Hopkins & Allen Ranger No. 2
Hopkins & Allen Mfg. Co. · Revolver · Discontinued · 1879
Also known as: H&A Ranger No. 2, Ranger No. 2
Overview
The Hopkins & Allen Ranger No. 2 is a five-shot, single-action spur-trigger revolver chambered in .32 Short Rimfire, produced by the Hopkins & Allen Manufacturing Company of Norwich, Connecticut, from around 1879 to 1900. One of the inexpensive 'suicide special' pocket revolvers that flooded the American market in the late 19th century, it features a solid frame, a non-fluted cylinder, a bird's-head grip and a short barrel intended for concealed personal protection. Its design closely follows the early Smith & Wesson tip-up rimfire revolvers that were widely imitated after their patents expired.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 280 g (9.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 171 mm (6.73") |
| Barrel Length | 76 mm (2.99") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 210 m/s (689 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 119 J (88 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 14 m (15 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Nickel Plated |
Calibers
- .32 Short Rimfire · primary — also known as .32 Short, .32 RF Short, .32 RF
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Spur Trigger, Single Action, Fixed Cylinder, Bird Head Grip, Fixed Sights
Production
Production years: 1879-1900
Exact production figures are unrecorded; sold as a low-cost 'suicide special' pocket revolver.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1900
Notes
The Ranger series were among the least expensive revolvers Hopkins & Allen produced. As a 'suicide special', it was sold cheaply under numerous brand names; surviving examples typically carry low serial numbers and nickel plating with walnut or rosewood grips.
Background
Cheap solid-frame spur-trigger revolvers like the Ranger No. 2 earned the nickname 'suicide specials' in the 1880s-1890s because they were affordable, widely available pocket guns, often of marginal quality and marketed under a bewildering array of trade names.