Contact information for businesses, particularly legacy companies, can be challenging to locate due to changes in ownership, mergers, and outdated online directories. Locating contact details for a specific entity often requires researching historical records, industry-specific databases, or contacting related organizations. For instance, finding contact information for a historic firearms manufacturer might involve searching archival documents, contacting collectors’ associations, or exploring specialized firearms forums.
Access to accurate contact details is crucial for various purposes, including historical research, customer service inquiries, parts requests, and valuations. In the context of historical research, it enables scholars to connect with relevant sources for primary information. For customers, it provides a direct line of communication to address product inquiries or obtain support. Furthermore, accurate contact information can facilitate legal and compliance processes.
This article explores strategies for locating contact information for companies like historic firearms manufacturers. It will delve into effective research methodologies, reliable sources of information, and best practices for communicating with these entities. Further sections will cover specific resources, historical context, and potential challenges researchers or customers might encounter.
1. Company History
Understanding Harrington & Richardson’s (H&R) company history is essential for locating current contact information. The company’s evolution through mergers, acquisitions, and name changes directly impacts the availability and accuracy of contact details. Tracing this historical trajectory provides crucial context for a successful search.
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Mergers and Acquisitions
H&R underwent several mergers and acquisitions throughout its existence. For instance, its acquisition by New England Firearms (NEF) significantly altered its corporate structure. Researchers seeking contact information must discern the relevant time period and corresponding ownership to identify the correct entity.
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Name Changes
Changes in company names, such as the transition from H&R to NEF, can create confusion when searching for contact details. Outdated directories or online resources may list previous names, leading to inaccurate or obsolete information. Researchers must account for these changes and utilize resources that reflect the company’s current status.
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Production Changes and Discontinuations
H&R’s product lines evolved, with certain models discontinued over time. This can impact the type of customer service or parts inquiries relevant to the company’s current operations. Understanding these changes helps researchers tailor their inquiries and target the appropriate contact points.
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Archival Records and Historical Societies
Historical societies and archival records related to the firearms industry can offer valuable information about H&R’s history and previous contact details. These resources can provide insights into past ownership, locations, and contact methods, which can aid in tracing the company’s current status.
By considering these historical facets, researchers can navigate the complexities of H&R’s corporate evolution and increase the likelihood of finding accurate and relevant contact information. This historical context informs the search strategy and directs inquiries toward the appropriate channels, whether it be a parent company, a successor organization, or a specialized historical archive.
2. Current Ownership
Determining the current ownership of the Harrington & Richardson brand is crucial for obtaining accurate contact information. Due to H&R’s history of mergers and acquisitions, the entity responsible for the brand and associated customer service may not be immediately apparent. The current owner dictates the appropriate contact channels for inquiries related to H&R firearms. For example, after H&R’s acquisition by Marlin Firearms, customer service inquiries regarding older H&R firearms are often directed to Remington Outdoor Company, Marlin’s parent company. Failing to identify the current owner can lead to contacting defunct entities or incorrect departments, hindering access to necessary information.
Understanding the current ownership structure also clarifies the scope of available services. The current owner may only provide support for specific H&R models or offer limited historical information. Remington, in the example above, primarily focuses on supporting currently manufactured Marlin firearms. While they might offer limited support for legacy H&R models, their resources for historical research or parts for discontinued models might be limited. Contacting them directly about an antique H&R firearm might prove less fruitful than approaching a specialized collector’s group or historical society.
Successfully contacting the correct entity requires diligent research. Reliable sources, such as industry publications, official company websites, and regulatory filings, can provide accurate ownership information. Cross-referencing multiple sources ensures accuracy and helps identify the most relevant contact points. This approach facilitates efficient communication and maximizes the chances of obtaining the required information, whether it relates to customer service, parts inquiries, or historical research.
3. Contact Methods
While a direct “Harrington & Richardson phone number” may not be readily available due to the company’s historical changes and current ownership structure, exploring various contact methods is crucial for obtaining information. These methods offer alternative avenues for reaching the appropriate entity responsible for H&R-related inquiries. The effectiveness of each method depends on the specific information sought, whether it’s customer service, historical data, or parts requests.
Several contact methods prove more effective than searching for an outdated direct number. Contacting the current brand owner, often a larger firearms corporation, can address inquiries about currently produced firearms or potentially provide limited support for legacy H&R models. Industry-specific organizations, like firearms trade associations or collector groups, offer specialized knowledge and may possess contact information not publicly available. Online forums dedicated to firearms enthusiasts can also provide valuable leads, connecting individuals with others who have successfully navigated similar inquiries. Utilizing a combination of these methods often yields better results than relying solely on a potentially obsolete phone number. For instance, contacting a current manufacturer like Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. regarding a Marlin-branded firearm (Marlin acquired H&R), or reaching out to a dedicated H&R collector’s forum, can offer more success than a general phone number search.
