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
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H&R replica 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Carbine
- Thread starter rwhichel
- Start date
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.
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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
Inactive
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
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
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
.
They cost between $45-$70:
http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/TrapdoorBlocks.html
.
vtchopperdude
New member
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.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.
vtchopperdude
New member
Anyone else on this forum have a H&R Springfield Trapdoor?