Walter Roper H&R USRA Model .22LR Cal 7” Single Shot Pistol C&R, 1928-1941
SOLD FOR: $711
WOA#:WY240318RU056
Make: Harrington and Richardson Inc.
Model: USRA
Serial Number: 1806-R (R Serial number is for Walter Roper, a very well known, maker inspector, and grip designer)
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”
Barrel Length: 7 inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rather 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 97% 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 Very fine 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: none
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.
This Harrington & Richardson USRA Model 195, 22 CAL Single Shot Pistol, with Serial Number “1806-R” 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. Early curved trigger. One piece grips with a flair that has not been reduplicated 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.
Additional Important Details about this pistol that I can’t say enough,is it has an “R” in the serial. The “R” indicates your gun was made under the watchful eye of Walter Roper – hired by H&R around 1930 to improve their Single Shot Target pistol – Walter was a National and international champion in the 50 yard, one hand Bull’s Eye competition. There is some speculation that Walter may have worked hands-on on the gun.
In summary, this H&R USRA is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship, reflecting the individual choices made by its original owner. 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.
