Trapdoor Rifles

Trapdoors had little interest in the "good old days" because few people knew much about them.
That began to change in 1977, when Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values (1st edition) appeared. This was the first widely available detailed breakdown of the various trapdoor models for collectors.

After that, Al Frasca's monumental study "The .45-70 Springfield", and Bud Waite and B.D. Ernst's "Trapdoor Springfield." were published in
1980. More recenlty Dick Hosmer's two volumes have filled in more related details.

Here is a brief (one page) item from Jonathan Peck about trapdoors, and the impact of Flayderman on the hobby, specifically trapdoors. It notes the involvement of key figures who worked with Flayderman to make that happen. This took place at a meeting of the American Society of Arms Collectors, and most of those mentioned were members of that group.

https://americansocietyofarmscollectors ... ersona.pdf

I salute the pioneers, and all who have done serious research to enlighten us about Trapdoors!

Thanks for sharing! The list is pretty good - I'd give it maybe 90/100.

Ahhh yes, the "good old days" when if you did not collect Colts or Winchesters you were vermin, hardly worth speaking to... I remember them well. To those of us who had done our homework were already aware of many of the variations, Flaydermans was both a blessing and a curse, as it confirmed a lot of which we knew, but ALSO informed those who (JP being one) would not have dirtied their hands previously, and caused a general raise in prices. It did hurt those who had been making "carbines" out of rifles, which had become almost a cottage industry, which was a good thing.

Thanks for this. I have Mr Hosmer's .58 and .50 cal book—it was a godsend. Thank you for such fantastic work! I hope that by being on this board, I can soak in the expertise by osmosis!