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H&R Topper M48 12 Gauge Questions Continued!

hermiemhermiem Member Posts: 261 ✭✭✭
edited December 2013 in Ask the Experts
This is a follow-up to an initial question that I had on the H&R Topper M48 12 Gauge but another different question. I am having significant difficulty locating the CORRECT SCHEMATIC for my particular manufacturing date model. The serial number on the firearm is J-46319. According to my research Toppers with a "J" at the begining of the serial number were produced in 1949. So far all of the schematics that I have found appear to be for models AFTER (Actually MUCH after) the manufacture of my piece. All of the schematics I've located so far have a "safety bar" striking system. Mine is a a hammer-direct to firing pin striking system. Also, as an FYI, several of the parts appear different (for instance the shape of the firing pin) and there seems to be more parts for the later models than with this one. (Which since the newer models are more complex would make sense.) A local gunsmith suggested that I convert my old model to a newer version - not really an option plus how safe would the conversion be? I'd appreciate any info or links that you guys may have. And as always - Thanks in advance!

Regards,

Mike
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Comments

  • asphalt cowboyasphalt cowboy Member Posts: 8,904 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Unless it is cost prohibitive the conversion is a viable option.
    The transfer bar won't prevent an AD brought about by pulling the trigger, but can prevent one if the gun is dropped while cocked or if the hammer is struck hard enough to knock/break it off sear.
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  • charliemeyer007charliemeyer007 Member Posts: 6,572 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I converted one to the transfer bar system at the shop a long time ago so I know it can be done. I wouldn't do it if it were mine, as the transfer parts often break (I have replaced several). Do you have your broken firing pin? If so you can fix it or use it as the pattern. As a kid for my 48 I made a replacement firing pin out of an aircraft bolt using an eggbeater drill and a file. I repaired the broken one in my 58. Flat filed the front where the pin was busted. Center punch, drilled with one or two number sizes smaller than protruding part of the pin. With Dremel tool cut a length of the shank of the proper sized drill bit. Pound new tip into the tight hole in the pin. Radius the new point, install the repaired pin, check the protrusion length.

    added There should be a small hole in the guide for the main spring part #11, push the coil spring w/spacer if present to the hole and insert a paper clip in the hole(s), this will hold the spring in partial compression. With the hammer in place insert the spring and guide into the proper position. Pull back on the hammer until you start to feel some spring, then pull out the paper clip.

    http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/HarringtonRichardson-33274/Shotguns-36451/48Topper-40881.htm?results=All

    Perhaps an old Stoeger Mail Order and Gun Parts Catalog will have a good schematic showing the parts in correct relation.


    The Gun digest book of firearms assembly/disassembly: Shotguns - Google Books Result

    J. B. Wood - 2002 - Sports & Recreation - 592 pages
    ... basic assembly/disassembly steps for the Harrington & Richardson Topper also apply to the following guns: Harrington & Richardson Model 48 Harrington ...
    books.google.com/books?isbn=0873494008...
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  • hermiemhermiem Member Posts: 261 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Charlie,

    Once again thanks for the info. (For some reason you seem to be my "go-to" guy with these questions.)

    I kind of have a "new development" since my question posted. Just for the heck of it I checked out the Schematic for the H&R MODEL #47 on the Gunparts website. It is IDENTICAL in every respect regarding parts, appearance etc to what I have. I took all of the information off of the firearm's ACTION and not the barrel. (However, the serial number on the barrel and action DO match.) - so I'm kind of at a loss here? NOW, my issue is reassembling the mainspring assembly - LOL?!?! Any suggestions? I'm attempting to put it back together by using a bench (a small one) vise but not having much luck. Do you think that I should invest in a mainspring tool or do ya have another of your great suggestions?

    Best Regards,

    Mike


    quote:Originally posted by charliemeyer007
    I converted one to the transfer bar system at the shop a long time ago so I know it can be done. I wouldn't do it if it were mine, as the transfer parts often break (I have replaced several). Do you have your broken firing pin? If so you can fix it or use it as the pattern. As a kid for my 48 I made a replacement firing pin out of an aircraft bolt using an eggbeater drill and a file. I repaired the broken one in my 58. Flat filed the front where the pin was busted. Center punch, drilled with one or two number sizes smaller than protruding part of the pin. With Dremel tool cut a length of the shank of the proper sized drill bit. Pound new tip into the tight hole in the pin. Radius the new point, install the repaired pin, check the protrusion length.

    Perhaps an old Stoeger Mail Order and Gun Parts Catalog will have a good schematic showing the parts in correct relation.


    The Gun digest book of firearms assembly/disassembly: Shotguns - Google Books Result

    J. B. Wood - 2002 - Sports & Recreation - 592 pages
    ... basic assembly/disassembly steps for the Harrington & Richardson Topper also apply to the following guns: Harrington & Richardson Model 48 Harrington ...
    books.google.com/books?isbn=0873494008...
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