Harrington & Richardson Model 922 (Pre-1940)
4th Variation (Birds Head)
Internal Function+
--.22 Caliber, 9 Shot Revolver--
For this particular model variation, details were not easily located. Assembly and functionality details can be easily found for the post 1947 variations of the Harrington & Richardson Model 922. On early variations (pre 1940) the cylinder stop was machined as part of the trigger and the cylinder was free wheeling with hammer down. On variations after 1947 a seperate cylinder stop part was used and a locking cylinder was employed when the hammer was down. A person attempting to understand these earlier variations can be misled using schematics or YouTube disassembly instructions for the later variations. Even parts companies such as Numrich do not have schematics for this 4th variation. Nor does the Gun Digest series of books on disassembly cover pre-1940 versions. Information here will hopefully help others needing to visually understand the internal functioning for at least this specific 4th variation.
I am unclear as to the exact terminology for changes to the 922 model. I believe the following model variation descriptions are correct. If anyone can validate different details, please let me know. I understand that there is a great book available on H&R firearms (H&R Arms Co. 1871-1986, by W. E. Goforth) but having a used price tag of over $100, I have yet to obtain a copy.
Basic Model & Variations of the H&R Model 922:
1st Model
1st - 1927-1930, Saw Handle Grip Shape, Octagon Barrel, Flat Main
Spring, Short Cylinder Pin
2nd -
1931, New Grip Shape, Safety Recessed Cylinder, Long Cylinder Pin,
Serial Number on Front of Grip Strap
3rd - 1932-1937, New Safety Cylinder
4th - 1938-1939, New Birds Head Grip Frame, Round Barrel
One Piece Grip
5th - 1940-1947, A through H Letter Code Prefix in Serial Number,
Coil Main Spring
(At least some of the 5th variation used the
flat main spring)
2nd Model
6th - 1948-1949, New Barrel Lengths,
locking cylinder, rebounding hammer, I through J Letter Code Previx
in Serial Number
7th - 1949-1952, All-In-One Cartridge Extration
System, J through M Letter Code Prefix in Serial Number
8th -
1952, Camper & Bantam Weight
I believe there were several internal part changes for the different variation. Only those listed above have I been able to validate. A 1936 H&A Component Parts and Prices Catalog is still available via reprint. The internal parts for the 922 in that catalog, although close, has several part differences by shape and size to the 1938-1939 4th variation of this particular gun. Catalogs and schematics for the post 1940 built revolvers are substantially different yet again. Even companies such as Numrich do list some parts for the "Early Flat Main Spring" Model 922's, yet their part numbers validate that firing mechanisam parts are much different for these versions.
Each manufacturer approaches the mechanics of firearms from a new angle. This could occur because the company believed they had a better idea, or to avoid patient infringement. Relationship and design interaction between main components often cause difficulties in fully understanding functionality. When schematics are available, they are often of less help than possible because of the often unrelated placement of pieces when pictured.
The included images are uploaded larger than what you see. Do not click on the image. Instead enlarge your screen and have the ability to see the details clearly.
I decided against showing the 1936 catalog schematics because it
might confuse the reader as to just what parts are different.
I am also not showing the post 1940 schematics for the same reason.
Instead below is an image of this specific 4th variation Model 922.
I have laid out parts close to how they are presented in the
1936 catalog. I also show the parts description and price list
from that 1936 catalog so that you will have names to go with the
parts. I have greyed out those parts that are
not found in this 4th variation instance of the 922 revolver. Those that are interested enough
to deterine the differences in part design can obtain thet
catalogs and make their own image comparisons. In the image
below, I did not remove the front sight blade (30) or the center catch,
spring, or pin (4, 5, 6). Those pieces remain in the pistol.
Note also that the grip screw (23) is not factory, but rather a
replacement I adapted.
Page 2 of Harrington &
Richardson Model 922 (Pre-1940) Revolver
Images #2
Disassembly and reassembly of this pistol,
like so many others, is not that difficult. But is easiest
with an understanding of
how the parts fit together, and how they interact. I make special slave pins to help
with understanding revolver mechanics. I have found that slave pins make reassembly much easier. I have also found that doing
some added machining to each slave pin allows me to more fully understand the exact interaction between internal parts. This is accomplished by
inserting the slave pins, then placing the revolvers workings in their correct
relationship, on the outside of the gun. As you will soon see.
The tiny sear slave pin was machined to allow fitting of the sear and sear
spring into the
rear of the trigger guard BEFORE fitting the trigger guard into the frame.
This will be discribed later.
Image #3 (Slave Pin Pieces)
Continue to page 2 for further discussion.