Hi Standard Model "B" .22 Pistol
When Hi Standard first started producing pistols, the first model they came out with was the model B. They made it in both a long barrel and a short barrel version. The one pictured is the long barrel model. The basic design was derived from an earlier Browning design, as was the Colt Woodsman. In fact, the Woodsman and the Model B look almost identical, although they are not.
The model B turned out to be a reliable, well made, and accurate pistol. Some people didn't like the grip, as for a person with large hands, it was on the short side. On later models this was changed, and the grip was extended. On later models the magazine capacity was increased from nine to ten rounds. Later models also incorporated a slide lock back lever, which the Model B did not have.
When I first came across this particular Hi Standard Model B, it was in sorry shape. The corner of the left grip panel is the retainer for the side frame cover, and the corner of the panel had been broken off, so the side cover had fallen off, along with several other small pieces that the cover had retained.
Fortunately, Al was familiar with the model B, and was able to order up the replacements for the missing parts. I had Al strip the gun and check it over, and make sure everything else was in order. He also replaces some of the springs that looked a little suspect. I had some small pieces of absolutely beautiful walnut, so I made up a set of grip panels to the same dimension as the original bakelite panels. It took a little bit of careful routing on the inside of the panels to allow clearance, but a little hand fitting, and they fit perfectly. A hand rubbed oil finish made the panels look like they had been on the gun when it was new.
Field stripping the Hi Standard Model B is really easy, but if you do it wrong, you can really mess up the gun! REALLY! See that little button on the top of the slide, just in front of the front sight? Pull the slide all the way rearward, then hold down the button, and let the slide move back forward a ways. The slide spring will then be compressed and held by the button. You can now push down on the takedown lever, and the slide can be slid to the rear and removed.
To re-assemble, hold down the takedown lever, and slide the slide all the way forward. Release the lever, then pull the slide all the way to the rear, and the spring is then released, and you are ready to go.
How's it do out at the range? The feel of the gun is that of a well made, precision piece of equipment. It was originally designed as a plinker, and the non-adjustable sights are perfect for that sort of shooting. The lack of target sights is a limitation for club competition, but once you figure out where it's shooting, that's not such a big deal. The trigger pull is smooth, and breaks like glass. Good triggers are sort of a Hi Standard trademark. Accuracy is very good, and way better than most shooters can shoot!
Would I recommend the Hi Standard Model B. Yes, but considering that collectors are driving the prices up, you will have to pay more for it than you could buy a new gun of other current production brands. That also means that regardless of what you pay for it, you will most likely be able to sell it for more that you originally paid for it.
Odds are, however, that if you buy one of these sweet shooters, you won't EVER sell it, and you sure as heck won't ever wear it out. It's that well made.
No, mine is not for sale........
68 Comments:
I walked into my local gunshop today to exercise my second amendment rights, and happened to look into his rimfire case, and whatever did I see but 4, count em 4 Hi Standards, including one with the obnoxiously large thumbrest on the left side, and two others with smaller rests. It was a sight to behold.
You bought 'em all ,right?
I sure like mine.......
Beautiful Mr. C, beautiful1
I NEED HELP!....i have a hi standard model H-A and it was field stripped without pushing the button on the top of the slide. It is so hard to find help and info on these guns and i was wondering if anyone here knew?
i was the anonymous post earlier about the hi standard h-a....just leaving my email to forward any help/info for me
slow.dancing@hotmail.com
You stated and I quote
"When Hi Standard first started producing pistols, the first model they came out with was the model B."
Are you implying they made the model B before the model A? That makes no sense whatsoever!!??
My brother just tonight, got shot this with .22, he's in the ER room right now with a gun shot wound in his chest area, so I advise anyone don't play with guns or don't think that the gun is unloaded and pull trigger. because u never know!
Thanks for the info on the HS, I just inherited one and it is in near new condition as far as I can tell, it is the model b and still has the orginal grips (i assume) with the HS in them,, where would be a good place to look up the s/n to find out more about this thing?
thanks
cstock
Hello.........I picked up a my Hi Standard "B" from a neighbor two months ago. It was her dads and well cared for. I paid $150.00 for it. About the right price,I hope? It came with a military flap type holster and belt with a weird buckle. Were they sold that way? Oh yeah she shoots all day long at my out house without a wimper.
Ross
CT
So how do you fix it once you break it down? I mean if you get the slide off without mashing to button how do you fix it?
Anon: Thae hard part is getting the slide off. If you managed to get it off, turn the slide so you can see the bottom side of it, and push the spring and plunger all the way in (towards the rear of the slide) and push the top button down to lock the plunger. Now the slide will go back on by just pushing down the slide release lever and sliding the slide onto the frame. Once the slide is al lthe way forward, pull it rearward once to release the button holding the spring and plunger back.
