The High Standard Manufacturing Company of New Haven, Connecticut, produced the Model HD Military from 1948 to 1950 (despite common misconception, most WWII training used the earlier H-D model). The "HD Military" is distinguished by its 6.75-inch barrel, "ears" on the rear sight, and a Parkerized finish. Serial numbers are the primary key to dating these pistols.
To answer the query "histandard model hd military serial numbers best" definitively:
Regardless of which you choose, owning a Hi-Standard Model HD Military is owning a piece of living history. It was the quiet workhorse of WWII training, and today, with the right serial number in your hand, it remains one of the most satisfying .22 pistols ever built.
Pro Tip: Join the High Standard Collectors Association online forums. Post the serial number prefix before you buy. The community there can tell you within 500 units exactly what you are holding.
Happy hunting, and may your bore be bright and your parkerizing original.
Disclaimer: Firearm laws vary by jurisdiction. Always verify local regulations before purchasing a historical firearm. This article is for informational and historical purposes only.
High Standard (Hi-Standard) Model HD Military is a classic .22 caliber rimfire pistol renowned for its historical significance and exceptional build quality. Originally developed during WWII for marksmanship training, it remains a favorite among collectors and "plinkers" for its reliability and precision. Historical Background The "H" in HD stands for , distinguishing it from earlier internal-hammer models. Military Origins
: During WWII, the U.S. government purchased thousands of Model HDs for training recruits. Clandestine Use : The OSS (CIA predecessor) used a suppressed variant, the USA Model H-D MS
, for covert missions. A suppressed Hi-Standard was famously found with U-2 pilot Gary Powers when he was shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960. Production Era : The "HD Military" was manufactured primarily between 1946 and 1955
, though earlier HD models without the "Military" designation date back to 1940. Serial Number Identification
Serial numbers are the most reliable way to date your pistol, though they were not always shipped in perfect numerical order. Standard Serial Range histandard model hd military serial numbers best
: Most HD Military pistols fall within the late 100,000 to 300,000+ range. MS (Silenced) Range
: The highly rare suppressed military variants typically fall between 114,000 and 117,000 Best Resources John Stimson’s Hi-Standard Information
: Widely considered the "gold standard" for serial number research based on original factory records. Book Resource High Standard Firearms History 1932 to 1984 Connecticut by John G. Curry is the most authoritative print guide. Key Specifications .22 Long Rifle (LR) Straight blowback, single-action with external hammer Barrel Lengths 4.5 inches or 6.75 inches (heavy target style) 10-round detachable box with heel release Adjustable rear for windage and elevation Collector's Perspective High Standard Model H-D Military
The High Standard Model HD Military serial number range typically falls between 150,000 and 345,000, covering production from 1946 to 1951. This post-WWII commercial model is distinguished by its external hammer ("H") and adjustable sights, unlike the earlier parkerized "USA Model H-D" variants specifically produced for the War Department between 1943 and 1945. Understanding the High Standard HD Military
The "HD Military" was a continuation of High Standard's successful line of .22 target pistols. While thousands of earlier HD models were purchased by the U.S. military for training, the specific "HD Military" branding was added to commercial models post-war to capitalize on their reputation for durability and accuracy.
Manufacturing Period: 1946–1951 (with some late assembly extending into 1955). Total Production: Approximately 150,000 units.
Key Features: Exposed hammer, adjustable rear sights for windage and elevation, and a last-round hold-open feature. Serial Number Ranges & Identification
Identifying your specific pistol requires locating the serial number on the front of the grip frame. Because High Standard often used a continuous serial number series across multiple models, the range can sometimes overlap with other series like the Model G .380. Model Variant Serial Range (Approx.) Production Era Finish/Key Markers 100,000 – 114,000 1940–1942 Commercial blue; "High Standard H-D" stamp Model USA H-D 115,000 – 150,000 1943–1945 Parkerized; "Property of US" markings H-D Military 150,000 – 345,000 1946–1951 High-polish blue; "HD Military" stamp Special and Military Variants
The OSS Silenced Pistols: Approximately 2,600 Model HD units (serial range 114,000–117,000) were produced with integral suppressors for clandestine operations by the OSS.
The U-2 Spy Plane Incident: A suppressed Model USA-HD (Serial #120046) was famously recovered from pilot Francis Gary Powers after his plane was shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960. The High Standard Manufacturing Company of New Haven,
Markings: Authentic military surplus pieces will feature crisp "U.S." property marks and a crossed-cannon ordnance acceptance cartouche on the right side of the frame. Collector Value and Resources
While the HD Military is common and often used as a high-quality "plinker," its value varies based on condition and history.
Market Value: Typically ranges from $250 for shooting-grade models to $700+ for mint condition pieces.
Magazines: These pistols require 10-round single-stack magazines. The feed lips are critical for reliable function; even minor bends can cause feeding issues.
Expert Reference: For the most detailed records, collectors often refer to the book High Standard Firearms History 1932 to 1984 Connecticut by John G. Curry.
Do you have a specific serial number you would like to cross-reference for a more precise manufacture date? High Standard Model H-D Military
The High Standard Model H-D Military was produced between 1946 and 1951 (extending to 1955 for some variants). Identifying these pistols requires distinguishing between civilian and military-contract versions based on their serial numbers and specific roll-marks. Serial Number Ranges & Production Dates
The High Standard "HD Military" typically falls into specific chronological blocks. Unlike modern firearms, the date is not encoded directly into the digits, but rather determined by comparing the serial number to production records. Production Era Est. Serial Range Total Produced 1940 – 1942 "High Standard H-D" Pre-Military 1943 – 1946 "High Standard Model H-D USA" 100,000 – 150,000* 1946 – 1955 "High Standard H-D Military" 150,000 – 340,000+
*Note: The famous OSS suppressed "MS" variant used by the CIA falls within the 114,000–117,000 range. Key Identification Markers
The "H" Designation: The "H" in HD stands for Hammer, indicating an external hammer instead of the internal striker found on earlier models like the Model B. Military vs. Post-War: Regardless of which you choose, owning a Hi-Standard
True Military Surplus: Look for crisp "U.S. Property" marks and a Parkerized finish.
Commercial "Military": Post-1946 models were sold to the civilian market with the "Military" name to capitalize on wartime reputation. These typically have a blued finish.
Location: The serial number is traditionally found on the front of the grip frame. Research Resources
For a "full paper" level of detail, professional collectors recommend the following authoritative sources:
The "Gold Standard" Book: High Standard Firearms History 1932 to 1984 Connecticut by John G. Curry is considered the definitive technical resource.
Expert Database: The John Stimson High Standard Database contains the most accurate shipment dates and serial number correlations.
Museum Records: The NRA Museums Serialization Guide provides high-level production windows. High Standard Military H-D: An Heirloom Plinker
The keyword "best" is subjective. Let’s settle the debate.
When reviewing a Hi-Standard HD Military based on serial numbers:
Disclaimer: This review is based on historical collecting data. Hi-Standard underwent several ownership changes (including Mitchell and Marlin), and later reproductions exist. Always consult a serial number lookup chart specific to the "HS" prefix for the most accurate dating.
Unlike modern firearms that use strictly sequential numbers, Hi-Standard used letter prefixes to denote the model series. For the HD Military, the serial number location and format are your first indicators.