H&R replica 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Carbine

rwhichel · June 27, 2009, 12:54 AM

Well , I am an "old timer" when it comes to firearms, but I am brand new to this forum. I do however need some assistance. I have recently purchased a H&R 45-70 Trapdoor Carbine. It is in unfired condition and I think it was built in 1973. I understand that there is a safety issue with these rifles as relates to the breechblock locking cam and the way it attaches to the thumb lever shaft. It seems that unlike the original trapdoors, the H&R locking cam is held in place, on the round thumb lever shaft ,by a single set screw. If the set screw ever loosens or looses purchase on the round shaft, even a little, it allows the shaft to turn inside the cam thereby messing up the "timing" of the locking cam with the lever and allowing the breechblock to possibly fly open and the fired case to fly back at the shooter's face. That don't sound like any fun at all! I have also been told that there are a couple of easy fixes for the problem. If any of you guys are familiar with this problem or better yet maby have even done a fix for the problem, please let me know. Even if you have ever dissasembled the H&R locking cam and thumb lever mechanism, I would like to ask you a few questions. All responses will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, RonW

PetahW · June 27, 2009, 03:34 AM

You MIGHT have one that's "OK", i.e., not a "Monday" or "Friday" gun, or one with a bad breechblock.

Both the Officer's Model, and the regular Carbine I had, like yours - were trouble-free.

AFAIK, the usual fix for shooters, is to swap out the entire breechblock for a new/surplus SA breechblock, to "disappear" the problem on the rifles having one.

.

grass range · December 11, 2009, 11:10 AM

I read these old posts just for something to do once in awhile. There is a way to strenghten this system without buying another action. I will write it up and get back to you if you still want it done

PetahW · December 12, 2009, 10:36 PM

FWIW, the trapdoor breechblock isn't "buying another action" - it's simply a replacable part, just like the part(s) inside any other firearm's receiver.

They cost between $45-$70:

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/TrapdoorBlocks.html

.

vtchopperdude · February 19, 2022, 12:56 PM

Any chance you still have that rifle? And have you experienced any issues with it other than the breech issue? I'm looking at a H&R to purchase and was wondering how much I would need to do to fix it. It's brand new, unfired.

Hawg · February 19, 2022, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtchopperdude

Any chance you still have that rifle? And have you experienced any issues with it other than the breech issue? I'm looking at a H&R to purchase and was wondering how much I would need to do to fix it. It's brand new, unfired.

This post is 13 years old and the original poster hasn't been here since August of 09.

vtchopperdude · February 19, 2022, 03:16 PM

Anyone else on this forum have a H&R Springfield Trapdoor?

June 27, 2009, 12:54 AM	#1
rwhichel Junior Member Join Date: June 27, 2009 Location: Tallahassee, Fl. Posts: 7	H&R replica 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Carbine Well , I am an "old timer" when it comes to firearms, but I am brand new to this forum. I do however need some assistance. I have recently purchased a H&R 45-70 Trapdoor Carbine. It is in unfired condition and I think it was built in 1973. I understand that there is a safety issue with these rifles as relates to the breechblock locking cam and the way it attaches to the thumb lever shaft. It seems that unlike the original trapdoors, the H&R locking cam is held in place, on the round thumb lever shaft ,by a single set screw. If the set screw ever loosens or looses purchase on the round shaft, even a little, it allows the shaft to turn inside the cam thereby messing up the "timing" of the locking cam with the lever and allowing the breechblock to possibly fly open and the fired case to fly back at the shooter's face. That don't sound like any fun at all! I have also been told that there are a couple of easy fixes for the problem. If any of you guys are familiar with this problem or better yet maby have even done a fix for the problem, please let me know. Even if you have ever dissasembled the H&R locking cam and thumb lever mechanism, I would like to ask you a few questions. All responses will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, RonW

December 11, 2009, 11:10 AM	#3
grass range Junior Member Join Date: October 28, 2009 Posts: 14	H & R TD I read these old posts just for something to do once in awhile. There is a way to strenghten this system without buying another action. I will write it up and get back to you if you still want it done

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June 27, 2009, 03:34 AM	#2
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	You MIGHT have one that's "OK", i.e., not a "Monday" or "Friday" gun, or one with a bad breechblock. Both the Officer's Model, and the regular Carbine I had, like yours - were trouble-free. AFAIK, the usual fix for shooters, is to swap out the entire breechblock for a new/surplus SA breechblock, to "disappear" the problem on the rifles having one. .

December 12, 2009, 10:36 PM	#4
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	FWIW, the trapdoor breechblock isn't "buying another action" - it's simply a replacable part, just like the part(s) inside any other firearm's receiver. They cost between $45-$70: http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/TrapdoorBlocks.html .

February 19, 2022, 12:56 PM	#5
vtchopperdude Member Join Date: August 27, 2015 Location: SW Virginia Posts: 59	Any chance you still have that rifle? And have you experienced any issues with it other than the breech issue? I'm looking at a H&R to purchase and was wondering how much I would need to do to fix it. It's brand new, unfired.

February 19, 2022, 03:16 PM	#7
vtchopperdude Member Join Date: August 27, 2015 Location: SW Virginia Posts: 59	Anyone else on this forum have a H&R Springfield Trapdoor?