..... Mr. C.
I picked up a Model B several months ago. Not sure when it was made but is Nickle Plated, including the 10 round mag. Looks factory because the lettering is VERY crisp and sharp, fires like a new gun. Any ideas?
I've heard that there were some High Standards nickel plated from the factory, but I've never seen one. If it's original it's quite rare, I'd think. Great shooter, too......
..... Mr. C.
Thanks, I'll get the serial # and a photo if you think it would help.
I have a HI Standard Model B nickle plated 22caliber long does anyone no the value of this one!
d.o.
I would pay about 600.00 what do you think? you have a rare Hi Standard Model B If it is Nicle Plated? can you post some picture's I am interested!
thanks Buyer
I have a Model-B with black plastic grips. My son was using it and broke the right side grip. Where can I get a replacement grip?
Ron
I have a Hi Standard model A 22 cal pistol sn#78171 in 85% condition. I can read about model Bs all day long, but cannot find out anything about the model A Can anyone out there help me?
i have a model A could someone please tell me something about this gun it was my fathers. i cant find anything.
I have come across a "B" Model Hi Standard. But I need a set of hand grips and a 10 round mag for it. I have a mag but it is missing some parts. If you could help, I sure would be grateful.
Ken: Try searching on eBay for "Hi Standard" and "High Standard". There are several sets of HS Grips on there now, but none for the model B. If you add -vans to your search it will weed out a ton of snowboard boots.
It wasn't hard to make the replacement grips. The only tricky part was the small cut out area on the inside of the grip panels to allow not binding the moving parts.
The original magazines are nine rounds, and maybe Auction arms or Gunbroker or one of those might have some. BEWARE of cheap copy magazines, get the original part.
..... Mr. C.
Just recently i purchased a Model "B" from my local gunshop. Sweet little pistol but it appears to be a later model as I do not have the button on top of the slide. The take-down lever is on the same side as the trigger lock and the field stripping protocol is to just press down on the lever and slide the slide right off. How long did High Standard make these pistols?
I have a hi standard model b that was missing the clip, I found a website that has parts for all types of guns including the model b. www.brownells.com but you have to specify if it has the military grip or not. They should be able to tell by your serial number on the gun.
My High Standard Model B is 1942 production with 6-3/4" barrel which was a retired bush pilot's actual survival gun kept in his DeHavilland Beaver. I shot some of the old ammo from his seat pack and some new stuff. Accuracy figures are averages of five consecutive 10-shot groups fired off sandbags at 25 yards with iron sights and 59-year old eyes!
1942 High Std Model B, 6/3/4" irons
"Sterile Pack" FMJ Ball M24 2.0"
Canuck (1965) HP 2.2"
CCI Blazer (USA) 1.85"
Eley Standard (UK) 1.5"
I haven't seen anything in the new offerings of .22 handguns which is going to make me want to replace my High Standard. A Model A, B, GB, D, H-B, or H-D in similar VG to Exc. condition will sell for $200-300 less than a comparable condition pre-war Colt Woodsman. The High Standard Model B uses the same magazines as the pre-war Colts. High Standard .22s in serviceable condition are fairly common on web sites such as Cabela's Gun Library, and are well worth looking for to have shipped to your FFL dealer, if you are serious about finding a .22 pistol for your survival ruck. The CCI Subsonic HP is the only standard velocity round I have found which expands reliably from a handgun. Of the high velocity rounds the Winchester Power Point was best.
i was simply curiouse i just requierd a high standard pictol model HB i cannot find any information on it and do not know how to find a value i am interested in selling as how i shoot mainly rifles and collect military artifacts it is in amazing condition if you could let me know of any information you may have thank you for your time my emailis bsw12181@aol.com have a good day
For determining values check on the internet with Gunbroker.com or Auction Arms. Also check to see what's for sale in local gun shops, as sometimes regional prices may differ from national prices.
..... Mr. C.
I bought my Dad an High Standard H-D and was wondering if anyone had a copy of the owners manual in digital format?
i own a model B with number 8944. can any body help me in locating the year of manufacture. secondly can the rear sight be removed and a new one installed.
pl reply to sudhakar.c1957@gmail.com
thanks
I just inherited a High Standard model B and I love to shoot this gun! I am wondering though what the value is because I am wanting to maybe sell it. My HS has the original grips and looks to be in pretty good condition. It fires very nicely. I have seen them going for anywhere between $400 and $600 so I would think that $500 would be a fair asking price correct? Adam17842003@hotmail.com
Please email me if interested or if you have a price that would help me out.
i have a hi-standard H-D military .22 cal pistol and it shoots high and to the left and i am having a hard time figuring out how to move the rear sight.
