Authentic Trapdoor and other antique guns

[preventec47]

http://issuu.com/dreamedia/docs/146-to-issuu?mode=embed&layout=http%3A//skin.issuu.com/v/dark/layout.xml&showFlipBtn=true

This link has the best photographs I have ever seen of original guns used way back when.

This makes me remember reading about H&R making and selling some Trapdoor guns
in the last decade or so.  How did those work out ?    I would think that with
modern metals and techniques that a trapdoor model could be exceedingly strong.

[Swampman]

I had the Officers Model carbine and I loved it.  I need a scope......so down the road she went.

[wtroger]

I have an original US model 1878 Springfield Trap door full size rifle. I shoot it and it holds good groups with cast 405 gr bullets and a trapdoor load of IMR4198. And yes H&R made some replica's and they are fine rifles. But the whole strength issue with trap doors is the action lock up system The Alwin (spelling ?) system is not very strong. With that being said anybodies trap door original or repo I would not exceed trapdoor loads. They are fun rifle to shoot and reflect a lot of history.

[slayer]

I would buy a new H&R Trapdoor for sure!! I have the fire for a 45/70 Trapdoor bad I think the time is right for these.

[johnjohn]

I have an 1873 Trapdoor and have fired Remington factory loads and my own handloads as per my Lyman manual.Using imr 3031 powder and 405 gr. jacketed bullets.

[Swampman]

I shot Remington 405 grain factory loads in my original Trapdoor too.

[preventec47]

I was hoping to find out more about H&R replica Trapdoor rifles.
Did they make many? 
Did they sell well ? 
Were there any problems?
Why were they discontinued ?
Did they improve the design in any way because
of modern technology ?

As long as good steel is used, it seems to me that
all the stress is placed squarely on the barrel
and hardly any on the latch that closes
the trapdoor.   If a modern one ( H&R) fails
for some reason, where does it fail?
ie what is the weak link in the rifle?

[quickdtoo]

If you look back thru the pages in this forum or use the search, you'll find a few threads on them, lots when you do an internet search too. I'm not sure when they were made, but it was before 1986, H&R Inc went out of business that year, see the history in the sticky on NEF & H&R.

Tim

[Swampman]

Presently Pedersoli makes a replica of the TD.  A decent shooter grade original would likely be less expensive than these reproductions. You can find such TD's with good bores but mismatched/reblued parts for $500-$600.