Make: High Standard

Model: C, Type I

Serial Number: 1223

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1936-1938

Caliber: .22 Short

Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Blowback-Operated, Magazine Fed

Barrel Length: 6 3/4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch dovetailed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with circled "HS" logos. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few light marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.

Also included is a set of checkered black hard rubber grips without logos. The right panel has a repaired break across the bottom-front corner. The additional grips otherwise show only a few light marks with well defined checkering. Overall, the additional grips are in Good-plus condition as repaired.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original, the slide is serial-matching. There is a spot of touch-up on the left-rear of the slide.

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

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is a spot of touch-up on the left of the slide behind the serrations at a small patch of minor erosion. There is some finish wear in the slide serrations. The action shows light operational wear. There are a few other tiny marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 10-round magazine, a two-piece black and red cardboard box, wax paper, and instruction tag. The box shows wear, tear, and tape repairs.

Our Assessment: This Hi-Standard Model C is a scarce and desirable early semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Short. Introduced in 1936, the Model C was among Hi-Standard’s very first commercial offerings, produced in limited quantities before the company gained widespread acclaim for its target pistols. Known for its sleek lines, precise machining, and excellent accuracy, the Model C was part of the foundation of the success of High Standard in the American rimfire market, though fewer than 5,000 were produced. The pistols are tough to find for collectors, especially in high condition with their original box. This pistol, serial number 1223, retains about 95% of its original blued finish with evidence of light and responsible use. Mechanically, the pistol is in excellent working order and includes an original magazine as well as its original factory box. This pistol is a wonderful find for collectors, but should have another lifetime of shooting left in it, as well. Please see our photos and good luck!