boy, do I miss Al's classified !

[bigdave1]

It's said "you don't miss a good thing till it's gone". For years I always knew if my friends or myself were in the market for a Trapdoor rifle, we could always go to Al Frasca's collectors site. Great pictures, honest accurate descriptions, and good prices. Not being able to travel to gun shows or events where these or offered, I find myself relegated to searching the internet on sites such as Gunbroker, or Guns international, which pale when compared to Al's old listings. Dealer's listings tend to be quite over priced, and frankly, not described as well as Frasca's were. Those were the day's, my friend! Any Ideas where a less than expert can go for a good honest deal?

[Dick Hosmer]

There is nothing, presently, that I know of, which can top Al's, but I'd definitely recommend the site (Oldguns.net) run by our own John Spangler as being the next best thing. He has good descriptions, and always with a lot of pictures. I know that we ALL depended on Al's knowledge to some degree, but John has handled a LOT of these guns too. FWIW, when I get around to it, I plan to use his services to dispose of those guns that I will sell.

The tools for self-education (insert cheap plug for own books ) ARE available, perhap we are just going to have to knuckle down and do a bit more of our own homework . . . GB and GI have a lot of material but you are pretty much on your own as to what is right and what is bullshit. There are some dealers I avoid - thankfully we are rid of Trapdoors Galore, possibly the biggest snake-pit of all time. Collectors (Houston) has good stuff but are very high priced. Joe Salter & Ken McPheeters ditto.

FWIW, I have, for years, offered to vet any gun which I was queried about. That still stands, I am NOT buying anything at this late date, so you can provide me the URL (preferably via email - richardahosmer@comcast.net - I do NOT like "private messaging") of anything without fear that I would snipe you. If I know the seller, that fact will be divulged.

Hope that helps.

[bigdave1]

Thanks Dick. I bought your 50-70 collector's only book years ago, when I visited Springfield Armory. Invaluable aid. I referred to it when I bought a M1866 off gunbroker, and again ( although I didn't need to ) when I bought one of the last '66's from Al just before he closed shop. His descriptions and photos left no need for questions. I will have to invest in your 45-70 book. I have the two volume Frasca-Hill books which are very detailed, but not all that handy for quick reference. I'll check out the sellers you mentioned.

[John S.]

Feel free to list your own trapdoor era items for sale here, and with photos and price. This site is not involved in any offer, just serving as a posting location, and prospective sellers and buyers are on their own regarding any negotiations, payment, sales, shipping, and resolution of any problems using their personal email. Any listings which appear suspicious or possibly illegal will be removed.

If the volume justifies it, I will set up a separate section for buy-sell-trade, but for now just post your item in a new thread, and include For Sale or Wanted or Trade as part of the thread title.