Question for Small Arms Committee

[Jim_Burgess_2078V]

Not that I'm about to give up shooting my Shiloh Sharps but I have an option to buy a Harpers Ferry Arms 2nd Model Maynard. The list of approved arms notes that these carbines must be dated after 1976. My question is where on the firearm should I look for the date? Thanks!

Jim Burgess, 15th Conn. Vol. Inf.

[John Holland]

Jim,

I haven't seen a dated one in many years, but as I recall the date is on the side of the receiver and large enough to read easily. If it happens to be an undated one bring it into one of the SAC review sessions and we will give it an individual approval.

John Holland
Chairman, SAC

[Jim_Burgess_2078V]

Thanks for responding, John. The only markings I can find on this carbine are the Harpers Ferry Arms logo on the right side of the receiver and the number 18X (presumed to be a serial #) on the right flat of the barrel near the breech. I was hoping to determine if it is an approved arm before making the purchase. Although the price is attractive, there is no sense in my buying and trying to work on the carbine's various other issues (pitting in the bore, frozen nipple & screws, etc. all resulting from poor cleaning and maintenance) if it cannot be used in competition.

One thing I noticed with this carbine is the buttstock has a cast to the right. Not having an original in my collection, is this true on all 2d Model Maynards?

Jim Burgess, 15th CVI

[John Holland]

Jim,

The "cast off" is entirely accidental and the result of the manufacturer's early sloppy work, and only one example of the many things that were wrong with the early arms. The N-SSA didn't want to endorse a poor quality arm. Which is why N-SSA Production Approval was withheld until a much better quality arm was re-submitted and given Production Approval in 1976.

Remember, if you purchase the example you are considering, we will give you an "Individual Approval" to use it in the N-SSA's competitive matches.

Sincerely,
John Holland
Chairman, Smalll Arms Committee

[RaiderANV]

As I remember only a hand full had the date placed on them. I think if I remember correctly the serial number bral point was anything over #297.

Although I have found a couple under that number that were the same as those after. Might just be the serial number on the gun when they got the final approval me thinks.

If it won't pass the N-SSA you can always sell it to the reenactors Jim. :wink:

[Chris Sweeney]

The biggest concern with the HF maynards is the chamber size. They were either deliberately or accidently (depending on who you talk to) made with a chamber larger than originals. There were HF case made to fit, but those are scarce now. Firing plastic std size cases in one of the HFs with this problem will destroy the case in one shot; firing a reduced cap case will swell the case enough to make removal difficult and or cause premature splitting. I had Hoyt reline and rechamber mine.