H&R Model 1873 Trap Door Officers Model?????

[rbertalotto]

I have the chance to purchase a brand new, in the box, H&R 1873 Officers Model rifle for $995.

I believe these were made in the 70s???

Can anyone add anything to this decision. I'd rather buy an original, but I want to shoot it and any of the carbines I've found are total junk or cost a fortune.

I know this isn't a carbine, but that's nothing my lathe can't resolve....

Comments?

[Drydock]

These have become collecttable in their own right, and I'd be loathe to see one cut down.  Pedersoli has new Trapdoor carbines for not that much more.

http://www.gunsinternational.com/Pedersoli-Trap-Door-Carbine-45-70-Cal.cfm?gun_id=100230343

[Drydock]

Though original carbines are very expensive, you can find numerous Cut down original rifles long ago converted to carbine/sporting configuration, for even less.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=303875814

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[rbertalotto]

Thanks for the feedback...........much appreciated

[PJ Hardtack]

I've got both the H&R 'Officer Model' and the H&R 'Cavalry Carbine'. Despite what some would tell you, both are problem free and handle BP, factory W-W 300 gr HP and smokeless reloads with 5744 and 3031 with aplomb.

The 'OM' is an elegant rifle, a good carry gun and gets a lot of comments. Chopping one into a carbine would be a desecration, IMHO.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Any trooper could carry a carbine, but it takes that cetain RHIP to carry an OFFICER's MODEL!

Get it, and keep it intact.

[St. George]

Just because you own a lathe, doesn't mean you need to use it.

The Model 1875 Officer's Rifle was a premium weapon during it's period of use, and the ones built by Harrington & Richardson are nice rifles.

If they have a flaw, it's that they didn't mount the original Model 1877 'Rifle' rear sight on them - but you can buy those and mount one yourself - measuring from the receiver.

Some don't like the fact that the rear Vernier sight has no range markings, but if you run the disk's opening down to 3/4" from the bottom of the slide, you'll be set for 100 yards, and you can mark your own from that point on.

Step away from the machine shop, and turn off the lights...

Scouts Out!

[rbertalotto]

Step away from the machine shop, and turn off the lights...

Now that made me laugh!...

[Drydock]

HOWSUMEVER! That does sound like a reasonable price for an H&R OM in still in box condition.  IF you decide to get it and keep it in its original configuration.  If you must have a carbine (nothing wrong with that!) then you have other options.

Should you get the H&R, some did have cam lock problems.  But this is a VERY easy and no cost fix I'd be happy to walk you thru if needed.  As has been said, they are fine weapons of their own standing.

A sense of humour is always welcome 'round chere!

[Nevada Mark]

rbertalotto,
Both the H&R Officers mol. and Cavalry Carbine are great guns - If intrested I can save you about $200.00 on a used one -- I have both Offiders and Cavalry mol.s for sale - you or anyone can PM me with questions and I can get some pictres also. I can make you a real sweet deal if you want both -----

skycapm@yahoo.com

Nevada Mark

[rbertalotto]

Mark....

I sent you an email

[rbertalotto]

Well.............As soon as Mark gets my check and it clears I'll own not one but TWO H&R Trapdoor rifles!

Ya just can't have enough guns I tell ya!