Harrington & Richardson Topper Model 158

[@MIKE-se8ye]

That old Topper brings back fond memories. My 1st shotgun. 8th birthday. Mine had a 20 gauge tube. Great little shotgun!

[@MilsurpGarage]

This frame seems like it’s made for the 20 gauge. Perfect size.

[@1957Shep]

One of these little 158s was my 1st shotgun and 2nd gun I ever owned. Cost $20 in 1973. It was a little 410. Hunted many a rabbit with it. It got retired in 1978 when I bought a new Remington 1100 12ga. Think I traded it off om something in the early 90s. Like most guns that I let get away, I wish I had kept it.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Hi Shep. I love .410’s…..always keep my eyes open for them.

[@ericbivins8014]

Dad got me an H&R 410 for Christmas when I was 10. It was a good squirrel gun.

[@garypiont6114]

I really appreciate the hours spent on firearms research . Thankyou.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Just read this in the middle of doing hours of research this morning, I needed that. Thanks.

[@crankygunreviews]

I love H&R guns- made very close to where I live. And I love their case hardened bluing. Super classic. As long as they lock up tight, they'll shoot well. I have the H&R and NEF in .410, 20 gauge, and 12 gauge (3 1/2" turkey gun). I had a 930 .22lr revolver that I sold, and I also have an H&R M1 Garand.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Yeah, wanted to get into the NEF guns but like I said, all that interchangeability stuff was too much to handle. Does the H&R factory building I show in the video still exist?

[@crankygunreviews]

@ building got torn down, it’s like a walgreens pharmacy now. 320 Park Ave Worcester Ma. I was going to drive to the locations of all the local manufacturers near me sometime. That one I did drive by, it’s def gone. The NEF factory on industrial Rowe in Gardner Mass is still there, but it’s just a commercial building now. Kahr Arms in Worcester is still there, very unassuming building- it’s just like a machine shop, doesn’t even say Kahr on it. They’re part of a larger conglomerate.

[@MarlinWilliams-ts5ul]

I like the way you delve into the history of these companies. Very interesting content.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it! It's always fun to dig into the history of these older firearms. Thanks for tuning in!

[@maineiacoutdoors689]

I have a 158. It was a Christmas gift to my Brother & I in the late 60s. The first real gun we got as boys.

[@MilsurpGarage]

So many "first gun" stories with these.......that is so cool. You never forget the first gun you owned. Thanks for tuning in.

[@dalemitchell2006]

Got one in 20 gauge for my 12th birthday. Shot many sassy ruffed grouse and snowshoe hares with it in 48 years. Still goes in the truck every September 15th and comes back in the house March 31st.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Sounds like you have a real workhorse there!

[@donniedickerson8077]

I so the same thing, it goes in the truck October 15, comes out May 30 lol

[@charliemowry774]

My birthday ​@@donniedickerson8077

[@mikematusek4233]

My H&R 12 gauge was a Topper Model 88, with a built in fixed Modified Choke, that I bought new in 1979/80 at a KMart. I ran about $88 in the day. I've taken many dove, duck Squirrel, and rabbit with it. i also have a NEF Pardner in.410 bought in the late 80's for the same price. It too has taken rabbit and quail.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Wanted to cover some other variance, but it gets too crazy to cover all interchangeability. Those sound really nice. I’m looking for a 36 inch full choke 12 gauge barrel for mine.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

Nice combination you came across MSG. Those H&R gun are real work horses. I had several in my hunting life and now I only have 1 in 410 caliber that I extensively worked over by refinishing the barrel and receiver to get out the tool marks reshaping the stock and for arm by shortening and thinning the forearm also fluting the Boston grip area and thinning the overall stock. Stock was Birchwood Casey natural wood finish and the metal was brown rust finish. This H&R was a late model and not very well done at all. Now it feels and looks 80% better.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Sounds like a nice job. These can really be improved by detailing.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

@ thank you.

[@wayneblair288]

You got what they call the small receiver I had a 158 but it had to screw on forearm it was a combo 20 gauge 28 full 3030 you'll be fine with that 30/30 on their I'm 63 and that was one of my first guns now I got my go to H&R is an sb2 280 with 13 barrels I got 48 in 16 that barrel will fit three other receivers.

[@rogergriffin9893]

Great gun. Perfect for a survival rifle. Those choices are EXACTLY what you need.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Yes, much better than the .22 survival rifles I believe. Very versatile. Thanks for tuning in.

