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HIGH CONDITION HOPKINS & ALLEN “RANGER NO. 2” SPUR TRIGGER “SO-CALLED SUICIDE SPECIAL” 32 RIMFIRE X 2-7/8” BARREL ANTIQUE SINGLE ACTION
Guns International #: 101112172 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Hopkins & Allen Revolvers - Antique Revolvers - Cartridge
Seller's Information
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Seller: victorio1sw
Member Since: 8/4/13
State: Texas
Country: United States
Fax:
Number of Active Listings: 4
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders.
Description:
**********SOLD**********
Description:
These small pocket-sized revolvers are becoming very popular again, after some recent articles have re-introduced the many manufacturers, design varieties, catchy names, and special features. The old term “Suicide Special” is hardly appropriate, as these were purchased as a concealable form of protection, or as a “second gun” drawn when other options run out.
The top strap is deeply stamped “Hopkins & Allen M’f’g Co / Pat. Mch 28, 71 May 27, 79 / Ranger No. 2”. The serial number 5698 appears under the left grip near the butt, on the inside of the right grip in pencil, on the underside of the barrel, and on the front face of the cylinder.
This 5-shot revolver is chambered for the 32 Rimfire, a cartridge that has not been available since about 1940. The beginning of WWII ended the production of most rimfire and many centerfire rounds. This is a single action revolver with a spur trigger, which is the typical design of this type. The cylinder is fluted. The cylinder pin release is a blade type on the front left side of the frame. The gun could be loaded by releasing and withdrawing the cylinder pin, using the pin to punch loose any fired cartridges, filling the chambers with additional rounds, and replacing the cylinder in reverse order. If the cylinder had not been loaded, then drawing the hammer to the first cock position allowed the cylinder to be rotated for loading through the side port. This first cock is not a safety position for carrying the revolver while loaded. It was carried with the hammer on an empty chamber, or by carefully lowering the rimfire firing pin to rest between chambers.
Drawing the hammer to full cock makes two very audible “clicks” as the first cock is passed and the full cock notch is reached, while the cylinder is also locked in firing position. I have to believe that cocking this gun had the same effect on an intruder as the noise made in “racking” a pump shotgun!
The overall length of this revolver is 6-3/4”, with a round barrel that actually measures 2-7/8”. The bore is deeply rifled with 5 lands and grooves of equal width. The chambers appear to be straight-through bored, which was required for a cartridge with a heeled bullet (basically the same diameter as the cartridge case). The lead bullets had external canalures, with external grease, which is one reason why the 32 rimfire cartridge is extinct. The bore and chambers are in very good condition, having the expected scattered areas of light pitting from the use of black powder and mercury fulminate primer material. Chamber pictures show some dried oil inside.
Most of these little revolvers are found in worn-out condition with little finish and often with a mechanism issue. This one is exceptional. The remaining nickel finish is as follows: barrel 97%, frame and straps 97%, cylinder 80% (mostly gone on front and rear faces), and cylinder pin latch 90%. The hammer and trigger show traces of color case hardening. The very nice un-chipped rosewood grips retain 90% original varnish. The front sight blade is in its original and peculiar profile, and was not altered by filing. Only the knurling on the cylinder pin got ruffed up a bit in the past. The cylinder pin was originally blued or casehardened.
Overall, this is a superior example of a Ranger No. 2 retaining a high degree of nickel finish and grip varnish, and remaining functionally very crisp. It was believed to be manufactured between 1879 and 1900, but in a caliber where cartridges are no longer available.
This Hopkins & Allen in an obsolete rimfire caliber is classified as “Curio & Relic”, and can be mailed directly to the purchaser. No FFL involved.
Terms:
No International sales. Not being sold as a shooter, but as a collector’s antique revolver in an obsolete caliber. If you want to shoot any older firearm, first take it to a gunsmith and have it checked out.
Three day inspection period, but ask questions prior to buying (see additional notes on returns at bottom). Additional pictures sent on request. Send me an email, and we can set up a phone call to discuss details of this antique gun.
See my 20 years of feedback ratings on eBay (user name: victorio1sw). Member NRA, TGCA, CCA, RSA, and S&WCA.
I accept Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders. No personal checks or Western Union MO’s. Payment must be received within seven days after sale date, and sent by Priority Mail with Tracking Number provided by buyer. Shipping by FedEx Ground with insurance $24.00 (and tracking number provided to buyer). Usually shipping occurs within 3 days after payment received.
Three (3) day Inspection and Return Policy: Only if returned Exactly as Received - Not Disassembled for Inspection, Not Tampered, Not Broken/Chipped/Scratched/Dented/Scuffed, or any Parts Switched. Any Original Documentation sent Must Be Returned with item.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes