H&R Transfer Bar Breakage?

[rice paddy daddy]

On another board a poster commented that H&R shotguns are"junk", that the transfer bars were made from "powdered metal" that will "break."
He also stated that the "cocking notch" on the hammer will break also.
He claimed to be an employee of H&R in Gardner, Mass for 17 years.
 
Any truth to this?
I have NEF Pardners in .410 bore and 12 ga; a Topper Junior Classic in 20 ga (she's a beauty!); and Handi Rifles in 22 Hornet and 45-70 Government. All made in Gardner, Mass and all have transfer bars. Do I need to worry? I have not had a lick of trouble yet.
 
Thanks.

[Rustyinfla]

   Sounds like a disgruntled PAST employee to me.

   The transfer bars will break, but I've never had any of mine break. It is a machine, machines break. I wouldn't worry about it.

[brayh92]

I have an old H&R 16 gauge that was my grandfathers then my dads and now it's mine it was made it the early 80's I believe and it's been shot more times than I can count and has had absolutely no problems Sometimes they do break but there cheap and easy to replace im no where near an expert but I'm sure Tim will be along shortly to help ya out

[quickdtoo]

It happens occasionally, but not often enough for me to be concerned about, it's one of the recommended spare parts to keep on hand, it's mentioned in the FAQs sticky. FWIW,  I've had over fifty H&Rs, all modern made 1987 and later, have only had one transfer bar break. I've had one get floppy on me, and I replaced it before it broke, it's pretty easy to spot one that's ready to come apart, they don't usually actually break, the two pieces separate, the connecting pin can be peened to tighten it back up if needed, Numrich carries replacements.

Tim

[gcrank1]

Some parts break ocassionally on BMWs and Mercedes too, does that mean they are junk?