Curious Relics #071: H&R 733 Guardsman – A Trusty Sidekick

Sam.S 08.23.23

Welcome, if you are a newcomer to this fun bi-weekly segment of AllOutdoor.com! The last time around I covered the history of the H&R 733, an early adopter of modern features that was totally underappreciated in its time. I of course am talking about the H&R 733 guardsman. At least it got some screen time in the 1985 movie Clue. In that article, we looked at how this revolver came to be. This time around we are looking at the very slight differences in its variations. Let’s dive down the rabbit hole!

Harrington & Richardson Content in Curious Relics:

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!

Variations: The H&R 733 Guardsman

First Model – 1st Variation

The original H&R 733 Guardsman model debuted in 1958 as a concealed-carry revolver. Like all Guardsman models to follow, it featured a swing-out cylinder, solid frame, and double-action firing capability. The first variation was chambered for .32 S&W Short and Long cartridges, with a 6-round capacity.

Lot 201: Collectors Lot of Five Harrington & Richardson Revolvers. (n.d.). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1022/201/collectors-lot-of-five-harrington-richardson-revolvers.

It had a flat-sided 2.5” barrel and compact size, distinctly smaller than standard revolvers of the time. These early 733s wore a chrome “Clingfast” finish and white “Tenite” plastic grips. his original model was produced from 1958 until 1961.

Barrel: 2.5 Inches Flat Sided
Grips: White 2-piece plastic “Tenite”
Chambering: 32 S&W (6 rounds)
Firing Pin: Frame Mounted
Weight: 23.5 oz

First Model – 2nd Variation

The second variation (1962 until 1964) of the first 733 Guardsman model retained the same core features but included some subtle design changes. It maintained the swing-out cylinder, solid frame, double action firing, and compact size of the original. The capacity and caliber options also remained 6 rounds of .32 S&W Short/Long. However, the signature flat-sided barrel was replaced with a fully round barrel contour. Additionally, the square butt grip shape transitioned to a rounded butt for improved ergonomics. Besides the circular barrel and grip, the rest of the second variation 733 was essentially identical to the initial design

Barrel: 2.5 Inches round
Grips: White 2-piece plastic “Tenite”
Chambering: 32 S&W (6 rounds)
Firing Pin: Frame Mounted
Weight: 23.5 oz

First Model – 3rd Variation

The third variation of the first 733 model, produced from 1964 to 1966, brought in new black Cycolac grips. This updated the previous white plastic grips used in earlier variations. The durable Cycolac material and black color gave a sleeker, more professional look. Aside from the grip change, the third variation was identical to prior versions of the first model. The new grips demonstrated ongoing refinement.

Barrel: 2.5 Inches Round
Grips: Black 2-piece plastic “Cycolac”
Chambering: 32 S&W (6 rounds)
Firing Pin: Frame Mounted
Weight: 23.5 oz

First Model – 4th Variation

The 4th variation of the first 733 model was produced from 1967 to 1973. The most notable change from the 3rd variation was the introduction of the “Hand Guard” electroless nickel finish, replacing the previous chrome finish. H&R likely chose electroless nickel either for improved durability or cost savings over chrome plating. Aside from the new nickel finish, the 4th variation retained the same features as prior versions, including the black Cycolac grips.

Lot 113: Harrington & Richardson Inc 733 Revolver 32 S&W – Harrington & Richardson Model 733 Double Action Revolver with Holster. (n.d.-a). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved August 22, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2008/113/harrington-richardson-inc-733-revolver-32-sw.

Second Model – 1st Variation

The 2nd model, 1st variation of the 733 was produced from 1973 to 1975. The major change from prior models was introducing a transfer bar ignition system, replacing the previous frame-mounted firing pin design. The transfer bar improved safety by preventing firing if the gun was dropped. Aside from the new ignition system, the 2nd model 1st variation maintained similar features to previous versions, like the electroless nickel finish.

Second Model – 2nd Variation

The 2nd model, 2nd variation of the 733 was produced from 1975 to 1981. This version saw the return to the square grip style, after several variations with rounded grips. The other notable change was the introduction of a 4-inch barrel option, compared to only 2.5-inch barrels offered previously.

Aside from the grip and barrel changes, this variation maintained similarities to previous versions, like the transfer bar ignition. The 4-inch barrel expanded versatility since the guns with this longer barrel also had a windage adjustable rear sight.

Barrel: 2.5 or 4-Inches Round
Grips: Black 2-piece plastic “Cycolac”
Chambering: 32 S&W (6 rounds)
Firing Pin: Transfer Bar Style

Second Model – 3rd Variation

The 2nd model, 3rd variation of the 733 was produced from 1982 until 1986, the last version before H&R went out of business. This final iteration saw the 4-inch barrel option discontinued, going back to only 2.5-inch barrels. It also returned to featuring a rounded butt grip rather than the square butt of the previous variation. Otherwise, it maintained second-model features like the transfer bar ignition…In short, it basically is a Second Model 1st Variation.

End of Part II: The H&R 733 Guardsman

When you trace the history of the 733, you can see H&R took kind of a thrifty, practical approach with it. They weren’t making like crazy over-the-top changes or anything. Just some small reasonable tweaks here and there to keep customers buying. Swapping the grips, trying different finishes, adding a barrel length – you know, basic stuff to keep it fresh and affordable. It was less about dedication and more about smart business moves. Each new version provided a little more bang for the buck without rocking the boat. In the end, there was no revolution or revelation about it. Just savvy incremental changes that made sense for the bottom line. Kind of like practical engineering rather than passion-driven art. But that thrifty approach kept the 733 going for a good long run.

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.

Sam.S

Writer | TheFirearmBlog Writer | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.