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Jordanss2112 · 10-08-2011, 07:15 AM

I received this rifle from my grandfather, he found it on the California Baja about 40 years ago. I decided the clean it up and see if it can find out some info about it, after I did some cleaning and knocked some of the rust off of it and was able to make out "45-70" on the top of the barrel and what I think may be "Reinforced Breech" and "...son Arms Co." on the left hand side of the action, and the serial number, FR3620, is on the barrel, action, and the last four are inside the forestock so I know the numbers match, also I know the barrel is very short but it doesn't have a firing pin so I feel it falls into the category so I think it counts as more of an antique (or paperweight if it turns out to be nothing exciting) then a firearm. I will keep cleaning and see if I can find any other marking.

Thanks in advance,

Jordan

**c3shooter** · 10-08-2011, 11:43 AM

POSSIBLY a Harrington & Richardson. All markings, and high def photos will help. Serial number is nice, but in most cases. does not mean much.

**hiwall** · 10-08-2011, 01:04 PM

I would suggest putting it back "in the California Baja". Firing pin or not if the barrel is less than 16" and you get caught with it, you'll be sorry. Big risk for a $50 gun.

**BillM** · 10-08-2011, 02:36 PM

Possibly a Harrington and Richardson model 155 "Shikari" top break 45-70.
H&R made a couple of models in 45-70, the Shikari had a wooden "ram-rod"
under the barrel that made it look kind of like a muzzleloader.

Not as strong as the later Handi-rifle. Looks like you have some good
parts there, but it's probably not worth the effort to try to make it into
a functioning gun.

It's not old---if that's an R before the serial number it's around 1958.
As Hiwall said--measure that barrel. If it's under 16" GET RID OF IT.
You might also check and see if it's on a stolen gun list, and also check
if you are in California check the current laws--old single shot rifles
are probably on the assault rifle list by now.

Jordanss2112 · 10-08-2011, 03:36 PM

When I say Baja I mean Mexico, so ya it could be stolen, I know he checked it with customs when he brought it but that was a while before 9/11 so the border patrol most likely didn't care, he said when he brought it through the guy at the border thought it was pretty cool.

BillM, wow I did not think it would be that new, the shape it was in was pretty bad but 50 years in the desert will do that to anyone.

After looking at pictures of the Handi-Rifle my only problem is the number of structural pins through the action on the Handi looks to be 5 were as mine has 3, also the length of the breech on the Handi seems to be much longer then mine, but the only pictures I can find are of newer rifles and H&R1871 so I don't know if they have changed the design since then.

But you guys are right about the barrel issue, I let the old man know what I've found and see if he wants it back.

I'll keep an eye on this thread so if anyone else has any ideas or pictures of there Handi-Rifles I would love to see them, they look like a pretty sweet little bush rifle.

UPDATE:Just ran the serial number through a few of the online stolen firearms registries and didn't pop, going to call the county sheriff with the number on Tuesday and see what they say.

303tom · 10-08-2011, 03:56 PM

That rifle barrel is 18 in. long !

neilage66 · 10-08-2011, 04:04 PM

If the LOP is 14" (guestimate) then the barrel is *close* to 16" going by the photo.
*Close* only counts with horseshoes, hand grenades and nukes, so...
If the OP would measure we could put the issue to bed.