Welcome, in case you are a newcomer to this enjoyable bi-weekly section of AllOutdoor.com! Final time round, we explored the dating system, specifications, and aftermarket parts availability of the H&R Mannequin 676. This adopted our deep dives into the revolver’s fascinating history and its numerous manufacturing configurations. In the present day, we’re heading to the vary with this attention-grabbing rimfire revolver to see how its foot-long barrel and convertible cylinder system carry out in the true world. Let’s dive proper in!
Latest Protection in Curious Relics
Welcome to our recurring collection of “Curious Relics.” Right here, we need to share all of our experiences, data, misadventures, and keenness for older firearms that one may categorize as a Curio & Relic – any firearm that’s a minimum of 50 years outdated in line with the ATF. Hopefully alongside the way in which you possibly can garner a higher appreciation for older firearms like we do, and concurrently you possibly can educate us issues as nicely by way of sharing your individual experience and ideas within the Feedback. Understanding the firearms of outdated, their significance, and their improvement which result in most of the arms we now cherish at the moment is extremely fascinating and we hope you get pleasure from what we’ve got to share, too!
Vary Time: H&R Mannequin 676
The H&R Mannequin 676 with its 12-inch barrel guarantees to be fairly the tack driver – a minimum of on paper. With practically a foot of sight radius, you’d anticipate this rimfire revolver to rival some small-bore rifles for accuracy. Nevertheless, as I found throughout testing, principle and follow don’t at all times align completely.
Taking pictures offhand, the revolver’s appreciable size makes itself identified instantly. Regardless of weighing in at round three kilos, the prolonged barrel creates a definite problem for unsupported capturing. Whereas the load helps dampen recoil (not that there’s a lot with .22 rimfire anyway), it additionally makes holding regular a take a look at of endurance. For these of us blessed with less-than-steady palms and a touch of impatience, offhand capturing turns into an train in humility.
The actual potential of this long-barreled magnificence emerges when correctly supported. From a bench relaxation, the Mannequin 676 transforms from an unwieldy handful into one thing approaching a precision instrument. My testing concerned each .22 LR and .22 WMR ammunition, shot in each double and single motion, at 15 and 25 yards. Federal 40-grain lead rounds (1200 fps) represented the .22 LR facet, whereas CCI TNT Inexperienced (30-grain at 2050 fps) dealt with magnum duties.
Maybe essentially the most attention-grabbing discovery got here from the numerous point-of-impact shift between the 2 cartridges. The .22 Magnum persistently printed about 1.5 inches decrease than the .22 LR at 15 yards when capturing offhand. This sample grew to become much more pronounced at 25 yards from the bench, the place the .22 LR truly shot excessive whereas the Magnum continued its downward pattern. The dramatic velocity distinction between the 2 masses (850 fps) doubtless explains this phenomenon, because it impacts each bullet trajectory and the timing of the bullet’s exit from the barrel.
The revolver’s sighting system proved to be each a blessing and a curse throughout testing. These chunky, square-profile sights that appeared so strong and sensible in principle grew to become considerably problematic at longer ranges. The blocky entrance sight tends to obscure extra of the goal than best, significantly at 25 yards. Whether or not attributable to getting old eyes or real sight design points, attaining exact sight alignment grew to become more and more difficult as distances grew. This attribute appeared to have an effect on precision capturing extra considerably than informal plinking.
Remaining Ideas: H&R Mannequin 676
The H&R Mannequin 676, significantly in its 12-inch barrel configuration, stands as an interesting piece of American firearms historical past. Whereas the H&R identify could not carry the identical weight it did within the Nineteen Seventies and Nineties once they have been identified for reasonably priced, dependable firearms, these revolvers stay an intriguing choice for collectors and shooters alike. For anybody desirous about distinctive rimfire handguns, the Mannequin 676 presents an reasonably priced entry level into the world of classic revolvers. Whether or not you’re drawn to its distinctive lengthy barrel, its convertible cylinder system, or just its place in firearms historical past, these revolvers present each historic curiosity and sensible capturing enjoyment. Simply keep in mind – when you’re planning to take one to the vary, deliver a relaxation and pack each .22 LR and .22 WMR ammunition. The distinction in efficiency between the 2 may shock you as a lot because it did me.
In closing, I hope our Curious Relics section knowledgeable in addition to entertained. This all was written in hopes of continued firearm appreciation and preservation. We didn’t simply notice how guns have been purported to look and performance. It was an extended and tedious course of that has formed the world we dwell in. So, I put it to you! Is there a firearm on the market that you just really feel doesn’t get a lot notoriety? What ought to our subsequent Curious Relics subject cowl? As at all times, tell us your whole ideas within the Feedback under! We at all times respect your suggestions.
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