[@mikewhisky9605]

First gun I purchased. From Parkers distributors in New Your. It was mailed to my house. A rare one it was. it was in 22 Remington Jet.

[@MilsurpGarage]

So many first gun stories.....these were responsible for so many "firearm people".

[@realityawayfromreality3494]

That's a great score. It will be an extremely accurate 30/30 I bet. Break action lockup with sights on the barrel promises good things.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Yeah, I gotta get out there and see how it does. There is a small part of my brain that is advising life insurance.

[@MichiganSilverBack]

I bought the short lane adapters for mine. 8" 45colt for 12g and 5" 357/38 for 20g

[@MilsurpGarage]

Learning about all these options. Amazing versatility.

[@raylaux8295]

Iver Johnson was also in play in the late 19th century to 1950's

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

Excellent review! IMO, the H&R Topper series is the ultimate single shot gun in the world. The design is currently sold by Savage under the Stevens brand & (sadly) produced in China.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Yes, I agree, I’ve never seen a Topper that wasn’t a decent example of a single shot.

[@walterrose854]

My first shotgun, 20 ga, many dives fell from its blast, that was 1974, planning to give it to my grandson in a couple years. Dad knew just what I wanted that Christmas 🎁

[@MilsurpGarage]

So many had these as a kid and passed them down. Love to hear it.

[@jeffreyelliott622]

I also shot 2 rounds of skeet so that was 50 shots and boy was that a mistake for my shoulder was black and blue for at least 2 weeks and I was in my early 20's but with the 28 in. barrel I did pretty well busting those clays and I wasn't even an expert at it either but it has a nice Sims Limbsaver recoil pad on it now to soften that stiff shoulder busting recoil !!! I also added a nice soft leather shoulder sling and a bright green fiberoptic front sight to get on target a lot easier !!!

[@MilsurpGarage]

Luckily, with the 20 gauge, it doesn’t really beat up the shoulder that hard, but I sure couldn’t find where it was hitting that’s for sure.

[@gregwillis7767]

I actually stopped your video to look up the 158 in 32-20, and found a forum about re- boring the 22 Hornet barrel for that cartridge. Yes I'm old (65), but how could this caliber have been overlooked at the factory in that era? Love the 32-20!!

[@MilsurpGarage]

Yeah, I guess it's pretty popular if guys are drilling out perfectly good barrels!

[@robertwilliams2623]

I have a H&R in 243 and bull barrel a tack driver and a new England arms in the same tack driver to. Will never get rid of them.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Nice!

[@MichiganSilverBack]

My dad gave me a topper 88 in 20ga in 1982, it was $79. Killed alot of small game with ut. My daughter shot a 7 pt buck with it around 2007. I picked up a 58 in 12g, pristine, like new about 2yrs ago on the used shelf at the local gun dealer. It was $169 and I was happy about it. Then last year I picked up an sb2 in 45.70 it was salty at 500 but I dont think it had ever been shot.. I love my H&R's!!

[@MilsurpGarage]

Nice collection. So many variations.

[@jeffreyelliott622]

I still have my H&R model 58 made in 1977 12ga. single shot that was my very 1st real run that I got for Christmas of 1978 and is in near mint condition and I also have a set of rifled barrel inserts that shoot .410 ga. 20 ga. .22LR .22Mag. .38Spl 9mm .45Colt and a muzzle loader adapter as well for black powder loads and it's the most versatile gun I own !!!

[@MilsurpGarage]

Those inserts are certainly another option to explore. These are so versatile.

[@chuckcafiero4546]

do one on handi rifles and or shotgun adapters

[@MilsurpGarage]

Always have my eye open for the next “thing”.....I’ll see what I can find.

[@doughosig6798]

had one for many years with a .30-30 barrel...added a 1.5 scope.... lightwieght and deadly deer gun..shot 3 inch groups at 100 yards

[@MilsurpGarage]

I’ve read that these were very capable with the .30-30 barrel. I gotta get out there.

[@darrenaurand7138]

I have the 158 with .410, 20 ga., 22 Rem Jet and 30-30. The Jet is a great plinker.... I believe mine is a bit older as both Jet and 30-30 have a ramp and leaf blade rear sight. Both rifle barrels very accurate. The 30-30 loves 170 grn. Winchester soft points.

