OT- Harrington & Richardson ?

[505stevec]

I see many of you at times post the Handi Rifle and a positive manner. Does anyone have any knowledge good or bad of their version of the Springfield Trapdoor Carbine? I have seen a couple at about $800. Pedersoli or Uberti seem to want around $1200. Any advice is appreciated.

[O.S.O.K.]

For $800-$1200, why not buy an original? They can be had in good condition for that.

[Hobie]

I know that sometimes shooters replace the H&R breech block with an original. HOWEVER, I don't consider the H&R to be a bad purchase as a NEW condition or NEARLY NEW condition trapdoor carbine is going to cost considerably more than $900.

[Ysabel Kid]

I picked up this H&R "Springfield" Trapdoor carbine in .45-70 Government a few years back at a gun show. It was used, but very lightly, and for under $600, I couldn't say "no". I really like it - shoots well, and feels just like the originals I have held. However, I've never fired an original, and though I doubt it would be different, I don't know first hand.

[505stevec]

For $800-$1200, why not buy an original? They can be had in good condition for that.

Really?! where? I have seen old beaters for that and more but nothing in good shape.

[awp101]

H&R Trapdoor? Never heard of such...

[Hobie]

Trapdoor Collectors' Forum, CAS City, Gunbroker.com, Auction Arms, Guns America. I don't see where you can get a new condition Springfield for the price of a new condition H&R. Now, Colo Native knows where one was (I think it sold) and IIRC it went for $2300. That's much more than $800 to most of us.

[Pete44ru]

I once owned a H&R .45-70 trapdoor carbine, I believe was the M-173 (IIRC) - and found it a pretty nice-looking rifle, indeed.

It had an excellent polish/blue and a very decent stock wood & finish.

This Officer's Model was even nicer, but I couldn't affors it at the time:

http://www.gunsinternational.com/detail ... SC&cid=546


The only thing that detracted from mine, for me, was the long lock-time caused by the muzzle-loader style sidelock's outside hammer. YMMV.

I just plain shot better, and tighter groups to boot, with my #1 & #3 Ruger .45-70's.

Go figure.

[2ndovc]

I've had a Little Big Horn H&R and a couple originals along with my Dad's Trapdoors. They're a blast to shoot. I used to sit on the back porch of my last house with my LBH model and blast away at a 7' steel door I had set up against my back stop. That was a little over 800 yds. from the house. Got to be pretty consistant with hits. That big old 405 lead bullet gave a nice thwack when it hit.

The H&Rs can be inconsistant with fit and finish but they are pretty neat rifles.

[hfcable]

here is one over on the sass wire:

http://sassnet.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=100616

i have one and it is extremely hhhigh quality and very accurate; this fellows gun is like mine, and hard item to find and at a good price; he has done some nice things to make it even more 'original'.


here is link to his pics:


http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p26/ ... g18052.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p26/ ... g18062.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p26/ ... ineCU2.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p26/ ... Right2.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p26/ ... eLeft2.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p26/ ... Sight2.jpg

[Hook]

I have the Officer's Model and it is quite a good shooter. The tang sight that came on it was junk, so I got Lee Shaver to fix one of his mid-range staffs to fit the tang base on my rifle. I like it a lot.