Col. Harlan Statham’s H&R USRA Model .22LR 10” Single Shot Pistol w/ Case
SOLD FOR: $781
WOA#:WY240318RU058
Make: Harrington and Richardson Inc.
Model: USRA
Serial Number: 3105-O (Some of the early productions will have the letter code R,O or T along with the serial number)
Year of Manufacture:1930-1941
Caliber: 22LR
Action Type: Single-Shot, Break action
Markings: On the top of the Keyhole profiled barrel is marked “ Harrington & Richardson Arms co. Worcester. Mass.USA.” On the left flat of the action “H&R 22 SINGLE SHOT LONG RIFLE CARTRIDGE USRA MODEL”. The left side of the barrel is marked “HARLAN R. STATHAM”. Marked this way as it was once presented to and owned by Colonel Harlan R. Statham of the US Army
Barrel Length: 10 inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a long patridge pinned and recessed and adjustable by screw to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch cut into a leaf mounted by screw to the top of the chamber.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are one piece walnut with a long pummel swoop mounted to the backstrap by one screw and they show minimal wear. The checkering is still sharp. The grips rate in about excellent overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: No Magazine single shot
Type of Finish: Polished Blue with matte non reflective top.
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. The finish is smoothed away at the usual points like the muzzle and under the front strap of the grip. The screw heads are sharp with good slots. The markings are clear Overall, this handgun rates in about excellent condition. Please see the photos.
Mechanics: The action functions as it should. Please see the photos. 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: An original hinged Black leather carry case, in great shape for its age. A metal clip for a forearm stock. A small green glass bottle with a cork topper that is marked “ 3 in one oil”, a small screwdriver , red and black, marked “Shockless Screwdriver”, also a wooden dowel/ ramrod. Please see the pictures.
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&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&R wanted was a reputation for the best single shot pistol – which they achieved.
This particular pistol is in great shootable condition and should be as fun to collect as it is to shoot as it is accurate. These USRA pistols have become valuable for collectors as well as shooters. Also this one belonged to a colonel of the US Army.
This Harrington & Richardson USRA Model 195, 22 CAL Single Shot Pistol, with Serial Number “3150-O” was Manufactured in 1930-1941 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, 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 7 inch Round Barrel, a Fixed Front & Adjustable Rear Sight, a Fancy Swept Back Trigger Guard and we see the normal markings of “H&R 22 SINGLE SHOT, LONG RIFLE CARTRIDGE,” inscription on the Left Receiver Face… it has one piece, Checkered Walnut Wood Grips that are Affixed to the Back Strap by a Single Screw…This Harrington & Richardson “USRA” Model, 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.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 appears to be one of those examples. Old-style Keyhole barrel with a fixed front sight. Flat ejector , rear fixed sight. Flat trigger. One piece grips with a flair that has not been replicated since. These pistols were often customized based on customer preferences, so the combinations of features could vary significantly. Some USRAs were even sent back to the factory for upgrades or modifications.
One of references for info on the previous owner of this particular pistol is as follows;
(https://www.army.mil/article/271837/recalling_history_at_camp_mccoy_during_the_korean_war_1950_53)
“Taken from Camp McCoy historical files establishing a timeline of activities at the post during the Korean War” this from 1952
….“— March 2 — Twenty-six soldiers watched with interest as Camp McCoy’s Commander, Col. Harlan R. Statham, snipped the tape which officially opened the post hospital’s “model ward,” in an informal ceremony recently. The 26 Soldiers were post-operative patients who had just been moved into their pleasant new quarters. Many of the Soldiers are veterans of combat in Korea — and veterans of other Army hospitals.
Ambulatory patients looked with anticipation at the sun-flooded solarium at the end of the ward, bright with flowered drapes and comfortably furnished with card tables, reading chairs, desks for letter-writing and a combination radio-phonograph. Two private recovery rooms for patients returning from the operating room adjoined the ward.”….
In summary, this H&R USRA is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship, reflecting the individual choices made by the soldiers who presented it to their Colonel. This is a peice of American History. This weapon is for the collector who can appreciate the finer changes and enjoys seeing and comparing the differences between models and or a shooter who already knows or wants to find out what the word “accurate” means. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary buy. Please look at these photos and enjoy the auction-K.F.
