Make: High Standard

Model: A102 Carbine Sport King

Serial Number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: Pre-68, no serial number. C&R eligible.

Caliber: .22 Short, Long, & Long Rifle

Action Type: Semi-Auto, Fed by Magtube.

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SPORT KING CARBINE / MODEL - A102” and “22 L., L.R., OR HIGH / SPEED SHORTS”, “HIGH STANDARD / HAMDEN CONN U.S.A.”, “U.S. PAT. NO. / 3.018.577”. The top of the barrel is marked “CL”. The right side of the receiver is marked “SAFE”.

Barrel Length: 18 1/4"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The receiver is scope grooved, mounted with a Bushnell 3-9x Riflescope with Duplex Crosshair Reticle. The sight picture is clear. The scope rates in Good condition with mild handling wear.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one piece smooth walnut with straight grip, straight comb, barrel band with sling stud, the belly sling stud has been removed, and brass buttplate. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the steel buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. There are a couple minor handling marks and small scrapes. Overall, the stock rates in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows little operation wear. There are some rust freckled around the receiver and gas port, as well as on the magtube and barrel. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle comes with its scope as mentioned above.

Our Assessment: The High Standard Sport King Carbine is a lightweight, semi-automatic .22 rimfire rifle that evolved from High Standard’s popular Sport King pistol line. Introduced in the mid-20th century, it quickly gained favor among casual plinkers, small-game hunters, and target shooters for its dependable performance. Its sleek receiver typically comes in a blued finish, and the carbine’s barrel length—often around 18 inches—strikes a good balance between maneuverability and accuracy. The stock is commonly hardwood, offering both classic looks and sturdy handling in a compact form factor.

Mechanically, the Sport King Carbine features a blowback action, ensuring a smooth cycling of rounds from its tubular magazine. Shooters appreciate its straightforward field-stripping procedure, making maintenance and cleaning relatively hassle-free. The rifle’s user-friendly controls and comfortable ergonomics allow for quick target acquisition and minimal recoil, particularly important for first-time shooters or for those spending extended sessions at the range. Today, the High Standard Sport King Carbine remains an appealing collectible and a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality craftsmanship in the .22 rimfire category.