Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! This H&R U.S.R.A. Model single-shot pistol was built between 1928-1941 for serious target shooters when precision shooting was actually popular in America. H&R made it to meet United States Revolver Association competition standards during the golden age of bullseye shooting. Back then, precision shooting drew crowds like modern sports do. H&R saw American shooters getting priced out by expensive European target pistols and figured they could build something just as accurate for working-class money. The U.S.R.A. Model was H&R’s answer to Smith & Wesson’s Straight Line and Colt’s Camp Perry pistols. Those guns cost serious money, but H&R delivered the same accuracy at prices regular folks could afford. The single-shot design cut out all the variables from revolving cylinders or magazines – pure accuracy, nothing else.
The break-open action locked up tight and the adjustable sights let competitors dial in their equipment for different ranges. H&R’s quality control was on point during this period. They tested every pistol to make sure it shot where it was supposed to. The U.S.R.A. Model came out when every town had shooting clubs and competitive marksmanship was considered a gentleman’s sport. World War II killed both the pistol’s production and that whole era of civilian shooting competition.
“Harrington & Richardson U.S.R.A. Model Single Shot Pistol.” Rock Island Auction Company, https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/5012/348/harrington-richardson-usra-model-single-shot-pistol. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
Writer | TheFirearmBlog
Writer | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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