.58 Huntsman

[PHATINJUN]

Any of you have one of these? I just got one paid $135 for complete gun and it is in perfect shape not even a crude ring! Got many ? about this gun. When I took it apart the plug popped right out with a little poke of the ramrod and "O" ring is fine breech plug apears to be chrome plated with H&R stamped on the end.

 One thing that puzzles me is the talk of the breech plug shooting out when you have a misfire and open breech to soon this breech plug will not come out all the way without the bbl coming off the frame and I have made sure that gun is broke open all the way the gun was made in 1973 was this after the breech plugs were said to be hitting folks in the forehead?

It seems to have a #10 nipple that I was able to find a supply of. Gonna use a FFG powder with 380gr and 405gr maxi ball-ets from Buffalo any suggestions on charges thought I'd start at 60gr.Any one know offhand what the twist was in this bbl? Don't have a .58 cleaning jag yet to measure with. Was there any other bbls that would fit this frame as it has a very narrow bbl lug design and I don't have any other "old" bbls to try. Maybe like smooth bore shotgun ML or some of the other shotguns of that era? What yr did they start using plastic on these guns. thanks Kurt

[Sourdough]

You have one of the infamous models that got old H&R sued out of existance.  If for some reason the frame opens when firing (this is an inhearant problem with this design even with the new rifles made by NEF and H&R) the breech plug can become deadly.  My personal openion make it a wall hanger.

[trotterlg]

I have one with the screw in breach plug.  The push out ones were only a problem after a hang fire, people would open the breach and if it was just a delayed fireing the breach plug became the bullet which went through a couple of peoples heads.  They shoot great, just remember if you have a misfire wait a very long time before opening the breach, and stand clear of it. The fireing pin is very fat and flat ont the end, it will not work with a rifle primer.  They are like a 1 in 60 twist, will most likely only work with round balls.   Larry

[quickdtoo]

If for some reason the frame opens when firing (this is an inhearant problem with this design even with the new rifles made by NEF and H&R) the breech plug can become deadly. 

Centerfire pop opens are related to totally different forces than the issues with the push in breech plugs as Larry said.

Tim

[PHATINJUN]

That's what I am talking about the bottom of breech plug hits better than 3/16" on the frame above fire pin when opened you cannot even force it out if you wanted to it will not come out unless you remove forearm and then take bbl off the frame. Kurt

[Busta]

That's what I am talking about the bottom of breech plug hits better than 3/16" on the frame above fire pin when opened you cannot even force it out if you wanted to it will not come out unless you remove forearm and then take bbl off the frame. Kurt

Kurt,

Your Huntsman still has the designed in safety feature intact that wont allow it to . The problem was that a lot of people modified theirs to bypass this feature for the convenience of being able to open the barrel further to remove the plug without breaking down the rifle. That is what got them in trouble.

Like others have said, just use caution if you have a misfire. The safety feature may or may not save your hide. The force may be too great. Either way, your still going to need a clean pair of shorts.

[PHATINJUN]

Thanks Busta the part about the safety feature being modified so the plug would come out with out taking gun apart I have never read about on here before. I am sure the first time I shoot this more than my squeeze on the trigger will be tight. I will not have a problem setting gun aside and taking a break for a few if I have a misfire. You don't happen to know if any of the other low pressure H&R bbl fit this frame do you? How much powder FFG would you use in this with the .58 380gr Buffalo Ball-et and the 405gr Ball-et also I slugged the bore and it seems to be bore .584  groove .577 anyone got any ball and patch suggestions with start out powder loads? Anyone who wants to jump in here feel free to. Thanks Kurt

[trotterlg]

Look at the fireing pin in the frame and you will see why no other barrel will work, the end of it is larger than a large rifle primer, it will not set off anything but a cap on the nipple.  Sharpen it to set off a primer and you will get both the primer and fireing pin in you eye.  Shoot round balls, these barrels have a very slow twist.  Don't try to make these something they aren't.  Larry

[dumgunny]

  If your really worried, you can have the breech threaded and a breach plug fitted, then just have the B/P chambered for .25acp or .209.
 Remember, a properly maintained muzzle loading rifle will seldom hang fire or misfire if you seat the cap fully,keep the chamber dry,and don't let it set loaded more than a day or two.
JMH2¢

[PHATINJUN]

I'm not worried I have been shooting it for about a month and have it actually shooting better than the 50nef . I got 4 ML tags and 3 guns so hopefully the 58 gets bloody twice the second time with a round ball.I have never had a hang fire so I think it's gonna be ok. Kurt

[MSP Ret]

Good for you Kurt, I like those big, slow, lead balls and bullets. Someday I may find a nice one too. Be careful, stay safe, and have fun....<><....

[PHATINJUN]

Yea this thing is very sweet to shoot and has even moved the Thompson Encore farther to the back of the safe. I got the 405 slug down but am having a blast trying to figure out this patch and ball stuff I also switched to loose powder this yr for the first time much more fun than pellets. Kurt