H&R old pistol question?

[joem]

In the Feb issue of American Rifleman on page 42 they show a picture of a H&R pistol with what they call a "top-break release button". I have one like that with a button but I don't understand the function of this button. Any ideas guys?

[RCS]

My H&R Sportsman has a lever type button that will release the cylinder when you open the action. Later models do not have this feature

[joem]

I have pushed this button with the action closed and in a open position. It didn't seem to do anything and it didn'r release the cylinder.

[RCS]

The button is spring loaded, you might need a new spring or maybe your spring is missing. The spring will pop the cylinder about one inch out so you can pull it off

[joem]

The button is spring loaded alright but pushing it doesn't seem to relaese the cylinder. I've tried it several times.

[John Sukey]

Maybe time to clean out a bunch of dried grease?

[joem]

I figured it out. The button allows the latch to be raised higher than what is required to open the actiion. Pushing the button allows the latch to be raised enough to remove the cylinder. Thanks for your help.