My Newest H&R Top-Break

[Old No7]

I've been looking for one of these for quite awhile...

In a slight departure from my growing collection of H&R Top Break Revolvers with long 5" or 6" barrels and oversized/target grips, I just acquired this one...

But notice there's NO cylinder....................

H&R USRA 22 S-S (1) (Small).JPG

It's an H&R Model 195 "USRA" Single-Shot Pistol that is indeed, a "top break" after all.

H&R USRA 22 S-S (2) (Small).JPG

You can see the massive extractor/ejector below the bore, and boy does it work -- empties are thrown at least 15' across the cellar!

H&R USRA 22 S-S (3) (Small).JPG

This is a mid-production model that had a relief cut for the hammer in the event of dry-firing, so the hammer or chamber would not be damaged. I surely don't plan to dry fire it, but on a once-fired case, I did measure that trigger pull at a crisp 1 pound even! Sweet! And unlike all my other H&R top-breaks where the trigger trips a sear, that then trips the hammer, these were factory designed with the trigger acting as the sear -- and they were setup with a "light target trigger" being standard. If I recall, one of the NRA experts set a record at Bisley with one of these target pistols, giving the S&W's and other target pistols a challenge to beat.

Without any cylinder on it, you can see just how skinny she really is...

H&R USRA 22 S-S (4) (Small).JPG

I haven't tried shooting her for groups off sandbags at 25 yards yet, only plinking in the cellar with 22 Long CB's to check the functioning, but I plan to do so soon! The bore is pristine, so I think she'll do pretty well!

Some day, when there's time, I'll post a pix of all my H&R Top Breaks. I'm sure Ysabel Kid will want to see that, as I believe he collects a few too.

Oh well, I have to go take a break -- with a Top Break that is!

Tight groups.

Old No7

[Blaine]

I had no idea....Thanks for posting.....

[jeepnik]

I've kept an eye out for one of those for years. There must be thousands sitting around in attics and garages that folks have forgotten about.

[gamekeeper]

Cool

Would the absence of a cylinder/barrel gap give a real significant increase in velocity or something hardly noticeable?

[Grizz]

learned something else new today. that's just "neat". I bet it's super fun to shoot.

[Marvin S]

Good find, you don't see em often. Look forward to a range report.

[Rube Burrows]

Pretty neat.

[Chuck 100 yd]

Outside of pictures in books , I have never seen one. You did good !

[jeepnik]

Cool

Would the absence of a cylinder/barrel gap give a real significant increase in velocity or something hardly noticeable?

There is an increase in velocity. But it's not earth shattering. The biggest thing is that they are more accurate than H&R's revolvers. I've shot one and the trigger was pretty darned good, as well.

[Ben_Rumson]

Always thought those were cool.

[Ysabel Kid]

One pound? Better not sneeze too hard around it!

[stretch]

That's cool!

-Stretch

[Borregos]

Now that I like
I think I need one too

[Nath]

I like it and am extremely jealous, in a friendly way.

Can it be carried safe, loaded?

N.

[Old No7]

I like it and am extremely jealous, in a friendly way.

I've read they were used at Bisley in the late 30's, so of the ~3.4k to <4k made, maybe a few still survive on your side of the pond?

Can it be carried safe, loaded?

Sure can -- as it won't fire until the hammer is cocked. The hammer throw is light and fast, and the 1 pound trigger sure is neat! Not for beginners though...

The other day, I was hitting pieces of broken clay birds that I had set out at 25 yards, while the guy next to me "scared the clays" with his double-stack 40 S&W. Once in awhile he'd actually break on, and then I'd act as clean up...

We both agreed that I won the accuracy contest -- but he won for firepower!

Old No7

[Nath]

Oh great, so I could carry one and take rabbit and pheasant tucked up in hedges with ease, except I can not, stupid politicians

Well your gonna have to do it for me, don't forget the camera!

N

[J35]

Major Julian S Hatcher won the Bisley match in 1931. With a 8 in. model.

In his book-- Text Book of Pistols and Revolver's he devotes about 10 pages to the USRA

and tells the story of his Bisley match win.

-----------J

[Old No7]

Major Julian S Hatcher won the Bisley match in 1931. With a 8 in. model.

In his book-- Text Book of Pistols and Revolver's he devotes about 10 pages to the USRA

and tells the story of his Bisley match win.

-----------J

That's the one!

I'll have to find that reference -- thanks!

Old No7