Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Harrington & Richardson More Info

About the Gun

This is a compact, top-break pocket revolver designed for discreet concealed carry. Its fully enclosed hammer eliminates snags, while the double-action-only trigger delivers reliable function through a long, heavy pull. Built on a lightweight steel frame with a ribbed round barrel, it chambers five rounds of .32 S&W Short, ejecting spent cases automatically upon breaking open. Finished in bright blue or nickel.

Production

This Second Model production ran from 1905 to 1941.

Market value

Current market value for this model in near-excellent condition ranges from $330 to $440.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.32 S&W
Alias:	.32 Smith & Wesson Short
More Info

Analysis

In the competitive early-20th-century pocket revolver segment, Harrington & Richardson's Hammerless Second Model emerged as a budget-friendly alternative to pricier Smith & Wesson offerings, emphasizing snag-free design for urban self-defense amid rising concealed-carry demand. Evolving from the black-powder First Model, it bridged eras by adopting smokeless compatibility in 1905, just as .32 S&W loads shifted commercially around 1900-1903, allowing seamless use of cleaner, more reliable ammunition without frame redesigns. Interestingly, its rebounding hammer predated modern drop-safety standards, contributing to its reputation for pocket reliability, though wartime production halts in 1941 ended the line. Today, it appeals to collectors for its role in democratizing affordable handguns, with surviving examples often showing innovative nickel plating techniques from the period.