History question

[PawPaw]

I'm working on an article for the Frugal Outdoorsman and have a question about the history of H&R/NEF rifles 

When did the little rifle we all know and love start being produced?  I know that it's a direct descendant of the Wesson Tip-Up rifle and a modification of the old Topper line of shotguns, but I can't find when someone had the bright idea to put a rifle barrel on the frame as a production model.

Do any of you guys have any links or illumination to this question?  Many thanks.

[quickdtoo]

Here's the Wiki version... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H_&_R_Firearms

Tim

[Mac11700]

I know there were some model 058 20 gauge shotgun -30-30 combos available at 1 time..I had one briefly as a kid to shoot which belonged to my big brother..I also had a couple model 158's as well over the years all of those were early 64-65 production ones. I believe the model 058 were first offered in the mid 50's somewhere around 1955-1956 as the model 058 combo and then later they did the model change name to the 4 in 1  for a short time before changing it over to the model 158 4 & 1 combo in 1964.. I believe the 4 in 1 combo was offered in the 22 Jet, 22 Hornet and the 30-30 along with the 12 gauge and 20 gauge with the 20 gauge and 30/30 combo being the most commonly available.

Mac

[quickdtoo]

Here's a brief production history on different models from the BBoGV, both H&R Inc and H&R 1871.

Tim

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/everygun/GunMfgDetail.aspx?id=438

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/everygun/GunMfgDetail.aspx?id=431

[PawPaw]

Thanks, guys.