Questions on an H&R 904 Target

[Greatguns]

I acquired, in a trade a while back, an H&R 904 target 9 shot DA revolver in .22LR. I have always wanted something like this, but have never been into revolvers. I looked up the SN and it appears to be a 1984 model year and seems to have good lock up. Besides the normal "what's it worth" type questions, I also am wondering about whether I can shoot HV ammo out of it or not? I know some older .22LR firearms shouldn't shoot HV with some even stating on the barrels to shoot standard velocity ammo only. This has no stamping to that effect nor is it really that old so am thinking I'll be okay, but wanted to ask and give a little show and tell.
FYI, this is the first Model 904 Target I have ever seen. It is a swing out cylinder as opposed to the drop outs of the 922 type SA revolvers or the break open style of the 999 Sportsman type. The pics, of course, show ever micro defect, but it looks a lot better in person. Also, thinking about refinishing the grips vs. trying to find replacements?


Here's a few pics;

[ramblin84]

Those H&R revolvers are built like tanks.  I can't imagine anything hurting those.  Even the 999 which came later with a thinner barrel will take anything.

HOWEVER, I have read where they don't group well with HV ammo due to rifling characteristics.  SV are probably more accurate.

[Onepoint]

I have several H&R pistols, all in the 900 series and HV ammo works fine.  They are accurate enough with it, not that I worry so much about that. Only the older early ones like the 22 specials etc may not like it, though mine I inherited does fine with it as well.  Probably any that are the 3 number series are fine with it safety wise.

H&Rs have been creeping up in value over the years especially the Sportsman /999.  The Sidekicks and other fancier ones are going around the $400 range now depending on condition.

If the grips are not gouged too deep,  they can be refinished nicely, though value wise they like the original finish, so depends on what want to do with it.  Ebay often has grips and parts for H&Rs.

They are great camping plinking pistols, despite an often heavy rough trigger.

[xtriggerman]

 ^ what he said!  Yeah as long as you have good cylinder timing, shoot anything pressure wise in the gun. I'v done some trigger work on these guns and there is some improvement to be had in the single action and DBL action pulls but nothing spectacular or you risk light hits with the design. Great bang around guns for sure.

[Greatguns]

Thanks for the feedback all. I've had this thing for little a while now and haven't even shot it yet. Kept debating whether to keep it or trade it off for a semi-auto pistol like a Kel-tec P-17