Histandard Model Hd Military Serial Numbers Best Fixed -

: The most common variant (150,000 produced). Marked "High Standard H-D Military". NRA Museums: Quick Reference Table Model Designation Approx. Serial Range Production Years Finish/Notes 100,000 – 110,000 1940–1942 Deep blue luster finish USA Model H-D 110,000 – 150,000 1943–1946 Military issue; parkerized later in war USA HD M/S 114,000 – 117,000 1943–1944 Suppressed OSS model H-D Military 150,000 – 330,000 1946–1955 Post-war commercial; common shooter SERIALIZATION - NRA Museums:

This is the most significant pitfall for collectors reviewing serial numbers on these pistols.

Whether you are decoding the serial number of a family heirloom, shopping for your first vintage target pistol, or simply satisfying your curiosity about a fascinating piece of firearms history, the resources in this guide will serve you well. Use histandard.info for the data, consult John Stimson for the precise shipment date, browse Rimfire Central for community wisdom, and invest in John Currie’s new book if you plan to go deep into the brand.

Produced for the U.S. government during WWII (often marked "Property of U.S."). histandard model hd military serial numbers best

| Priority | Target Serial Range | Reason | |----------|----------------------|--------| | | 150,000 – 152,000 | First production run, blue finish, scarce | | Best shooter/restoration | 160,000 – 168,000 | Peak wartime-spec Parkerized, common parts | | Rarest variant | 170,000 – 173,000 | Last military contract overrun, very few exist |

That said, broad serial‑number ranges and letter prefixes can still tell you a great deal about your gun.

The "H" in H-D stands for an , differentiating it from early internal-striker High Standard designs. The letter "D" refers to its heavy target barrel configuration. : The most common variant (150,000 produced)

Not all Model HD Military pistols are created equal. The serial number on the frame dictates whether a pistol is a standard post-war plinker or an incredibly rare military artifact. Collectors look for three distinct tiers when searching for the "best" models:

Knowing how to trace these serial numbers ensures you can confidently evaluate the history, lineage, and market value of this classic American firearm.

If you want to determine the or shipment history of a specific firearm, consider consulting the official archives maintained by the High Standard Collectors Association . They hold factory ledger duplicates capable of identifying specific military depot destinations. Let me know: Produced for the U

1. The OSS "MS" Suppressed Pistols (Serial Range: 114,000 – 117,000)

+---------------------------+-----------------------+---------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | Frame Stamp Variation | Approximate Years | Est. Production Qty | Historical Significance & Characteristics | +---------------------------+-----------------------+---------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | "High Standard H-D" | 1940 – 1942 | ~6,900 units | Pre-war civilian models; highly polished blue. | +---------------------------+-----------------------+---------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | "Model H-D USA" / "U.S." | 1943 – 1946 | ~44,000 units | Genuine WWII military contract; Parkerized finish.| +---------------------------+-----------------------+---------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | "Model H-D Military" | 1946 – 1955 | ~150,000+ units | Post-war commercial; added external safety lever. | +---------------------------+-----------------------+---------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ Serial Number Table: Peak Military Production Era

While the HD Military is common and often used as a high-quality "plinker," its value varies based on condition and history.

Wartime HD Military pistols were (a dull grey-green phosphate). The best ones have 95%+ original parkerizing with no rust, pitting, or holster wear. If the gun is blued, it is either a commercial model or a post-war refinish. A blue finish on a military serial number kills value.

The stamped on the frame (you can substitute the last two digits with "XX" for privacy) The exact text roll-stamped on the slide or barrel