High Standard Revolvers
- Thread starter Arcosdad
- Start date
For the money, they are pretty nice. Massad Ayoob included them in his 'Greatest Handguns of the World' anthology, and they're out of production (of course), so you can be confident that it wasn't done out of any profit motive.
The biggest 'but', for me, is the issue of spare parts. Anything less common, anything out of production, anything from a manufacturer no longer is business, all comes with it the issue of spare parts and will you be able to find them (should you need them). If you consider yourself a 'gun guy' and you enjoy spending time doing seemingly-endless searches on gun-related sites, you'll be fine. If, however, you're not a 'gun guy', and you don't want any hassle, I'd suggest you might focus on something more contemporary, like a Smith & Wesson Model 63, or a Ruger SP-101.
The biggest 'but', for me, is the issue of spare parts. Anything less common, anything out of production, anything from a manufacturer no longer is business, all comes with it the issue of spare parts and will you be able to find them (should you need them). If you consider yourself a 'gun guy' and you enjoy spending time doing seemingly-endless searches on gun-related sites, you'll be fine. If, however, you're not a 'gun guy', and you don't want any hassle, I'd suggest you might focus on something more contemporary, like a Smith & Wesson Model 63, or a Ruger SP-101.
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Wendell is quite right - if there is a problem with something that is out of production, sourcing parts can be an issue.
There revolvers are also in the category of "avoid complete disassembly unless absolutely necessary". Field stripping is no problem, but going further needs to be carefully considered.
I mentioned that they are unappreciated - my 6" came in the box, just about new, for $200 plus tax; the 4" (12-6) was from an auction house, just under $100 total. In addition to surface wear, someone had filed the rear sight down, trying to get an elevation zero. I just added some steel to the top of the front sight to accomplish the same thing.
There revolvers are also in the category of "avoid complete disassembly unless absolutely necessary". Field stripping is no problem, but going further needs to be carefully considered.
I mentioned that they are unappreciated - my 6" came in the box, just about new, for $200 plus tax; the 4" (12-6) was from an auction house, just under $100 total. In addition to surface wear, someone had filed the rear sight down, trying to get an elevation zero. I just added some steel to the top of the front sight to accomplish the same thing.
Good for their cost. Only high standard I still own is a target semi. Still looking for a Crusader though. - dan
If you do decide to delve into the High Standards, there are several books, but some of those books do not include their revolvers. Two books that do include their revolvers are:
Hi-Standard Pistols & Revolvers 1951-1984
by James V. Spacek, Jr.
<https://www.histandard.info/books/Spacek3_1280_960.html>
and
Handgunner's Guide: Including the Art of the Quick Draw and Combat Shooting
by Chic ###lord
<https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4896550-handgunner-s-guide>
Hi-Standard Pistols & Revolvers 1951-1984
by James V. Spacek, Jr.
<https://www.histandard.info/books/Spacek3_1280_960.html>
and
Handgunner's Guide: Including the Art of the Quick Draw and Combat Shooting
by Chic ###lord
<https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4896550-handgunner-s-guide>
Excellent information guys thanks. I'm going to go take a look at it. Other than my new Alfa, my other pieces are 1980 or older. Parts are an issue, true, but I don't shoot all that much anymore. Wouldn't wear anything out as long as it's in good shape to begin with!
