H&R Trapdoor Carbine....Little Big Horn Edition

[smoke]

The local shop that has a couple of original Trapdoor rifles that I have been working on buying (see my ohter post on 'doors) just put out a nice H&R Little Big Horn edition carbine.  It is pretty nice.  However there seems to be an issue or 2.  It won't go to a fully cocked position unless the tang sight is up?  It is stiff to cock and sometimes does not seem to full cock/set the trigger so pulling the trigger will not let the hammer fall.  The hammer has to be pushed forward.

Any thoughts or insights into these issues?

Thanks!

[St. George]

Solidified lubricant.

Put the tang sight in the rearward position - not forward - the hammer's hitting the top of the ladder.

Scouts Out!

[smoke]

I hope you're right about the dried lube in the trigger.....that was my first thought also. 

The sight did not seem to make any contact with the hammer....I checked that but to be honest I was more concerned with trigger.

[St. George]

The sight doesn't come into any form of mechanical contact with the action.

Almost all of these were purchased to look at - not to use - for the most part, they remained unfired.

Why they had a tang sight and pistol grip is a mystery, since no original Carbine was so fitted.

Scouts Out!

[PJ Hardtack]

I shoot my H&R 'Officer Model' and 'Cavalry' carbine regularly. Love 'em.

[St. George]

Someone stole the metal pistol grip for my 'Officer's Rifle' - I'm still looking for one.

I picked up a brand-new, original 1879 'Rifle' rear sight and screws for it as well - but haven't gotten around to installing it.

Maybe this winter.

Scouts Out!

[smoke]

A few years ago, I picked up a NIB officers model...$600.  Like an idiot I let it get away.

I also had carbine...not the LBH edition.  I shot that one alot, hunted with it too.

St George, if I pick this one up I might pull the grip off and the Vernier sight so it is  more like a standard carbine.  I will let you know.

BTW, what is a reasonable price for one of these?

[St. George]

I'd appreciate that.

Scouts Out!

[Major 2]

"...BTW, what is a reasonable price for one of these? "

almost what the whim of the buyer /seller asks or willing pay.... I know that does not help... but here is my experience

I found a H&R Cavalry Model in Pawn Shop  Like new no box , it was missing the saddle ring , other wise mint...
The pawn shop had it for $375 IIRC ...I paid $350 cash out the door,  Whimsical buy ....
fast forwarded , several years ...I was pestered to death by a guy who kept at me...name your price !

To shut him up I said $1250.00  .... he could not say  "DONE" fast enough.

I figured $1250.00 would run him off .... 12 crisp 100 dollar bills & a 50 later ...I stood there sorta dumbstruck...

Problem was ...He dumb ?  or was I... ( I think he'd come prepared to pay higher  ) DoH !

[St. George]

What does the shop want for it?

Find that out, then point out the glaring problem of the recalcitrant action, ask again, and mention the word - 'cash'...

They don't want to keep it forever - I can guarantee that - and 'you' can strip the lockwork and free it of the shellac-like old lube easily - but they don't need to know that.

Just use a good, fitted screwdriver, and clamp the mainspring, and you're all set - and if you don't have something that'll clamp said mainspring - get out the Q-Tips, and swab away any detritus.

Good Luck!

[pony express]

If you don't want to disassemble the lock, some spray carb or brake cleaner should flush out most of it. Be sure to oil afterward, it leaves the metal clean enough to "flash rust".