The entire world

[Mark Daiute]

Life is so strange.... this sight is available to the entire world and I'll bet there's no more than ten regular posters on the Krag forum and the trapdoor forum. Is my interest in these firearms that esoteric? Can't be.

My frequent posting could give some people the wrong impression. I currently have but two trapdoors and 4 Krags (none of which are in original condition).

the last 5 years or so have been lots of fun. Thanks to the knowledgeable ones here.

Mark

[Dick Hosmer]

Everyone has their own favorite website, I'm sure - I know of several that I do not visit at all. I will say one thing though - the hardcore TD collectors are a small group - sooner or later you come full circle. Most all serious collectors are at least aware of most of the other collectors; and, if they don't know them, they know someone who does. Also, I'm sure that a LOT of people lurk, seldom if ever joining in.

[JohnMOhio]

Your right Mr. Hosmer. I frequent the forum, especially when photos are posted. Since I know very little about the TD's I don't have much to offer other than an occassional "great looking rifle" comment and a "thanks for sharing." I also found that what I have seen on occassion and thought it to be one model turns out to be incorrect. The TD's sure are a confusing firearm to me however they do spark my interest.

Thanks for you input and showing many of us what really is and is not what we thing we are viewing.

John

[Dick Hosmer]

I'm guilty of posting very few photos directly, for several reasons (1) my webpage is but a click away for any viewer who wishes to visit (2) A lot of my photo files are still on my old computer (3) I'm a bit lazy at times.

[Dan Shapiro]

Maybe if we started painting all trapdoors tactical black we'd get more interest?

[Dick Hosmer]

I guess it's the curmudgeon in me, but I cannot understand the present "tactical" craze, at all. For one thing, IMHO, it presents a VERY VERY poor image to the public, in these days of the ever-increasing demonization of guns. What better fodder for the a$$holes at the UN, to say nothing of our home-grown Marxists, than some of our current firearms magazines?

I used to eagerly await my American Rifleman every month, and would pore through it avidly - now, I can do the whole thing in a couple of minutes. Once I get past the non-firearms ads and splashy color sensationalism, there isn't much left. Pick up an issue from the 40's or 50's, even 60's, and you'll see what I mean.

[Beachbumbob]

I'm mainly a lurker because the amount of my knowledge of these 2 weapons could be inscribed on the head of a pin. I've owned 2 Trapdoors (a Alin Conversion 50/70 and an 1873 rifle) that were traded for my first car a 1960 TR3 in 1968. And I've owned 2 Krags, an1898 Rifle and either a Bannerman Carbine (most likely) or a Board Rifle. Only reason I now have to think that is was a Board rifle is that it would accept a bayonet. Knowledge picked up here. It was traded in the late 60's for a totally matching BYF43 Mauser/bayonet/belt/ammo pouches. The "carbine's" throat was so bad that it keyholed badly at 25 yards with everything I tried to shoot through it including some cast loads.

I'm with Dick about the craze for the 'black' rifles. I used and carried a M16A1 for 23 years and can't say the first thing bad about it. Also shot competition with it when stationed in Germany in the early 70s. But I don't own one and not looking to have one in my arms room. (But never say never!)

Don't stop with the postings just because you think there's no one here.

Bob

[John Sukey]

If this had been years before I got a Kumpewter, I once owned 35 trapdoors, from a 1866 Cadet (58 cal) to the rod bayonet version. I still have the last one. Converted to collecting Enfields. Prices have gone into orbit on trapdoors.
Also collected the Indian War uniforms and equipment as well.
I do not own a mouse gun but I did buy a Garand, only because they made me give my issued one back.

[older than dirt]

Hi all. Thanks to Dick H. I found out that my TD was a Bannerman. It has a 1863 lock plate, 1873 breach block, barrel & receiver 1888, long wristed stock that was a 3 bander at one time, & it even had the heavy paper liner in the stock. The last 8ins. of the bore were bad, so I cut & recrowned the barrel to 24ins & stock as well. I reload & shoot smokeless in mine & can hit 5 gallen cans out at 200yds all day. I have a Marbles Savage 99 style tang sight on the back & front sight is off a Rem 700. I also have 4 coats of hand rubbed Tung Oil on it & the wrist & forearm checkered. People who see it either like it or hate it. Me I love it. It`s my favorite shooter.

[PhillipM]

I'm guilty of posting very few photos directly, for several reasons (1) my webpage is but a click away for any viewer who wishes to visit (2) A lot of my photo files are still on my old computer (3) I'm a bit lazy at times.

With all due respect your site is not a click away. A clickable link is neither in your signature line nor your profile.

The laws regarding primitive weapons for hunting deer have changed to allow TD's in recent years. I've been toying with the idea to get one to hunt with because I just don't like the break open handi rifles. I lurk here once in a while to gain a pearl of wisdom or two.