Successfully navigating these contact methods requires clearly defined objectives and tailored communication. Understanding the specific information needed and framing inquiries accordingly increases the likelihood of a productive response. When contacting a manufacturer, providing specific model numbers and details facilitates efficient assistance. When engaging with historical societies or collector groups, framing inquiries within a historical research context improves the chances of receiving relevant information. This targeted approach maximizes the effectiveness of each contact method, leading to more efficient and successful outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding contacting Harrington & Richardson, acknowledging the complexities arising from the company’s historical evolution and current ownership.
Question 1: Why is a direct Harrington & Richardson phone number difficult to find?
Due to mergers, acquisitions, and brand transitions, a direct, historical H&R phone number is likely obsolete. The H&R brand exists under different ownership, impacting current contact information.
Question 2: Who currently owns the Harrington & Richardson brand?
The H&R brand is currently owned by Marlin Firearms, a subsidiary of Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. Contacting these entities may provide information related to H&R firearms, though primarily for models produced under their ownership.
Question 3: How can historical information about Harrington & Richardson be obtained?
Historical societies, firearms museums, and specialized collectors’ groups often possess detailed information on H&R’s history. These resources can prove more valuable than attempting to contact the current brand owner for historical data.
Question 4: Where can parts for older Harrington & Richardson firearms be found?
Locating parts for older H&R firearms requires exploring specialized resources. Online forums dedicated to firearms enthusiasts, parts dealers specializing in antique firearms, and gunsmiths familiar with H&R models can provide assistance.
Question 5: What is the best approach for inquiries regarding discontinued H&R firearms?
Engaging with online communities of firearms enthusiasts, consulting with gunsmiths specializing in older firearms, and contacting historical societies can provide valuable information regarding discontinued H&R models.
Question 6: Are there alternative resources for addressing H&R-related questions?
Firearms industry publications, online directories of gunsmiths, and auction houses specializing in firearms can offer additional avenues for obtaining H&R-related information and potentially connecting with individuals knowledgeable about the brand.
Locating information related to Harrington & Richardson necessitates utilizing diverse research strategies, recognizing the company’s complex history. Adapting the approach based on the specific information sought yields more effective results.
The following section will delve into specific resources and strategies for locating information related to Harrington & Richardson firearms.
Tips for Locating Information Related to Harrington & Richardson Firearms
Locating information related to Harrington & Richardson firearms requires a strategic approach due to the company’s complex history and evolving ownership. These tips offer practical guidance for navigating these complexities and obtaining relevant information effectively.
Tip 1: Begin with Historical Context.
Research H&R’s history of mergers, acquisitions, and name changes. This foundational knowledge informs effective search strategies and directs inquiries toward appropriate entities.
Tip 2: Identify the Current Brand Owner.
Determine the current owner of the H&R brand, as they hold the most relevant information regarding current products and services. This knowledge streamlines communication and avoids contacting defunct entities.
Tip 3: Explore Diverse Contact Methods.
Utilize various contact methods beyond searching for a potentially outdated direct phone number. Contacting industry organizations, online forums, and specialized dealers broadens the search and increases the likelihood of success.
Tip 4: Tailor Communication to Specific Needs.
Frame inquiries clearly and concisely, specifying the information sought. This targeted approach facilitates efficient communication and increases the likelihood of receiving relevant responses. Provide specific model numbers and details when contacting manufacturers.
Tip 5: Utilize Specialized Resources.
Consult historical societies, firearms museums, and collector groups for historical data, archival records, or specific parts information. These specialized resources offer expertise not readily available through general inquiries.
Tip 6: Leverage Online Communities.
Engage with online forums dedicated to firearms enthusiasts. These communities often possess valuable collective knowledge and can provide insights or connect individuals with relevant experts.
Tip 7: Consult Industry Publications.
Explore firearms industry publications for historical context, current ownership information, and contact details. These publications offer specialized insights often absent from general sources.
Applying these tips enhances research efficiency, maximizing the chances of obtaining accurate and relevant information regarding Harrington & Richardson firearms. Understanding the company’s history and utilizing a multi-faceted approach proves essential for successful navigation of available resources.
The following conclusion summarizes key takeaways and reinforces the importance of these research strategies.
Concluding Remarks on Harrington & Richardson Contact Information
Locating contact information related to Harrington & Richardson requires a nuanced approach, moving beyond simply searching for an outdated phone number. The company’s complex history of mergers, acquisitions, and name changes necessitates understanding the brand’s evolution and current ownership. Effective research utilizes diverse strategies, including exploring historical records, engaging with specialized communities, and contacting relevant industry organizations. Recognizing the limitations of readily available online directories and embracing a more comprehensive research methodology proves crucial.
Researchers and enthusiasts seeking information related to Harrington & Richardson firearms benefit from a strategic approach that acknowledges the brand’s historical context and current ownership structure. Utilizing specialized resources, online communities, and industry publications unlocks access to valuable information often unavailable through conventional search methods. This multifaceted approach empowers informed inquiries, facilitates connections with knowledgeable individuals, and fosters a deeper understanding of Harrington & Richardson’s legacy within the firearms industry.