Harrington & Richardson Topper Model 88 .410 Bore Single-Shot, 25 in Barrel, Color Casehardened Receiver, AX-Prefix 1981
This H&R Topper Model 88 is a .410 bore, single-shot break-action shotgun made in Gardner, Massachusetts, with an AX-prefix indicating 1981 production. It features a 25 in blued steel barrel, a color casehardened steel receiver, and uncheckered hardwood furniture. Simple, durable construction and period-correct finishes make this 1980s Topper 88 a straightforward and collectible example.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Specific Condition Notes: Minor surface rust is present. There are some scratches from prior handling and storage.
What’s Included
- Harrington & Richardson Topper Model 88 .410 bore single-shot shotgun
The Topper Model 88 is H&R’s economy Model 088, part of the long-running Topper series. This example was built in the USA and the AX serial prefix places it in 1981, aligning it with the 1980s production era in Gardner, Massachusetts.
It is configured in .410 bore with a 25 in blued steel barrel and a capacity of one. The muzzle shows no visible choke threads. Sighting is a plain brass front bead with no rear sight, consistent with the model’s straightforward field layout.
The receiver is color casehardened steel, providing the classic mottled finish associated with H&R guns of this period. The action is a single-shot break-action with an external hammer, emphasizing simplicity and reliability.
Furniture consists of uncheckered hardwood: a semi-pistol grip stock with a black buttplate and a slim matching forearm. The length of pull measures 13.5 in, offering a compact and handy fit for a variety of shooters.