer Of H&R. This weapon is for the collector who can appreciate the finer changes in between the prototypes and enjoys seeing and comparing the differences. Please Look at these photos and Enjoy the Auction-K.F.
