Curious Relics #100: Easy Dating – H&R Model 676 22LR Revolver Part III
Sam.S 10.23.24
Welcome, if you are a newcomer to this fun bi-weekly segment of AllOutdoor.com! The last time around I covered the history and variations of the Harrington & Richardson Model 676, a revolver that has been the wacky long-barreled gun in my collection for years. Crusading on we are covering its dating, the specifications, and whether there are parts and accessories out there. Let’s dive right into the rabbit hole!
Recent Content in Curious Relics:
- Curious Relics #094: Introduction of a Legend – S&W Model 29
- Curious Relics #095: Not Even Close to Every Variant – S&W Model 29
- Curious Relics #096: The Legacy Soldiers On – Smith & Wesson Model 29
- Curious Relics #097: Muzzle Flash Included – Smith & Wesson Model 29
Welcome to our recurring series of “Curious Relics.” Here, we want to share all of our experiences, knowledge, misadventures, and passion for older firearms that one might categorize as a Curio & Relic – any firearm that is at least 50 years old according to the ATF. Hopefully along the way you can garner a greater appreciation for older firearms like we do, and simultaneously you can teach us things as well through sharing your own expertise and thoughts in the Comments. Understanding the firearms of old, their importance, and their development which lead to many of the arms we now cherish today is incredibly fascinating and we hope you enjoy what we have to share, too!
Dating: H&R Model 676 22LR Revolver
The manufacturing date of any Model 676 can be easily determined through its serial number system. Each revolver has its serial number engraved on the bottom flat surface of the grip frame. The numbering system follows a consistent pattern – all Model 676 revolvers have a two-letter prefix followed by the numerical sequence. Take my personal 676 for example: its serial number starts with “AP,” indicating a 1976 manufacture date. Despite showing its age and some wear from use, the revolver remains in good overall condition.
For dating purposes, here’s how the serial number prefixes correspond to production years:
- AN: 1975
- AP: 1976
- AR: 1977
- AS: 1978
- AT: 1979
- AU: 1980
Specifications: H&R Model 676 22LR Revolver
During its five-year production run from 1975-1980, Harrington & Richardson’s Model 676 represented an evolution in their .22 caliber revolver line, following earlier models like the 660 and 666, and preceding the 686. What set this particular revolver apart was its distinctive styling – it featured elegant walnut grips and color case-hardened steel construction. Unlike many other revolvers that offered limited options, the 676 came in several barrel configurations, ranging from a compact 4.5 inches up to an impressive 12 inches. My personal collection includes the longest barrel version at 12 inches.
The manufacturer kept the 676’s design consistent throughout its production – you couldn’t find it with alternative grips or different finishes. Before we delve into the detailed specifications, it’s worth noting the full range of barrel length options: 4.5″, 5.5″, 7.5″, and 12″.
- Caliber: .22 Short/Long/Long Rifle or .22 WMR (depending on the cylinder)
- Barrel Length: 4.5″, 5.5″, 7.5″, or 12″
- Cylinder: Both have a 6-shot Capacity
- Overall Length of the 12″ Model: Just under 17.5″
- Sights: Fixed Front & Rear
- Weight: Roughly 3lbs
- Finger-spurred trigger guard
- Sideload and Eject
Aftermarket Parts & Accessories: H&R Model 676 22LR Revolver
When it comes to parts the 676 is not completely dried up. This is mainly because Harrington & Richardson had the foresight to be thrifty and have interchangeable parts between different models. The common gun parts king Numrich continues to rule the land with a decent selection. Jack First the old steadfast parts company has an admirable offering as well. eBay continues to have a shotgun blast of random this and that mixed in with unrelated items. “H&R 676” is not exactly an easy search term.
For a gun that did not have much for design variation besides barrel lengths, it also boasts little to no accessories. I have seen aftermarket “pearl” grips that will fit but they were likely made for a similar but separate model. Holsters exist but will always be labeled as Colt, Ruger, etc rimfire revolver holsters. Long story short it will likely fit any rimfire single-action army holster.
End of Part III: H&R Model 676 22LR Revolver
That wraps up Part III of our deep dive into the H&R Model 676. Stay tuned for Part IV, where we’ll take this classic rimfire revolver to the range and see how it performs with various .22 ammunition. I’m particularly excited to put my AP-prefixed 1976 model through its paces. I’d love to hear from other 676 owners – what date code does your revolver sport? Drop a comment below and let’s see if we can track which production years are most common among collectors today. Whether you’ve got an early AN from ’75 or a final-year AU from 1980, each of these revolvers tells its own story of American firearms history.
In closing, I hope our Curious Relics segment informed as well as entertained. This all was written in hopes of continued firearm appreciation and preservation. We did not just realize how guns were supposed to look and function. It was a long and tedious process that has shaped the world we live in. So, I put it to you! Is there a firearm out there that you feel does not get much notoriety? What should our next Curious Relics topic cover? As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
