Picked up a new Betsy

[Roscoe Coles]

I did some trading a while back and ended up with an H&R trapdoor officer's model.  It took a while to get here, but I really like it.  It's very comfortable and the sight picture is excellent.  Can't wait to get out and shoot it.  The locking latch on these have a reputation for being problematic, but this one is tight.  It came from a friend who has had it from new. 

[ndnchf]

That's a beauty - congrats. I seem to recall reading about a mod to correct or improve the latch issue on these. I don't recall the details, but it would be worth looking into. Safety first 

[wildman1]

Most of the latch problems come from people who don't know how to shoot them. I have two one had to be repaired because the dummy who owned it before me would press down on the latch lever to close it and stripped the set screws.
wM1

[Major 2]

I had the Cavalry carbine model, never any issue with the latch....

I had happened on it consigned to an LGS in Franklin, NC. and got it for $300 , I sold years later ( one of , on a list I wished I had not let go )

[Niederlander]

The latch can be a problem, because instead of sticking with the original design (the thumb piece pressed on to a square shaft), they used a set screw on a round shaft.  Not too hard to fix so it doesn't come apart though.  You may never have a problem with it, largely depending on how much you use it.  If you use it for GAF shooting, it may well need to be fixed.  Neat carbines!

[Dave T]

I always admired the OM Springfields.  Congrats to the OP on the acquisition.

Dave

[Pitspitr]

Most of the latch problems come from people who don't know how to shoot them. I have two one had to be repaired because the dummy who owned it before me would press down on the latch lever to close it and stripped the set screws.

Not all the problems are operator error.

The latch can be a problem, because instead of sticking with the original design (the thumb piece pressed on to a square shaft), they used a set screw on a round shaft.  Not too hard to fix so it doesn't come apart though.  You may never have a problem with it, largely depending on how much you use it. If you use it for GAF shooting, it may well need to be fixed.  Neat carbines!

+1When mine came apart it became an auto-ejector 

[Drydock]

Another potential problem with these is some of the late ones had the cams machined with the wrong geometry.  But those should have been corrected long ago.  Have always wanted one of the Officers models.  Check the set screw frequently.  If it ever comes loose,  dimple the shaft then locktite the dang screw in.  Then screw a 2nd one on top of it.

[Pitspitr]

On mine the shaft actually broke away from the thumb piece. When I got the replacement I applied Drydock's fix and have had no more problems with it.

Check the set screw frequently.  If it ever comes loose,  dimple the shaft then locktite the dang screw in.

[Drydock]

I blame everyone here:  Walking thru a small gunshop in a St Louis suburb today, and there sits an H&R Officers Model midst the black rifles.  Pristine condition, reasonable price, and a quarterly safety bonus in the account. 

Should make a nice skirmish rifle.

[Roscoe Coles]

Ha!  We are all enablers when it comes to buying guns.  I am busy planning modifications to mine to make it a bit closer to the original.  Installing a proper/original rear barrel sight, cutting a grove in the hinge so you can see it, finding a beach combination front sight, and fixing a couple of little things.  I am also looking at installing a single set trigger (parts are available).  It might be fun to "de-farb" it by taking off some of the markings.  It's good to have a project. 

[Drydock]

https://montanavintagearms.com/product/mva-combination-front-sight/

[varsity07840]

Standard 70 grain loads with the 405gr bullet off the bench will loosen your fillings. The 500 gr load is simply painful.

[Roscoe Coles]

I have a 45-55 (405) carbine load that I load for my 1886 carbine that is pleasant to shoot.  I think I will stick with that.  I have a sharps 45-90 if I want more zip. 

[Drydock]

Yeah, the originals were regulated for the carbine load, I'll stick with that. 

[Drydock]

Took it out to the farm today: OE and Triple 7 carbine loads.  The 8 groove H&R rifling prefers the 777, though both loads shot into 3" at 100 yards off the bench.  I intend to replace the front sight with the MVA "beach" sight eventually, but will probably keep the rear tang sight, it works better than I thought it would, and stays upright under recoil, good for Skirmish shooting.  I'll need to scribe it for different ranges when I get the chance.  It is an accurate reproduction of the original, and I understand it better having used it.  Not a precision sight, but it's not a precision rifle.

Using this bullet: http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=46-405C

One of these really helps the recoil: https://www.accu-riser.com/leather-butt-pad-bp-2000/

Though it does not appear to have been shot much, it seems someone did secure the locking cam with double set screws.  Hopefully they dimpled the shaft, but I doubt I'll have any problems with it.

[Drydock]

Having said that, I ran across this: https://stores.leeshavergunsmithing.com/muzzleloaders-and-trapdoor-rifles-economy-mid-range-soule/

I called Mr. Shaver, and he makes them to fit the existing mount on the rifle.  You do need to call if you want this specific pattern.  I have one ordered, be a week to 10 days to ship, will report when it arrives.

[Drydock]

Received and installed Shaver sight.  Easy installation on the existing base.  Seems a robust, quality unit. Should work well in this application.

[wildman1]

I believe the double set screws are standard. Both of ours have them.
wM1

[Drydock]

Most I've observed had a single.  It was a well known fix even as they were being made.  Might have become standard on late production.