Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Harrington & Richardson More Info

About the Gun

Frontier style side ejection, heavyweight round barrel, contour shaped loading gate, wide hammer spur.

Production

Production of this firearm began in 1960 and continued until 1985.

Market value

Current used market value ranges from $150 to $250, depending on specific condition and market demand.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.22 LR
Alias:	.22 Long Rifle
More Info

Analysis

Harrington & Richardson positioned the Model 949 as an entry-level rimfire option that blended nostalgic Western aesthetics with practical functionality, appealing to budget-conscious shooters who wanted something beyond basic top-breaks or autos. It drew inspiration from classic single-action designs but incorporated double-action capability to broaden its appeal for casual plinking and training. Production records show the Model 949 "Forty-Niner" ran from 1961 to 1972 in its first variant (hammer-block safety), with a transition to the second variant (transfer bar ignition for improved safety) from 1973 to 1986 under the same model number and name. Some sources list the full run as 1961-1985/1986, but the early "Forty-Niner" labeling aligns most closely with the pre-1973 production. The name was not a later nickname but a factory-applied one used in catalogs, advertisements, and markings from introduction onward.