I see you're looking for information on the Hi-Standard Model HD military serial numbers. The Hi-Standard Model HD is a notable firearm, especially for its use in military and law enforcement contexts. Here are some interesting facts and information regarding its serial numbers and more:
High Standard manufactured over 200,000 H-D series pistols. You can typically find the serial number on the front of the grip frame Model H-D (Early Commercial) Serial Range 100,000 to 110,000 (overlapping with other models). : 1940–1942.
Between 1942 and 1946, High Standard produced approximately 140,000 Model HD Military pistols. These were used primarily by the U.S. Army Air Corps and the Navy for aerial gunnery training and basic pistol marksmanship. The "HD" stood for "Heavy Duty" or "Heavy Barrel," though some debate exists. Regardless, the pistol’s accuracy is legendary. histandard model hd military serial numbers best
Quick verification method:
Take your serial number (e.g., 158,500) and subtract 150,000. Add to 1948.
Example: 158,500 - 150,000 = 8,500 units produced after late 1948. Roughly 1,500/month → mid-1949 production. This is a collector-derived heuristic, not factory official, but highly accurate.
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 I see you're looking for information on the
The High Standard Model HD Military is widely considered the pinnacle of U.S. wartime .22LR target pistols. Manufactured between 1942 and 1950, it succeeded the Model H-D and incorporated improvements requested by the U.S. military. For collectors, the "best" serial numbers are generally associated with U.S. Property marked pistols (military contract) or early production models featuring specific finish characteristics.
Expert Database: The John Stimson High Standard Database contains the most accurate shipment dates and serial number correlations. You can typically find the serial number on
To date your pistol accurately:
You have found a candidate. Here is the final checklist for "best":