stands out as one of the most historically significant, exceptionally accurate, and highly collectible .22 LR pistols ever manufactured. Originally produced by the High Standard Manufacturing Company from 1943 through 1950, this pistol served as an indispensable military marksmanship trainer, a clandestine tool for covert operatives, and eventually, a premier civilian target gun.
"U.S. PROPERTY" stamped, fixed sights, Parkerized or dull blue 1946–1955 ~150,000 units
The High Standard (Hi-Standard) Model HD Military is widely regarded by collectors as one of the best .22 caliber training and target pistols ever produced
Most HD Military pistols were blued. However, very late 1945 models (Serial #940,000+) sometimes left the factory with a dull parkerized finish. While parkerizing is durable, the are the deep, rich pre-1945 blued finishes. Beware of reblued guns—if the serial number edges look rounded, walk away.
"High Standard Model H-D USA" (Major military contract, parkerized).
These rare variants must feature a clear "PROPERTY OF U.S.A." or "U.S. PROPERTY" stamp on the frame or slide.
High Standard’s serial numbering can be a bit complex because the company often used overlapping blocks for different models. However, for the HD Military, the following timeline is generally accepted by collectors: Serial Number Range (Approx.) 150,000 – 170,000 Transition period; some parts may vary. Peak Production (1946–1949) 170,000 – 315,000 The "classic" HD Military era. Late Production (1950) 315,000 – 345,000
2. The U.S. Property Marked Wartime Trainers (Serial Range: 110,000 – 151,000)
This article explains how Histandard Model HD military serial numbers are structured, why consistent serial-numbering matters, and best practices for assigning, recording, and managing them in military or defense-related inventory systems.
During World War II, the U.S. government desperately needed efficient training sidearms. High Standard answered the call. The early Model HD pistols featured a grip angle and weight profile that closely mimicked the iconic service pistol, making it the perfect platform for teaching soldiers basic marksmanship without burning through precious combat ammunition.
While the "HD Military" is technically a civilian model, some early units were built using frames intended for military contracts. Units that feature crisp "U.S. Property" roll marks—even if they were sold commercially—command a significant premium. 2. Barrel Length and Balance
For collectors, appraisers, and shooting enthusiasts alike, decoding High Standard Model HD Military
Original HD Military magazines have a blued finish and a stamped "S" (for Shockey) or "H" on the baseplate. The best pistols come with two matching era magazines. Reproduction magazines are common, but a mismatched magazine halves the value.
Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to distinguish the "HD Military" from its predecessor, the "Model HD."
The serial number is usually found on the front strap of the grip frame.
*Note: The famous OSS suppressed "MS" variant used by the CIA falls within the 114,000–117,000 range.
Whether you are decoding the serial number of a family heirloom, shopping for your first vintage target pistol, or simply satisfying your curiosity about a fascinating piece of firearms history, the resources in this guide will serve you well. Use histandard.info for the data, consult John Stimson for the precise shipment date, browse Rimfire Central for community wisdom, and invest in John Currie’s new book if you plan to go deep into the brand.
Histandard Model Hd Military Serial Numbers Best Jun 2026
stands out as one of the most historically significant, exceptionally accurate, and highly collectible .22 LR pistols ever manufactured. Originally produced by the High Standard Manufacturing Company from 1943 through 1950, this pistol served as an indispensable military marksmanship trainer, a clandestine tool for covert operatives, and eventually, a premier civilian target gun.
"U.S. PROPERTY" stamped, fixed sights, Parkerized or dull blue 1946–1955 ~150,000 units
The High Standard (Hi-Standard) Model HD Military is widely regarded by collectors as one of the best .22 caliber training and target pistols ever produced
Most HD Military pistols were blued. However, very late 1945 models (Serial #940,000+) sometimes left the factory with a dull parkerized finish. While parkerizing is durable, the are the deep, rich pre-1945 blued finishes. Beware of reblued guns—if the serial number edges look rounded, walk away.
"High Standard Model H-D USA" (Major military contract, parkerized).
These rare variants must feature a clear "PROPERTY OF U.S.A." or "U.S. PROPERTY" stamp on the frame or slide.
High Standard’s serial numbering can be a bit complex because the company often used overlapping blocks for different models. However, for the HD Military, the following timeline is generally accepted by collectors: Serial Number Range (Approx.) 150,000 – 170,000 Transition period; some parts may vary. Peak Production (1946–1949) 170,000 – 315,000 The "classic" HD Military era. Late Production (1950) 315,000 – 345,000
2. The U.S. Property Marked Wartime Trainers (Serial Range: 110,000 – 151,000)
This article explains how Histandard Model HD military serial numbers are structured, why consistent serial-numbering matters, and best practices for assigning, recording, and managing them in military or defense-related inventory systems.
During World War II, the U.S. government desperately needed efficient training sidearms. High Standard answered the call. The early Model HD pistols featured a grip angle and weight profile that closely mimicked the iconic service pistol, making it the perfect platform for teaching soldiers basic marksmanship without burning through precious combat ammunition.
While the "HD Military" is technically a civilian model, some early units were built using frames intended for military contracts. Units that feature crisp "U.S. Property" roll marks—even if they were sold commercially—command a significant premium. 2. Barrel Length and Balance
For collectors, appraisers, and shooting enthusiasts alike, decoding High Standard Model HD Military
Original HD Military magazines have a blued finish and a stamped "S" (for Shockey) or "H" on the baseplate. The best pistols come with two matching era magazines. Reproduction magazines are common, but a mismatched magazine halves the value.
Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to distinguish the "HD Military" from its predecessor, the "Model HD."
The serial number is usually found on the front strap of the grip frame.
*Note: The famous OSS suppressed "MS" variant used by the CIA falls within the 114,000–117,000 range.
Whether you are decoding the serial number of a family heirloom, shopping for your first vintage target pistol, or simply satisfying your curiosity about a fascinating piece of firearms history, the resources in this guide will serve you well. Use histandard.info for the data, consult John Stimson for the precise shipment date, browse Rimfire Central for community wisdom, and invest in John Currie’s new book if you plan to go deep into the brand.
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