Welcome, if you are a newcomer to this fun bi-weekly segment of AllOutdoor.com! Last time around, we explored the dating system, specifications, and aftermarket parts availability of the H&R Model 676. This followed our deep dives into the revolver’s fascinating history and its various production configurations. Today, we’re heading to the range with this interesting rimfire revolver to see how its foot-long barrel and convertible cylinder system perform in the real world. Let’s dive right in!
Recent Coverage in Curious Relics
- Curious Relics #094: Introduction of a Legend – S&W Model 29
- Curious Relics #095: Not Even Close to Every Variant – S&W Model 29
- Curious Relics #096: The Legacy Soldiers On – Smith & Wesson Model 29
- Curious Relics #097: Muzzle Flash Included – Smith & Wesson Model 29
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!
Range Time: H&R Model 676
The H&R Model 676 with its 12-inch barrel promises to be quite the tack driver – at least on paper. With nearly a foot of sight radius, you’d expect this rimfire revolver to rival some small-bore rifles for accuracy. However, as I discovered during testing, theory and practice don’t always align perfectly.
Shooting offhand, the revolver’s considerable length makes itself known immediately. Despite weighing in at around three pounds, the extended barrel creates a distinct challenge for unsupported shooting. While the weight helps dampen recoil (not that there’s much with .22 rimfire anyway), it also makes holding steady a test of endurance. For those of us blessed with less-than-steady hands and a dash of impatience, offhand shooting becomes an exercise in humility.
The real potential of this long-barreled beauty emerges when properly supported. From a bench rest, the Model 676 transforms from an unwieldy handful into something approaching a precision instrument. My testing involved both .22 LR and .22 WMR ammunition, shot in both double and single action, at 15 and 25 yards. Federal 40-grain lead rounds (1200 fps) represented the .22 LR side, while CCI TNT Green (30-grain at 2050 fps) handled magnum duties.
Perhaps the most interesting discovery came from the significant point-of-impact shift between the two cartridges. The .22 Magnum consistently printed about 1.5 inches lower than the .22 LR at 15 yards when shooting offhand. This pattern became even more pronounced at 25 yards from the bench, where the .22 LR actually shot high while the Magnum continued its downward trend. The dramatic velocity difference between the two loads (850 fps) likely explains this phenomenon, as it affects both bullet trajectory and the timing of the bullet’s exit from the barrel.
The revolver’s sighting system proved to be both a blessing and a curse during testing. Those chunky, square-profile sights that seemed so robust and practical in theory became somewhat problematic at longer ranges. The blocky front sight has a tendency to obscure more of the target than ideal, particularly at 25 yards. Whether due to aging eyes or genuine sight design issues, achieving precise sight alignment became increasingly challenging as distances grew. This characteristic seemed to affect precision shooting more significantly than casual plinking.
Final Thoughts: H&R Model 676
The H&R Model 676, particularly in its 12-inch barrel configuration, stands as a fascinating piece of American firearms history. While the H&R name may not carry the same weight it did in the 1970s and 1990s when they were known for affordable, reliable firearms, these revolvers remain an intriguing option for collectors and shooters alike. For anyone interested in unique rimfire handguns, the Model 676 offers an affordable entry point into the world of vintage revolvers. Whether you’re drawn to its distinctive long barrel, its convertible cylinder system, or simply its place in firearms history, these revolvers provide both historical interest and practical shooting enjoyment. Just remember – if you’re planning to take one to the range, bring a rest and pack both .22 LR and .22 WMR ammunition. The difference in performance between the two might surprise you as much as it did me.
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.
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