[@MilsurpGarage]

I'm wondering if my barrels are a matching set from the original purchase. Yes, the flip up Lyman is definitely part of the "newer" generation.

[@joeltowle2737]

Very nice find!

[@MilsurpGarage]

Yes, these are always floating around the gun store rack and should not be ignored. Thanks for tuning in.

[@justacentrist4147]

22 rem jet is actually a really cool cartridge its just to bad it kinda died so ammo is not abundant. A barrel in 22 Hornet would be really cool

[@MilsurpGarage]

Target Sports has PPU Rem Jet for .78 cents a round. It’s around here and there.

[@brianlisaw5816]

Yeah I don't know about not taking one to the Trapper range I tell you what my brother shot one with his he had one in a 20 gauge modified barrel and took down a big old turkey with his so I don't know they're pretty spot-on most of the time I've got a 12-gauge with a modified barrel and I've taken a lot of game with it it was my first shotgun I ever had! And I still have it to this day!

[@MilsurpGarage]

I’m sure they’re good hunting guns, but that doesn’t always translate to good guns for trap shooting.

[@chrischiampo7647]

H&R is Back And Owned By Palmetto State Armory 😀😊😀

[@stevedye3121]

That is very good news, if they follow thru

[@chlebowg]

@@stevedye3121 They are making retro M16A1 (semi) rifles, which H&R made during VietNam for the Army.

[@MilsurpGarage]

The company that never dies…..

[@davidmosher9470]

What? I hope so. Somebody needs to build these great guns!

[@hquiller]

Hi Milsurp. You're the best enciclopedia on civilian guns. I love to collect milsurp and hunting shotguns. I have semi, pump, O/U, bolt action and I need a single shot shotgun preferred in 12ga for dove hunting. What would you recommend? The only model I know is the Winchester 37 and now this one.

[@MilsurpGarage]

@@hquiller Thanks for the kind words. I’m not a good person to ask which is best because I love them all, but I can tell you this, I’ve done a ton of videos recently on single shot break action shotguns so take a look back at my videos and see which one appeals to you!

[@hquiller]

@MilsurpGarage Ok! I'll do. Thanks! Last question. Any of those single shot shotguns you did a review didn't have a serial number? I have to register the shotgun if I want it for hunting. So I stay away from those without them.

[@jefferynatter1961]

I have 2 H&R 22 revolvers and an H&R 20 gauge Topper 490 all three are from the 70’s great guns this has become my favorite you tube channel btw great quote from Elon Musk

[@MilsurpGarage]

Glad you enjoy the channel! Nice collection of H&R’s!

[@ALNTV1541]

They don't make single shots like that anymore. For anyone who has never held one. If you find one, just pick it up and hold it. Then go find a new one made of polymer or cheap wood. You will quickly be able to tell the difference.

[@realityawayfromreality3494]

I agree that it's not a good trap gun. It's too light on the front end making it easy to overpower with your swing. They are whippy. They are pretty nice in the woods though. Needs more weight for things like pass shooting geese.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Yes. Those 14 hits felt good though.

[@CesarHernandez-76]

Can a .223 rem barrel be installed on that receiver?

[@MilsurpGarage]

In my opinion this is the problem with an interchangeable system like this in that there is a great danger in mixing and matching calibers that have no business being mixed and matched. The .223 is a round that generates a tremendous amount of pressure compared to a .30-30 and that is not something that would be readily known by someone with a pile of receivers and barrels. NO is the answer just because the consequences of being wrong are too great and the information online was so contradicting and convoluted that I realized right off the bat that it cannot be trusted. That’s not to say there aren’t some knowledgeable people online with the correct answers, it is just that there is too much to lose and if the wrong bit of “advice” from someone “knowledgeable” is followed you can be reloading your next batch of .223 with God. I’m certainly not the answer guy here....all I know is the 20 gauge barrel held up in my receiver so I assume the .410 will be ok.....haven’t shot the .30-30 yet and I would never, under ANY circumstances, attempt to fit a .223 chambered barrel to mine.

[@Wireman134]

No, if one is made in that chamber you would need a SB2 receiver made of steel. This receiver in this video is not that. A receiver that is used for newer rifle chambers like 25/06, 308 Win

[@MilsurpGarage]

@@Wireman134 I agree…..however…. I stayed away from the interchangeability topic in my video because I am nowhere near knowledgeable enough to give accurate information. That being said, you certainly seem to know what you’re talking about….don’t get me wrong here, but I encourage anyone with questions about interchangeability to consult a professional.

