Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this double-action revolver for a penny-start auction, this is the H&R Defender!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: H&R
Model: Defender
Serial: AA24981
Caliber: .38 S&W
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 2 ½"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front Blade with Fixed Rear Sights
Stock/Grips: Smooth Brown Synthetic
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The H&R Defender chambered in .38 S&W with a 2 1/2-inch blued barrel is a compact, rugged revolver that reflects Harrington & Richardson’s emphasis on durable utility firearms during the mid-20th century, offering a blend of simplicity, reliability, and understated craftsmanship. Built on H&R’s solid-frame double-action design, the Defender features a stout, fixed-cylinder construction rather than the company’s more common top-break mechanism, giving it notably stronger lockup and improved longevity with the slightly lower-pressure .38 S&W cartridge. The abbreviated 2 1/2-inch barrel makes it an accurate concealment-sized revolver, keeping the overall profile short, snag-resistant, and easy to carry in a pocket or holster. In contrast, the full-length ejector rod beneath the barrel provides positive case extraction—an appreciated detail for a gun in this size class. The blued finish on these models often shows deep, even polishing for a revolver of its era, complemented by crisp rollmarks and functional but straightforward fixed sights consisting of a square-notch rear milled into the topstrap and a serrated front post. Its grip frame typically wore compact, checkered wooden panels or hard rubber stocks that allowed a surprisingly secure hold despite the revolver’s small size, and the double-action trigger pull—though characteristically heavy—was designed for safe handling.
In contrast, the single-action mode tended to break cleanly and predictably.
Model: Defender
Serial: AA24981
Caliber: .38 S&W
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 2 ½"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front Blade with Fixed Rear Sights
Stock/Grips: Smooth Brown Synthetic
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The H&R Defender chambered in .38 S&W with a 2 1/2-inch blued barrel is a compact, rugged revolver that reflects Harrington & Richardson’s emphasis on durable utility firearms during the mid-20th century, offering a blend of simplicity, reliability, and understated craftsmanship. Built on H&R’s solid-frame double-action design, the Defender features a stout, fixed-cylinder construction rather than the company’s more common top-break mechanism, giving it notably stronger lockup and improved longevity with the slightly lower-pressure .38 S&W cartridge. The abbreviated 2 1/2-inch barrel makes it an accurate concealment-sized revolver, keeping the overall profile short, snag-resistant, and easy to carry in a pocket or holster. In contrast, the full-length ejector rod beneath the barrel provides positive case extraction—an appreciated detail for a gun in this size class. The blued finish on these models often shows deep, even polishing for a revolver of its era, complemented by crisp rollmarks and functional but straightforward fixed sights consisting of a square-notch rear milled into the topstrap and a serrated front post. Its grip frame typically wore compact, checkered wooden panels or hard rubber stocks that allowed a surprisingly secure hold despite the revolver’s small size, and the double-action trigger pull—though characteristically heavy—was designed for safe handling.
In contrast, the single-action mode tended to break cleanly and predictably.
Mechanically, the Defender incorporated H&R’s transfer-bar safety system in later variations, providing secure carry with all chambers loaded, a selling point compared with many contemporary revolvers. While the .38 S&W cartridge is mild by modern defensive standards, it delivers controllable recoil in the Defender’s petite frame, making it approachable for less experienced shooters and still perfectly adequate for close-range defensive use at the time. Today, the H&R Defender .38 S&W with its short 2 1/2-inch barrel stands out as an interesting transitional revolver—more robust and modern than early pocket guns yet still deeply rooted in classic American revolver design—prized by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its no-nonsense construction, historical charm, and practical shootability.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
