This Old Gun: Hi-Standard Military Model B-US

by
posted on June 18, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
201261894444-histandard22_f.jpg

When the United States entered World War II, its standard sidearm was the M1911A1 .45 ACP Government Model—acknowledged to be one of the finest military pistols ever devised. Authorities felt that, while the .45 was certainly user-friendly, to those not familiar with large-bore handguns it might be a good idea to first train them with something a bit less intimidating. They decided to purchase some rimfire semi-automatics for just such a purpose. To an economy-minded Ordnance Dept., the savings in ammunition cost was an attractive incentive for adopting a training pistol that fired less expensive .22 Long Rifle ammunition. The top choice was the Hi-Standard Model B sporting pistol, which had been introduced in a few years earlier.

The High Standard Mfg. Co. was officially founded in 1926, and in 1932 it moved to a bigger plant in Hamden, Conn., where production began in earnest. Although sales were good, the government contracts following Pearl Harbor gave the relatively new company a real shot in the arm.

The Model B’s simple notch-and-blade sights and grip angle were similar to those of the Government Model, but the controls on the .22 were nothing like those on the big-bore service pistol—and it was hammerless. Its 10-shot magazine also loaded differently, and the gun did not fieldstrip like the .45. Still, Model Bs were deemed adequate to teach basic gun handling and marksmanship skills. Early versions retained their civilian appearance, but beginning around serial number 99261 the shape of the frame was modified slightly, resulting in the Model B-US.

Military Model Bs had 4 1/2-inch barrels, were Parkerized like the .45, and stamped with appropriate military ownership markings. Stocks were checkered hard rubber, decorated with the company’s “HS” monogram.

High Standard was the only supplier of .22 Long Rifle training pistols to the U.S. Army during World War II. The first was the Model B, but it was replaced in 1942 by the Model HD, which was thought to be ergonomically closer to the M1911 Government Model.

Between 1942 and 1943 some 14,000 Model Bs were made for the U. S. Army and Navy, and despite the addition of the Model HD to inventory, Model Bs continued to soldier on until the end of the war after which, for a short time, they continued to be manufactured for the civilian market.

Today they are popular with collectors and remain accurate and reliable pistols. The late-issue Model B-US pictured here is in NRA Excellent condition, showing little use. Value would be in the $750 to $800 range, adding another $125 to $150 for the original box.

Gun: Hi-Standard Model B-US
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Serial Number: 105174
Condition: NRA Excellent
Value: $750 to $800 (add $125-$150 for original box)

Latest

springfield armory kuna
springfield armory kuna

Springfield Kuna: A PDW For The Masses

Small, yet fierce, the namesake of Springfield Armory’s latest large-format pistol is a revered forest dweller in the land of its Croatian manufacturing partner, HS Produkt. The new Kuna is poised to be just as welcome in America.

The Armed Citizen® June 30, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Book Review: Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers Of Elisha Collier & Artemas Wheeler

The result of a decade of research, Clockwork Basilisk is a comprehensive, two-volume history of the rare revolvers that preceded the development of the well-known Colt guns of the 1830s.

Preview: 1791 Gunleather Cobra Gun Belt 01

Employing the same rugged and rigid 0.25"-thick American steerhide as 1791 Gunleather’s original Gun Belt 01, the new Cobra Gun Belt 01 offers enhanced ease of use by taking advantage of a high-strength Cobra quick-latch/release buckle.

NRA CEO Hamlin and President Bachenberg Hold First Virtual Townhall

In the interests of transparency, NRA CEO and EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA President Bill Bachenberg held a live Townhall event, where both answered direct questions from NRA members.

Benelli Adds New 28-Gauge Models to Super Black Eagle 3 Line

Benelli initially introduced the 28-ga. chambering to its Super Black Eagle 3 line in 2022, but this year, the company added three new models tailored specifically to hunters.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.