T J Harrington “The Gat Red Box” .177 Pop Out Pistol.

The Harrington Gat Gun is a unique airgun that was first produced by the British company, Harrington & Richardson Ltd, in the early 1900s. The gun was designed to be a small, lightweight and easy-to-use airgun that could be used for plinking and pest control.

This is the early version with no safety catch which dates it pre 1982. The Red Trigger version seem to be very scarce. We can possibly assume that not many were made and as the red trigger was plastic it could fail which would of made the gun useless and have been thrown away as spares were not available.

One of the most unique features of the Harrington Gat Gun was its loading mechanism. The gun did not have a traditional breech or barrel that would swing out for loading. Instead, the gun had a tube that ran through the center of the gun, which was loaded with small lead balls or BBs. The shooter would simply push the ammunition into the tube with a rod or stick, and then the gun would be ready to fire.

The Harrington Gat Gun was also designed to be very compact and easy to handle. The gun was only 9 inches long and weighed less than a pound, making it easy to carry and maneuver. Despite its small size, the gun was capable of shooting BBs or lead balls at velocities of up to 300 feet per second, making it effective for pest control and small game hunting.

One of the key advantages of the Harrington Gat Gun was its simplicity. The gun did not have any complicated mechanisms or moving parts, which made it very easy to use and maintain. The gun was also very durable and could withstand rough handling and regular use.

The Harrington Gat Gun was a popular airgun among children and young adults in the early 1900s. The gun was inexpensive and widely available, making it a popular choice for backyard plinking and target shooting. Many young shooters learned the basics of marksmanship and gun safety with the Harrington Gat Gun, which helped to popularize the sport of airgun shooting in Britain and beyond.

While the Harrington Gat Gun was a popular airgun in its day, it was not without its flaws. One of the biggest complaints about the gun was its accuracy. Due to the gun’s unique loading mechanism, it was difficult to achieve consistent accuracy with the gun. Shots could often be erratic and unpredictable, which made it challenging to shoot accurately at targets.

Another issue with the Harrington Gat Gun was its power. While the gun was capable of shooting BBs and lead balls at velocities of up to 300 feet per second, it was not particularly powerful compared to other airguns of its time. This limited the gun’s effectiveness for pest control and small game hunting.

Despite these minor flaws, the Harrington Gat Gun remains a beloved classic among airgun enthusiasts and collectors today. The gun’s unique loading mechanism, compact design, and historical significance make it a highly sought after collectible. If you are lucky enough to come across a vintage Harrington Gat Gun, it is sure to be a prized addition to your airgun collection.

In conclusion, the Harrington Gat Gun is a classic airgun that has a unique place in airgun history. The gun’s simplicity, durability, and compact design made it a popular choice for plinking and pest control in the early 1900s. While the gun’s accuracy and power were somewhat limited, the gun remains a beloved classic among collectors and enthusiasts today. If you are a fan of vintage airguns or simply appreciate the historical significance of this iconic airgun, the Harrington Gat Gun is a must-have addition to your collection.

Unfortunately, the T.J. Harrington & Son factory was forced to close in the early 20th century due to financial difficulties. The factory’s legacy, however, lives on through its many high-quality airguns that are still prized by collectors and enthusiasts today.

The T.J. Harrington & Son factory played an important role in the history of British airguns. The factory’s innovative designs and use of new technologies helped to push the boundaries of what was possible with airguns. The factory’s skilled workforce and commitment to quality also helped to establish British airguns as some of the best in the world.

Today, the T.J. Harrington & Son factory is remembered as a pioneer in the world of airguns. The factory’s legacy lives on through its many high-quality airguns that are still sought after by collectors and enthusiasts today. If you are lucky enough to come across a vintage T.J. Harrington & Son airgun, you can be sure that you are holding a piece of history in your hands.

Some useful info.

https://www.airgunbbs.com/showthread.php?786001-Can-you-help-with-some-Gat-research