Author Topic: Replica Trapdoors? (Read 569 times)

Mr. Curious · « **on:** February 24, 2005, 10:51:37 AM »

I was wondering who makes a good trapdoor? I am very interested in getting one to play with and use for deer hunting. Thanks for any info.
Mr. Curious

cam0063 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 24, 2005, 12:10:58 PM »

H&R made very good Trapdoors I believe. Seems to be many advertised in the US, see a few 4sale here too [if you are after a replica]. I missed an Officers model last year. Am kicking myself for not being fast enough. There are a few nice Trapdoors recently modified to target rifles. And a very few original target rifles, which command good $$$. Other people here on the forum have much experience with these great old rifles. Am sure someone can assist you well.

A couple of sites of interest:

http://www.trapdoorcollector.com/

http://www.trapdoors.com/

cheers....

Pogue · « **Reply #2 on:** March 16, 2005, 10:33:54 AM »

The H&Rs are very well built, but hard to find since they haven't made any since the 1980s. I just got a new Navy Arms catalog, and they're listing a new repro for $1275. But at that price, you can buy 2 good shooting originals!

Ray Newman · « **Reply #3 on:** March 27, 2005, 01:17:59 PM »

Collectors' Firearms has a H&R Officers Model for US$680.00.

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/r2838.htm

3301 Fondren Suite O,
Houston, Texas 77063
(713) 781-1960 FAX (713) 781-6407
Toll Free (877)214-9327

ribbonstone · « **Reply #4 on:** March 27, 2005, 04:03:39 PM »

Thought about the repros...nice to have one new in some ways. Then rethought it as (1) good conditon/fine shooting origianls are in the $700-$800 range (beat up ones for less) (2) an orignal is going to be worth more next year...a new gun is worth less after you buy it (3) originals are antiques without the FFl requirments (4) orginals have "been there"...and even at today's prices, name any other historic rifle that commands such a reasonable price (Opinion: that will not always be the case...their value will rise).
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OK..will answer #4 myself: good rolling blocks.

Ray Newman · « **Reply #5 on:** March 27, 2005, 06:01:01 PM »

I m not sure that the mentioned US$700-800 is valid in all parts of the country or for all model Trapdoors, esp. carbines, which are expensive. Most of the rifles that Ive seen in that price range in WA St & in CA are well used &/or abused. G & VG are in the almost 1k range & up.

Unless you really know what youre looking @, you can very easily buy a parts gun, w/ the wrong sight, wrong breech block, or a stock w/ an improper cartouch vis-à-vis the model & date of manufacture. Or worse, you could purchase that carbine @ the buy of a lifetime price & it is really is a cut down rifle.

The H&R Trapdoors have their own collectable niche & are increasing in value as they were a very well made firearm. Maybe increasing not as much as an original, but again, see #2, above.

Agree bout the RB, but they are also increasing in value.

ribbonstone · « **Reply #6 on:** March 28, 2005, 12:54:18 PM »

Are antiques, so if you have some dealers you can trust, can shop arround on line...aren't that many dealers you can trust, but one is:

www.joesalter.com

Take a look at item #1298 under antique longguns. Is a leter model (1888..the last of the Trapdoors) but is proably worth the asking price.

Usually 3 or 4 Trapdoors will past through ever month or so...are others on this site, but are rarer and much more expensive...or have poor bores (can trust his discription).

Have dealt with this dealer for years...is totally honest in his aprasial, posts a multitude of pictures, and if need be will honer the 3-day retrun policy without question.