Welcome, if you’re a newcomer to this enjoyable bi-weekly section of AllOutdoor.com! Final time round we dove into the historical past of the longest revolver I personal, the H&R Mannequin 676. Suppose you comply with the sequence you realize the drill by now. That is the half the place we usually deconstruct the variations of our chosen gun. Right here’s the rub although: when H&R made a gun they made that gun they usually caught to it. Hardly ever was there a variation that was not only a new mannequin. Regardless, let’s dive in and see what we’re working with.
Current 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for older firearms that one would possibly categorize as a Curio & Relic – any firearm that’s no less than 50 years outdated based on the ATF. Hopefully alongside the best way you possibly can garner a higher appreciation for older firearms like we do, and concurrently you possibly can train us issues as properly by way of sharing your individual experience and ideas within the Feedback. Understanding the firearms of outdated, their significance, and their growth which result in most of the arms we now cherish right this moment is extremely fascinating and we hope you get pleasure from what we have now to share, too!
Variations: H&R Mannequin 676
The Harrington & Richardson Mannequin 676 Convertible Revolver, whereas solely produced from 1975 to 1980, represents an attention-grabbing chapter in American firearms historical past. This versatile rimfire revolver is constructed upon H&R’s legacy of reasonably priced, dependable firearms, providing shooters a spread of choices in a single package deal. Let’s discover the variations of this mannequin and its place in H&R’s lineup.
The Mannequin 676 didn’t emerge in a vacuum. It was the fruits of H&R’s expertise with earlier convertible and single-caliber rimfire revolvers. Its predecessors included fashions such because the 649, 660, and 666, every contributing to the evolution that might result in the 676.
Mannequin 649 Convertible (1976-1985): This Western-style revolver set the stage for the 676’s convertibility. It featured a .22 LR cylinder with an additional .22 caliber cylinder, provided in 5 1/2″ or 7 1/2″ barrel lengths. The 649 launched shooters to the idea of a multi-caliber rimfire revolver with its side-loading design and switch bar ignition system.
MODEL 649 CONVERTIBLE. (n.d.). bluebookofgunvalues.com. {photograph}. Retrieved October 1, 2024, from https://bluebookofgunvalues.com/merchandise/harrington-richardson-inc-revolvers-recent-mfg-model-649-convertible.
Mannequin 660 Gunfighter (1960-1961): Although earlier and less complicated than the 676, the Mannequin 660 established H&R’s foray into Western-style rimfire revolvers. This .22 LR six-shooter with its 6″ barrel and strong body hinted on the aesthetics that might affect later fashions.
MODEL 660 GUNFIGHTER. (n.d.-b). bluebookofgunvalues.com. {photograph}. Retrieved October 1, 2024, from https://bluebookofgunvalues.com/merchandise/harrington-richardson-inc-revolvers-recent-mfg-model-660-gunfighter.
Mannequin 666 Convertible (1975-1979): The direct predecessor to the 676, this mannequin refined the convertible idea. It provided .22 LR and .22 WMR cylinders, a 6″ barrel, and plastic grips. The 666’s sq. butt and switch bar ignition system would carry over to the 676, displaying H&R’s dedication to evolving their designs.
H&R 666. (n.d.). brownguns.us. {photograph}. Retrieved October 1, 2024, from https://brownguns.us/product/hr-666/.
Mannequin 676 Variations
When H&R launched the Mannequin 676 in 1975, they constructed upon these earlier designs whereas providing unprecedented selection in barrel lengths. Let’s discover the variations that made the Mannequin 676 stand out:
- Caliber Choices: Like its predecessor, the 676 was a real convertible, able to firing each .22 Brief/Lengthy/Lengthy Rifle and .22 WMR cartridges. This versatility allowed shooters to change between economical plinking and extra highly effective small-game searching with a easy cylinder swap.
- Barrel Lengths: The place the Mannequin 676 actually shined was in its vary of barrel choices. H&R provided 5 distinct lengths.
4.5″ Barrel: The shortest choice, superb for these prioritizing portability with out sacrificing the 676’s core options. At 32 ounces, it was as gentle as its 5.5″ sibling however seemed the cowboy half.
Lot 364: H&R Mannequin 676 22 LR / 22 Magnum Revolver. (n.d.). invaluable.com. {photograph}. Retrieved October 1, 2024, from https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/h-r-model-676-22-lr-22-magnum-revolver-364-c-d114bbd9e4.
5.5″ Barrel: A balanced alternative, providing a bit extra sight radius than the 4.5″ model with out including weight.
HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON MODEL 676. (n.d.). Weapons.com. {photograph}. Retrieved October 1, 2024, from https://www.weapons.com/firearms/handguns/revolver/harrington-&-richardson-model-676-22-wmr-revolver-6-rounds-5-5-barrel-used?p=386027&soldout=1.
7.5″ Barrel: Widespread amongst goal shooters, this size supplied a superb stability between accuracy potential and manageability. The additional heft (36 ounces) helped tame recoil for extended-range periods.
H&R MODEL 676. (n.d.-b). Weapons.com. {photograph}. Retrieved October 1, 2024, from https://www.weapons.com/firearms/handguns/revolver/h&r-model-676-22-lr-revolver-6-rounds-7-5-barrel-used?p=814633&soldout=1.
12″ Barrel: The crown jewel of the 676 lineup, also known as the “Buntline” variant. At 41 ounces, it was a handful however supplied unparalleled accuracy potential within the 676 household. Its rarity and spectacular profile make it extremely wanted by collectors.
Frequent Options: H&R Mannequin 676
Throughout all barrel lengths, the Mannequin 676 maintained constant options that outlined its character:
- Coloration case-hardened metal body, including each sturdiness and basic aesthetics
- Walnut grips, offering a contact of class to this working-class revolver
- Mounted entrance and rear sights, easy however efficient for rimfire functions
- Double-action mechanism with a finger-spurred set off guard for enhanced management
- Facet-load and eject system, a carryover from earlier fashions that proved dependable and user-friendly
Finish of Half II: H&R Mannequin 676
The H&R Mannequin 676 Convertible Revolver, with its array of barrel lengths and dual-caliber functionality, stands as a novel chapter in rimfire revolver historical past. From its roots in earlier H&R fashions to its personal variations, the 676 provided one thing for almost each rimfire fanatic. Whether or not you’re drawn to the sensible 4.5″ model or the eye-catching 12″ Buntline, the Mannequin 676 continues to captivate shooters and collectors, making certain its place within the annals of American firearms growth.
In closing, I hope our Curious Relics section knowledgeable in addition to entertained. This all was written in hopes of continued firearm appreciation and preservation. We didn’t simply notice how weapons had been speculated to look and performance. It was a protracted 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 simply really feel doesn’t get a lot notoriety? What ought to our subsequent Curious Relics matter cowl? As all the time, tell us your entire ideas within the Feedback under! We all the time recognize your suggestions.
