Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Single Shots H&R 1873 Springfield Trapdoor replica information

I am a brand new member of this forum. I am 84 years old and still an active hunter and gun enthusiast. I own an as new, never fired, H&R 1873 Trapdoor Carbine which I want to start shooting. I have been told that H&R's Trapdoor Springfield has a weakness in the locking cam mechanism that the original Springfields didn't have. I have also read where someone on this site can explain this issue and tell me what the fix is. I have always known that the original trapdoor actions are inherently weaker than other types of actions and require lower pressure 45-70 loads. I do plan, in the future, to follow all the recommendations in my Lyman Reloading Manual for Trapdoor Carbines, but for now, I am going to start shooting it with cowboy action ammo available at Midway USA. First of all however, I need to figure out what if anything I need to do about the locking cam issue. I sure would appreciate any information and advice you guys could give me. Thanks again, Ron

Welcome to the forum.

Try this:

https://forums.sassnet.com/index.ph.../&do=findComment&comment=3252385

Bruce

Thank you Bruce so much for your response to my post. It provided a lot of very useful information. I will definitely follow all the maintenance recommendations and I think I will also probably look into obtaining a new Pedersoli breech block for fitting to my H&R Trapdoor Carbine. Thanks again, Ron

I thank you too Bruce and New Member OSS! I don't even own such an H&R and that's a useful/important safety information and caution! I do remember well the era when they were on the market as well as a time when I almost bought one at a gun show. Ironic as I always conjured them as "newer and stronger improvement!" That "almost bought" as 'also ran', it came in second to a Ruger Model 3 SS in 45/70 at the same show as going home with me! The aside, that Ruger is a nifty little rifle but in the heavy chamberings, ain't fun to shoot!
Best!
John