Hartford Arms Automatic Target Model 1925 .22 LR, 6.75 in Barrel, Blued, Rare U.S. Semi-Auto Target Pistol (circa 1926–1930)
This Hartford Arms Automatic Target Model 1925 stands out as a scarce early American .22 LR target pistol with a documented production of approximately 5,000 units. Built in Hartford, Connecticut, it traces its design lineage to Lucius N. Diehm’s early autoloading patents and served as the predecessor to the High Standard Model B. Featuring a 6.75-inch round-profile barrel, fixed sights, and a blued steel construction, it represents a notable chapter in early U.S. rimfire semi-automatic development.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: The extractor arm is broken. There are scratches, widespread finish loss, and blemishes present. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Hartford Arms Automatic Target Model 1925 .22 LR pistol
- 1x 10-round detachable steel magazine (Model 1925 pattern) with heel-catch tab
Produced in limited numbers during the late 1920s, this Model 1925 is regarded as a rare and collectible U.S.-made target pistol. It carries the left-frame maker/address rollmark and reflects the Hartford Arms & Equipment Co. heritage from Hartford, Connecticut.
The pistol uses a simple blowback, semi-automatic action chambered in .22 LR, paired with a 6.75-inch round-profile steel barrel. Capacity is 10+1 with a detachable single-stack magazine retained by a heel-catch, consistent with early target pistol practice.
Sighting is straightforward and robust, with a fixed blade front and a fixed square-notch rear integral to the slide/topstrap. The slide has rear vertical serrations for manipulation. The overall package wears a blued finish on a steel frame and receiver.
Ergonomics and handling details include checkered black hard-rubber grip panels with visible brass bushings. The included magazine is the Model 1925 pattern steel unit with a heel-catch tab, aligning with the original configuration.
Historically, the Model 1925 sits at an important crossroads in American rimfire pistol design. Its engineering roots connect to Lucius N. Diehm’s early patents, and the platform directly influenced the later High Standard Model B, enhancing its appeal to collectors focused on developmental lineage.