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Welcome, if you’re a newcomer to this enjoyable bi-weekly phase of AllOutdoor.com! The final time round I coated the historical past of the H&R 733, an early adopter of recent options that was completely underappreciated in its time. I in fact am speaking in regards to the H&R 733 guardsman. No less than it obtained some display screen time within the 1985 film Clue. In that article, we checked out how this revolver got here to be. This time round we’re wanting on the very slight variations in its variations. Let’s dive down the rabbit gap!
Harrington & Richardson Content material in Curious Relics:
Welcome to our recurring sequence of “Curious Relics.” Right here, we wish to share all of our experiences, data, misadventures, and fervour for older firearms that one may categorize as a Curio & Relic – any firearm that’s a minimum of 50 years previous based on the ATF. Hopefully alongside the way in which you’ll be able to garner a higher appreciation for older firearms like we do, and concurrently you’ll be able to train us issues as properly by sharing your individual experience and ideas within the Feedback. Understanding the firearms of previous, their significance, and their improvement which result in lots of the arms we now cherish at this time is extremely fascinating and we hope you get pleasure from what now we have to share, too!
Variations: The H&R 733 Guardsman
First Mannequin – 1st Variation
The unique H&R 733 Guardsman mannequin debuted in 1958 as a concealed-carry revolver. Like all Guardsman fashions to observe, it featured a swing-out cylinder, stable body, and double-action firing functionality. The primary variation was chambered for .32 S&W Brief and Lengthy cartridges, with a 6-round capability.
Lot 201: Collectors Lot of 5 Harrington & Richardson Revolvers. (n.d.). Rock Island Public sale Firm. {photograph}. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/1022/201/collectors-lot-of-five-harrington-richardson-revolvers.
It had a flat-sided 2.5” barrel and compact dimension, distinctly smaller than commonplace revolvers of the time. These early 733s wore a chrome “Clingfast” end and white “Tenite” plastic grips. his unique mannequin was produced from 1958 till 1961.
- Barrel: 2.5 Inches Flat Sided
- Grips: White 2-piece plastic “Tenite”
- Chambering: 32 S&W (6 rounds)
- Firing Pin: Body Mounted
- Weight: 23.5 oz
First Mannequin – 2nd Variation
The second variation (1962 till 1964) of the primary 733 Guardsman mannequin retained the identical core options however included some refined design adjustments. It maintained the swing-out cylinder, stable body, double motion firing, and compact dimension of the unique. The capability and caliber choices additionally remained 6 rounds of .32 S&W Brief/Lengthy. Nonetheless, the signature flat-sided barrel was changed with a completely spherical barrel contour. Moreover, the sq. butt grip form transitioned to a rounded butt for improved ergonomics. Moreover the round barrel and grip, the remainder of the second variation 733 was primarily similar to the preliminary design
- Barrel: 2.5 Inches spherical
- Grips: White 2-piece plastic “Tenite”
- Chambering: 32 S&W (6 rounds)
- Firing Pin: Body Mounted
- Weight: 23.5 oz
First Mannequin – third Variation
The third variation of the primary 733 mannequin, produced from 1964 to 1966, introduced in new black Cycolac grips. This up to date the earlier white plastic grips utilized in earlier variations. The sturdy Cycolac materials and black colour gave a sleeker, extra skilled look. Other than the grip change, the third variation was similar to prior variations of the primary mannequin. The brand new grips demonstrated ongoing refinement.
- Barrel: 2.5 Inches Spherical
- Grips: Black 2-piece plastic “Cycolac”
- Chambering: 32 S&W (6 rounds)
- Firing Pin: Body Mounted
- Weight: 23.5 oz
First Mannequin – 4th Variation
The 4th variation of the primary 733 mannequin was produced from 1967 to 1973. Essentially the most notable change from the third variation was the introduction of the “Hand Guard” electroless nickel end, changing the earlier chrome end. H&R seemingly selected electroless nickel both for improved sturdiness or value financial savings over chrome plating. Other than the brand new nickel end, the 4th variation retained the identical options as prior variations, together with the black Cycolac grips.
Lot 113: Harrington & Richardson Inc 733 Revolver 32 S&W – Harrington & Richardson Mannequin 733 Double Motion Revolver with Holster. (n.d.-a). Rock Island Public sale Firm. {photograph}. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/2008/113/harrington-richardson-inc-733-revolver-32-sw.
Second Mannequin – 1st Variation
The 2nd mannequin, 1st variation of the 733 was produced from 1973 to 1975. The main change from prior fashions was introducing a switch bar ignition system, changing the earlier frame-mounted firing pin design. The switch bar improved security by stopping firing if the gun was dropped. Other than the brand new ignition system, the 2nd mannequin 1st variation maintained related options to earlier variations, just like the electroless nickel end.
Lot 113: Harrington & Richardson Inc 733 Revolver 32 S&W – Harrington & Richardson Mannequin 733 Double Motion Revolver with Holster. (n.d.-a). Rock Island Public sale Firm. {photograph}. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/2008/113/harrington-richardson-inc-733-revolver-32-sw.
Second Mannequin – 2nd Variation
The 2nd mannequin, 2nd variation of the 733 was produced from 1975 to 1981. This model noticed the return to the sq. grip fashion, after a number of variations with rounded grips. The opposite notable change was the introduction of a 4-inch barrel possibility, in comparison with solely 2.5-inch barrels provided beforehand.
Other than the grip and barrel adjustments, this variation maintained similarities to earlier variations, just like the switch bar ignition. The 4-inch barrel expanded versatility because the weapons with this longer barrel additionally had a windage adjustable rear sight.
- Barrel: 2.5 or 4-Inches Spherical
- Grips: Black 2-piece plastic “Cycolac”
- Chambering: 32 S&W (6 rounds)
- Firing Pin: Switch Bar Model
Second Mannequin – third Variation
The 2nd mannequin, third variation of the 733 was produced from 1982 till 1986, the final model earlier than H&R went out of enterprise. This closing iteration noticed the 4-inch barrel possibility discontinued, going again to solely 2.5-inch barrels. It additionally returned to that includes a rounded butt grip reasonably than the sq. butt of the earlier variation. In any other case, it maintained second-model options just like the switch bar ignition…In brief, it principally is a Second Mannequin 1st Variation.
Finish of Half II: The H&R 733 Guardsman
Whenever you hint the historical past of the 733, you’ll be able to see H&R took sort of a thrifty, sensible strategy with it. They weren’t making like loopy over-the-top adjustments or something. Just a few small affordable tweaks right here and there to maintain prospects shopping for. Swapping the grips, attempting completely different finishes, including a barrel size – you already know, primary stuff to maintain it contemporary and inexpensive. It was much less about dedication and extra about sensible enterprise strikes. Every new model offered just a little extra bang for the buck with out rocking the boat. In the long run, there was no revolution or revelation about it. Simply savvy incremental adjustments that made sense for the underside line. Sort of like sensible engineering reasonably than passion-driven artwork. However that thrifty strategy stored the 733 going for a great long term.
In closing, I hope our Curious Relics phase knowledgeable in addition to entertained. This all was written in hopes of continued firearm appreciation and preservation. We didn’t simply understand how weapons have been presupposed to look and performance. It was an extended and tedious course of that has formed the world we stay in. So, I put it to you! Is there a firearm on the market that you just really feel doesn’t get a lot notoriety? What ought to our subsequent Curious Relics matter cowl? As at all times, tell us all your ideas within the Feedback under! We at all times recognize your suggestions.
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