Histandard Model Hd Military Serial Numbers Best Hot! | SAFE |

A suppressed High Standard Model HD (Serial #120046) was famously recovered by Soviet forces from the cockpit of CIA pilot Francis Gary Powers when his U-2 spy plane was shot down over Sverdlovsk in 1960.

: Over 150,000 guns were produced with a deep civilian blue luster finish and an updated grip angle designed to mimic the classic M1911A1 .45 ACP combat pistol. High Standard Serial Number Reference Table

Look for the checkered walnut grips. Early models had finer checkering, while later models became slightly coarser.

Factory magazines use a single-stack, 10-round design with a bottom heel release. Ensure the magazine lips are straight, as bent lips are the primary cause of feeding failures in this model. 💰 Valuation and Market Rarity histandard model hd military serial numbers best

The rarest and most coveted HD Military models are those produced for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII. These were made between October 1943 and March 1944. Approximately 114,000 to 117,000.

These are the rarest and most valuable. They were integrally suppressed for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII.

Identifying your specific pistol requires locating the serial number on the . 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 A suppressed High Standard Model HD (Serial #120046)

Beyond the serial number, the "best" pistol is often determined by its condition. Collectors should look for:

Post-war commercial models will be clearly roll-stamped "MODEL H-D MILITARY" on the left side of the slide, along with the company's factory location ( The High Standard Mfg. Co., New Haven, Conn., U.S.A. ).

As the U.S. military ramped up marksmanship programs, they contracted High Standard to build a cost-effective trainer. The resulting omitted the adjustable rear target sight in favor of a rugged fixed sight, added an external safety lever, and replaced the deep blue finish with a non-reflective Parkerized coating to optimize factory throughput. These pistols feature "U.S. PROPERTY" and military ordnance proof marks stamped cleanly on the frame and barrel. The Post-War Boom (1946–1955) Early models had finer checkering, while later models

– The 6 ¾‑inch heavy barrel version is slightly more desirable than the 4‑inch barrel.

The Model H-D's legacy extends far beyond its role as a training pistol. It was selected as the basis for one of the most iconic "spy guns" of all time: the silenced . The Office of Strategic Services, the WWII precursor to the CIA, contracted to have an integrally suppressed version of the pistol developed.

Collectors and shooters often prioritize models based on these specific traits: