Defender 89

Casull

Casull

Regular
Rating - 99.1%
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Location
Yukon Territory
This is a little .32 RF long revolver I have had sitting around for a few years. It had a weak trigger return spring so I ordered some V springs from Dixie Gun Works awhile ago and just got around to replacing it today. I am very pleased that is works so well, it is tight and functions great. The bore is in VG condition and the plating is still VG with a few spots on the lower grip frame only. The right grip panel has a small chip out of it, otherwise it is just as it was when it was made.
The only marking on it is, "Defender 89" on the top strap and in script on each grip. Does anyone know anything about these guns or who made them. Does the 89 indicate being made in 1889? I have seen others like this. It was given to me by a friend some time ago that had no interest in tackling the weak spring replacment. The quality is quite good, with fitting and finish being better than most of these cheaper little 1800s guns I have seen.
Because of when it was made and the caliber it's a prescribed antique so no paperwork required.
I have not fired it yet, but I will take it out when the snow and temperature allows and see if it hits anything. It sure is tight enough.
It seems as well built and tight as my S&W 1 1/2 in the same caliber but this cost a whole lot less.
The barrel is 1 1/2" long and it has a five shot cylinder, it is single action obviously.
Anyone have any info to add on this?
BTW, those are .32 RF short rounds in the picture, this revolver will take the longs also.

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I've got a defender frame and cylinder. Someone stripped it. It has very shallow "rifling". No actual twist, just there to give the impression.
 
Casull, try this http://armchairgunshow.com/otsDSZ_spurtriggers.htm
According to Gun Collectors Digest, yours is the "Number 2" variant
Number 1 22 cal
Number 1 1/2 30
Number 2 32
Number 3 38
Number 4 41
For greater details you need to refer to: Dan Webster's "Suicide Specials"(1958)
These small vest type revolvers were a copy of Rollin Whites design, that after patent expired in 1869, were copied "add nauseum."
They were so common that collectors in America often collected them by letter series;
IE- D for Defenders, B for Blue Jackets, R for Robin Hoods, etc etc etc...

Cool little ventilator Casull...
Cheers
 
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Casull,
You have an H&R Defender. originally sold for $1.85............I grew up with one that came down from my Great Grandmother, ..........as a small child I remember she always had it in her clutch bag and we were all warned never to touch that bag. Family lore says she used it on a regular basis for squirrel suppers and that her and it were deadly together.
Sadly, the original went through a fire so although it's mine, that's all I can say for it. Let me know if you ever want to part with yours. ~Arctic~
 
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