H&R .32 Revolver "The American"

[Yankee John]

I picked up this H&R .32 "The American"  from an antique store this week.  From research,  I have learned that these were made from 1883-1940, and that the round-barrel versions were made very early in production (as per Flayderman's).  It functions perfectly. I think I did ok for $45 

The serial number under the (perfect) grips is either 89 or 68, depending on how you look at it.

Anybody else have one of these?

John

[Yankee John]

Last pic.

John

[St. George]

Your H&R will bring between what you'd paid and $125, and they're a good example of the common pocket revolver of the era.

Shoot loads in the Black Powder pressure range, and you'll be fine.

Parts aren't all 'that' plentiful - but they are out there - and installation can be interesting, since the action's held by pins.

I've got the variants of them, and the 'faded' plating can be helped considerably by hand-polishing with 'Simichrome'.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

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[mtmarfield]

   Greetings!

   I've got one that wears an octagonal barrel. I haven't taken it out yet. I do recall that it will chamber a .32 H&R Mag cartridge... If yours does, too, DO NOT be tempted to try it!! It will certainly turn into one of those "Hey guys, watch this!" endings! I'd also advise BP / BP Equivalent loads.
   They are neat, well designed little revolvers.

   Be Well, All!

           M.T.Marfield:.
               5-6-07

[Yankee John]

Thanks for your advice folks.  I polished it with Simichrome and the difference is amazing!  I may shoot this revolver;  If I do it will be with BP cartridges.

Thanks again,
John