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If I remember correctly, the Hartford Arms company went broke and was resurrected as Hi Standard. The Hartford pistol was very similar to the early HS Model B. If it's like my model B there is a small diameter coil spring that fits into the hole directly below the take down lever. A small plunger/pin slips inside of that spring. The top of the pin sits in a recess in the bottom of the takedown lever shaft. Pushing the plunger down allows the takedown lever to slide to the side and be removed from the frame. If you can't come up with the spring and plunger at a gun show, you might try Numrich Gun Parts, but I hesitate to recommend them as their replica Hi Standard parts are not too well made....
.... Mr. C.
anyone know where I can find a manual for a model GB? I inherited one from my grandfather and it had some feed issues that the gunsmith tells me is fixed. I'll find out monday when I take my grandson to the range. I can do basic cleaning but want to be able to get the slide apart to clean on my own rather then take to a smith. Thanks
I own a HS Model B.Yesterday a friend was trying to remove the slide off by pressing the button on top of the slide and turning the release leaver on the side. The button on the top got pushed into the slide and did not pop up again and the release lever did not turn.then i unscrew the small screw on the side of the slide a metal strip got released not letting the slide move backward again. Please tell me how can i remove the slide so that i can fix all the parts again. Please let me know at depp_dyllan@yahoo.com
Need pics of the Holster ;)
I have all three Hi standard models A,B, and C. I am looking to sell.them as a set, can any one tell me the. value. They were left to me by my father.
I have a mint Hi-Standard , Model GB, but am having difficult in locating an original/vintage magazine. ( I am informed a model B of HB magazine will substitute).
After-market ones are available, but no not fulfill this collector's needs.
Numerous trips to gun shows have failed to uncover one.
Any guidance or suggestions will be most appreciated.
need a slide release for a modle b .anyone know where i can get one?
If not can this be braised . (the lever fell off . have it need any input.
Thanks for the info. This estate sale find just went from broken to properly re assembled and functioning.
This was helpful. I inherited a Model B from my father. It started to jam and have problems auto loading rounds.
I completely stripped down from the instruction on this blog and it works like a champ.
I will not sell mine either. My father-in-law offered to trade me his Colt 44 magnum for it. No way!
My Dad also passed one along to me also. I've taken it apart cleaned and lubricated it. So I load the mag and try to chamber a round, it would not chamber at all! It seemed like either the mag spring is worn out because I did manage to get my hopes up when I cycled the action and a round started to feed and then was only fed halfway before the slide stopped pinching the shell casing. I believe mine is a Model B type 1-A due to it not having the button on the top of the slide, and it has the round extracting rod instead of the square one. If you have any suggetions please let me know (as i'd love to start shooting it). My E-Mail is kayakgodsw@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Steve Manchester NH
I have a HI STANDARD 22lr model A it has a 6 1/2" barrel can anyone tell me when it was made...sn:83580
This is the only number I can find on the weapon and it's on the handle....
I forgot to leave my email which is: ilhac@cableone.net ....robert m
Model A's were built from 1938 through 1942, with numbers ranging from 33,xxx through 97,xxx, so yours would be nearer to the end of the production, I'd say.
Mr. C.
Need ATrigger Bar Spring #41sematic
And #24 Hammer Spring Plunger
for my Model B.
Help!!!!
Thanks
Joe Ariosta
cleo_ariosta@yahoo.com
Looking for a magazine for a Hartford Arms, .22 Cal.LR, Model 1925, S/N 2942. Mine is marked "Cal. 22 Colt", but is original with the pistol. Contact me at 'jimlusk@aol.com'. Thanks. And Merry Christmas.
I just traded a 1979 snowmobile for a hi standard B and a Pardner 28 gauge single shot. I am interested in selling the model B. If anyone is interested please email me.... josephowens1@yahoo.com
In case anyone is interested, this post inspired me to create a Youtube video demonstrating the take-down and assembly procedure of the Model B:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD43GAZ3TZ0
, HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO SHOW ME HOW TO TAKE THIS WEAPON DOWN
Greetings,
I am pleased to find this site and the following of the vintage Hi-Standard. I have inherited a model GB with both barrels and is in prestine condition and shoots like a DREAM. I am new to the sport and looking for more info regarding the Piru steel challenge as well as adittional accessories as shown., Ie: Volquartsen barrels with red dot scopes...(without modifing oem hardware) I plan on traveling to piru ranges to research more.
-Max
I also have a High Standard model B and it seems like alot of Fathers left them to there sons. I took my to my local gunsmith and found out many things. The magazines are very rare, if you have the original keep it.The Pistol I have looks brand new wow!Complete with leather holster. I will always cherish this pistol and pass it on to the next generation.Never forget to be a "Student of the Gun"
I have a HI-standard model "A" was it made before or after the "B" model
My Hi Standard Model B was passed down from my father. The release button on the top is missing. Any ideas where I can find that part?
