Rare/Mint* Sterling HR-81 .22 Air Rifle. AI 903. Rare/Mint* Sterling HR-81 .22 Air Rifle. AI 903. .22 Air Rifles

The HR-81 was an air rifle manufactured by Dagenham based, small arms manufacturer, Sterling Armaments Company. Sterling, known for their production of submachine guns, entered the air rifle market in 1982 with their revolutionary HR81 air rifle. Designed by Roy Hutchinson (whose initials reversed gave the rifle its name) along with Peter Hart and Peter Moon, the rifle was cocked with an under-barrel lever and loaded via an unusual (at the time) bolt action breech. The breech design, whilst unusual was also the rifle’s main design fault as it restricted the rifle’s power. It was produced and finished to a very high standard using traditional production methods and avoided the use of plastics or synthetic parts. Available only in .22, it was one of the more expensive air rifles available on the market at the time. In 1988 the rights to the designs were purchased by Benjamin-Sheridan[ and the HR-81 and HR-83 then enjoyed limited production in the USA.[The American model differed from the UK model in that the rearsight, which was moved rearwards to become a removable part, was mounted on the scope rail, and the stock had a noticeably different shape. These versions were available in .177, .22 and .20 calibres. Production ceased in 1994 when Benjamin-Sheridan was bought out by Crosman. See page 513 Blue Book of Airguns by Beeman & Allen. This UK model is in near mint condition. The stock and butt rubber are totally unmarked. The single stage trigger works as it should. The metalwork has a few very minor rub marks which you would expect for its age. The serial number is ‘1732’ which is an early one from the 1980’s. The rifle cocks, loads and fires with a nice tight action. The price includes UK delivery. NB As a post 1939 Air weapon the restrictions of the Crime Reduction Act apply to the sale & delivery of this item. AI 903.