Letter Models

These are the first models made and used Letters to designate the various models. A few guns from this series were sold after WW II. Catalog numbers for this series were assigned after the war in order to utilize the record keeping system of that time. This design series utilized three different takedowns. Types I-A and I-B takedowns have the take down lever on the left side of the frame. Type I-A takedown has a round retracting rod protruding through the rear of the slide off center to the left side. Type I-B takedown is an improved more durable design with a rectangular retracting rod. Type II takedown has the take down lever in the right side of the frame with a round pick-up button on the top of the slide. Type I-A take down wad utilized from 1932 to February 1938 and the type I-B takedown was utilized from that time until August 1939. Models B and C are the only models with the Type I-A takedown. The other Letter Models utilized type I-B and II takedowns. The serial number ranges are best estimates as of the revision date.

Model B

A .22 LR caliber semiautomatic pistol with either a 4.50" or a 6.75" round barrel and a 10-shot magazine. Blues with checkered hard rubber grips (later production versions have checkered grips impressed with the High Standard monogram). Introduced 1932, with serial numbers beginning at 5000. Early production utilized Hartford parts. Approximately 65,000 made.

early models with Hartford Arms front sight, safety and takedown levers.

Model B-US

A version of the Model B with slight modifications to the frame. 4.50" barrel only. 14,000 made for the US government 1942-1943. Monogrammed hard rubber grips. Available with a 4.50" round barrel. Type II takedown only.

Model C

Like the Model B except in .22 short. Introduced 1936: approximately 4,700 made. Both plain and monogrammed hard rubber grips. . Available with either a 4.50" or a 6.75" round barrel. Early production in separate serial number series beginning with 500 and continuing through 3116. Joined regular serial number series at 42806. There are numerous Model C’s in the regular serial number series earlier than 42806 around 25600 which shipped a date later than the Model B’s in the same serial number range.

Model A

Similar to the model B but with checkered walnut grips over an extended grip and an adjustable sight. Introduced 1938; approximately 7,300 made. . Available with either a 4.50" or a 6.75" round barrel. The same light barrel as the model B.

Model D

Similar to a model A but with a heavier weight barrel (The middle weight barrel.). Available with either a 4.50" or a 6.75" barrel and checkered walnut grips. Checkered walnut grips optionally available and sold separately. Introduced 1938; approximately 2,500 made.

Model E

Like the model D but with a still heavier weight barrel (The heavy weight barrel.). Available with either a 4.50" or a 6.75" barrel. Checkered walnut grips with thumb rest. Introduced 1938; approximately 2,600 made.

Model S

Not a production model. Like the model B but with a smooth bore. 9 registered as Model S. Additional 5 with Model C slides are registered, Model C/S. Note Ivory bead front sight. Others may exist but only 14 are registered with BATF.

Compiled by _ John Stimson, Jr.,  Released ___10 April , 2001
Revised ___ 14 March , 2002,  Revised ___ 13 April, 2002,  Revised ___ 28 December, 2003
Revised ___ 21 July, 2004
© John J. Stimson, Jr. 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004