2 .22 revolvers

[diesel instructor]

my bil of over 50 years recently passed away and his wife(my wife's sister) gave me these two revolvers. One is an Iver Johnson "Sportsman", mod. A524, 4 3/4 in. bbl. SN 57xxx. Would like to determine year of manufacture. appears to be in new condition, cyl. locks up tight in battery and each chamber times up real well. trigger is about 4 lbs. I think I have a dandy little plinker here. The other is of unknown manfacture, a SA with 22lr and 22mag clynders. 5 in bbl. under bbl says Germany 261xxx, SN also in front of trigger guard. on one cylinder "22 magn  Germany" the other, nothing. on the bottom of the butt, "LA"s DEPUTY". any info on this one?

[Gerry N.]

That one isn't tough to pin down.  It was imported by at least half a dozen importers and sold as "Heritage Rough Rider" "Hawes Western Sherrif", and at least four other names.  Inexpensive when new, Numrich carries almost all parts, I have one in .22LR and like it.  One thing is if it's lost or you run it over, you've only lost about $100.00.   Heritage is still importing 'em and has some accessories and aftermarket goodies like faux mother of pearl and color laminated grips.   They aren't the best, but mine is good enough for plinking and is accurate to minute of NECCO Wafer or soda cracker at the gravel pit.

Gerry N.

[44 Man]

I owned one of those single actions made by Hawes back in the late 60's and it was extremely accurate!  Don't sell it short until you shoot it.  Of course the 'Sportsman' is a nice little all around revolver.  44 Man