[@StephenBaylor-kl8wx]

12 gauge 30 inch full that's the ticket

[@MilsurpGarage]

Exactly.

[@michaelsereg2197]

The 22 LR inserts for 22 Jet chambers will NOT work in an H&R break action receiver The inserts were made for the S&W model 53 which had two firing pins (rimfire & centerfire) with selector on the hammer. The 22 LR nserts will work with 22 Jet caliber TC Contenders that a lso have two firing pins. Have a Gunsmith answer your comptability questions. I would not give advisie on your firearm without inspecting it and your barrels. Use at your own risk.

[@MilsurpGarage]

@@michaelsereg2197 yes, the ones I pictured are definitely not compatible as you noted, but I did see ones that had an offset 22 cartridge in the insert. I think those are made for normally center fire chamber conversions. Used the wrong picture. EDIT: Was going to find a link and post it here but can’t find it now. Maybe I was imagining things.

[@MichiganSilverBack]

You can let that clay bird get out there and take your time

[@MilsurpGarage]

With a 26’’ modified 20 gauge barrel? No way. You gotta jump on it. If anything I was behind.

[@RichFreireich]

Try the 10 gauge!!!

[@MilsurpGarage]

Eeesh.

[@chuckcafiero4546]

and 22Jet shells

[@MilsurpGarage]

Mere bag of shells.....

[@xmetguy1]

I don't think the shotgun frames are strong enough to shoot centerfire rifle rounds. I think you need a shotgun model called the Handy Rifle. These have case hardened frames Please be careful man.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Yes, you certainly need to be careful with these but this 158 comes with these barrels as a set. The 158 receiver is a bit different than the others in that respect but I agree…..careful is best and once again, I do not attest to knowing which barrel works with which receiver.

[@tberkoff]

You are quoting Elon Musk now?!?? Elon Musk -- who has taken ass kissing to a whole new level in the last few weeks. Its freaking comical and its too bad you don't see through the BS and spin. Lets keep politics out of these videos if you don't mind. I've been watching you from the beginning in part because you focus on the guns and the history of firearms. Lets not stray from that formula now.

[@MilsurpGarage]

The theme lately has been to put a quote related to freedom and liberty at the beginning of our videos as our right to bear arms is the epitome of our freedom in America. These quotes can be on a range of topics which I believe relate to freedom. I’ve previously used Elon Musk long before he endorsed any political persuasion and have even quoted historical and modern figures who were from all kinds of political backgrounds because the quotes were NOT political but ideological. That being said, if any quote freedom related rubbed you the wrong way, and you’re looking at it from a political perspective, maybe your political choices need to be examined more closely. Not mine. I’ve never talked politics on this channel dude and we aren’t going to start now….lets just do some guns!

[@tberkoff]

@@MilsurpGarage Huh? Its a partisan political statement from Musk talking about Trump. Not a generic statement about freedom from Thomas Paine or George Washington. Stick to guns and leave politics out.

[@fedup-g7u]

@@MilsurpGarage ignore this POS

[@alexmiller880]

Wow white dudes for Harris has one gun fan boy lol its your channel put whatever you want guy this is America

[@michaelkaminsky9914]

His channel to do as he pleases, if it really bothers you that much it's always your freedom of choice to turn it off isn't it. Another choice you have is to start your own channel and run it as you see fit and deal with the comments from the community.

[@johnmills837]

Snap on forend is EARLIER Topper 158 pre 1975. Topper 158's are not SB1 or SB2 receivers. Topper 158 pre- date the SB! and SB2's Handi Rifle's typically had SB2's and Shotguns had SB1's after about 1986 when H&R ended and became NEF for a while the sold out to Marlin in the late 90's

[@MilsurpGarage]

Great information, I appreciate you taking the time to share it. It's information like this that makes me very afraid of any other barrels besides the ones I have. I actually shot the .30-30 barrel that is in this video at the end of my most recent video on the Remington Model 760 and the spent brass had the primers popped out a bit on every case. It functioned ok but that's a bit scary.

[@johnmills837]

@@MilsurpGarage Early Topper 158's had 22 Hornet and 30/30 barrels. Up to 40Kpsi pressure is fine on the old iron receivers. Primers pushing out is a low pressure issue or case not expanding enough.