I have a model B HS but the takedown pin sticks out the rear of the slide. any info as to how this works would be appreciated TJA
Some helpful info for adjusting the "adjustable" rear sight on the HD Military: pull the slide to the rear and lock it. Look at the bottom of the slide directly under the rear sight, you will find a small slot head screw. Loosen it one turn and stop. Then look on the rear of the slide and you will find another slot head screw. Loosen it two turns and stop. The rear sight will now be free to move as you please. Move the rear sight in the direction you want the strike of your bullet to go. Then tighten the screws in reverse order. The screw on the rear of the slide holds the sight in place the screw on the bottom of the slide locks the other screw in place. If the sight is stuck try soaking it with solvent, you should be able to move it with just your fingers. The sight should move side to side as well as up or down. I hope this is helpful to someone.
How much is a 22 model b
I'm going mildly nuts working on a HD Military that I purchased a couple months ago, in sad shape--the result of a ham-handed so-called gunsmith, who had buggered every single screw in it, literally destroyed the slide lock assembly lock screw, trying to get it out. I disassembled the gun entirely, sanded the barrel with progressively finer cloth grits to remove bad pitting from wet holster storage, and put it back together. However, I cannot screw in the lock screw all the way. My thread check specs it as 8-40. An 8-40 taper tap will not start in the threads, which incidentally, look good. Any ideas?
I am looking at a model b with serial number 20xxx which does not appear to have the button in front of rear sight. When did the button be added or is there a problem with the parts on this b
Hi Bill, There were more than one version of Model B Hi Standards. For more info, check here/post a question here on the HS Forum:
http://disc.yourwebapps.com/Indices/226190.html#36426
Be sure to read the forum rules and follow them, or no answer will be given. Also, follow the High Standard Collector's Association blog at
http://www.hscollectors.blogspot.com
~~~~~ Mr. C.
I have a Hi Standard model "B" and am looking to buy additional magazines. All of the ones I see for sale are for 10 rounds. Mine only holds 9. I don't get it??
Nice info on the Model B. I inherited one a few years ago when my Grandfather passed away. Researching the SN, shows it was made at the end of 1934 or beginning of 1935. The gun is still a tack driver when shot from a rest. With CCI Mini Mags, on a good day I can consistantly keep 1 to 1 1/2" groupd. One of these days I'll splurge and buy a box of match grade to see what this old feller is really capable of achieving. It only has 1 original magazine with it, but after some searching, a company called Triple K has the factory specs for all of the High Standard magazines as well as reproduction grips in various materials. Grandpa took pretty good care of the gun, as the blueing is about 90-95% per my Gunsmith. It does help that Grandpa lived in Colorado, in a fairly arid area of the state, so rust isn't a big issue here. We're not sure if he was the original owner of the gun or if he bought it used. One of the few items in his estate that there wasn't a receipt for. That leads me to suspect he bought it from someone. There are pics of he and his brothers shooting the gun that dated 1938, so we know he had it prior to WW 2. I've listed it on my Firearm Insurance rider with a replacement value of $2,000. Might be a tad high, but although they're not as rare as some models from that era, it's not something you see everyday either. Like you Sir, No it's not for sale either. It has too much sentimental value to part with it.
A little more history on the Model B. High Standard purchased the Hartford Arms Company in 1932. The Hartford Arms 1925 Automatic became the Model B, and it was the first gun produced by High Standard. The models C, A, D, E and S are known to collectors as the "Letter" series of pistols. Approximately 65,000 Model B's in 3 versions were made. Type 1-A from 1932 to February of 1938.
Type 1-B from March of 1938 to August of 1939.
Type II from August of 1939 until production ceased.
An FYI for everyone. High Standard was the only American made pistol to ever win a Gold Medal in an Olympic Shooting Event. In 1952, Joe Benner took the Gold in the 50 meter Free Pistol Competition in Helsinki, Finland. Benner used a Supermatic.In 1960, Colonel William MacMillan used a High Standatd to take the Gold in Rapid Fire competition. The Colonel used a Supermatic Trophy to beat out the competition. Not shabby for a company that originally made drill bits and bores for the Oil industry.
Which production year is Serial number 38245?
Correction, the serial number is 31048, what is the year of build?
When attempting to field strip my HB model I hit a hard stop when moving the slide rearward to remove it. Allow me to add that I thoroughly understand the field strip procedure and follow it exactly it is not a problem with me doing the procedure incorrectly.
What might the problem be?
I have a Hi-Standard Model "B" ,22 and I'm looking for a Barrel
oliverio1950@yahoo.com
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