This group is also DEAD

[Dick Hosmer]

While Al Frasca's GREAT site is gone, the link is now in place (click on "Bulletin Board") directing you to the new TD site run by John Spangler of Oldguns.net. It promises to be just as good as Al's, PLUS you can post pictures (never possible before) AND use all of the punctuation characters . . .

[Kragrifle]

Still have a soft spot for this website!

[Dick Hosmer]

Still have a soft spot for this website!

I know, so do I. I'm even a member of the OFC (do you remember the Duke's dying words?), but, facts are facts. Virtually no one posts here for either TD or Krag any more. Part of that of course is natural attrition, and the diminishing interest in artifacts of that period. I'm close to selling off/thinning down . . .

[Fred]

While there?s still a market for trapdoors.
Hollywood could revitalize interest with good movies that give an historical focus on trapdoor development

[Dick Hosmer]

I still check in here from time to time - this morning the icon said there were 124 people viewing! That's great, but where are the posters? No one has anything to say? No one has any questions? Nothing for show and tell? Very disappointing.

[Fred]

Yes, it is.

[jon_norstog]

My brother and I take the black powder guns to the range in Sandpoint ID when it is open. It is always a kick to turn loose a cloud of BP smoke on the young guys shooting their ARs. The Buffington sights on my 1884 are just the ticket for shooting paper. Wintertime we go out to a shooting place in the National Forest - those sights are about useless under those conditions.

If I get a nice target I'll take a picture and post it.

jn

[JimF]

Here’s one of mine . . . .

54468

Not too shabby . . .for 82-year old eyes!

[JohnMOhio]

Jim, that is close to your Mauser that you posted as 18 inches high over point of aim. As I see it, you have this one set up for hunting deer. Especially for one moving from left to right.

[JimF]

. . . . .Especially for one moving from left to right.

Ahhh, yes, John . . . . .

I see you have figured out my reasoning . . . .

I will ONLY take shots at deer moving from left to right! Ha Ha!

[Dick Hosmer]

I still check in here from time to time - this morning the icon said there were 124 people viewing! That's great, but where are the posters? No one has anything to say? No one has any questions? Nothing for show and tell? Very disappointing.

364 people viewing (REALLY??) and not ONE of them has anything to say? Sad.

[Allen]

364 people viewing (REALLY??) and not ONE of them has anything to say? Sad.

Yep, and out of that only a dozen or so are per se active.

I guess people are burning off. Weekends are traditionally slack but weekdays are slim now as well.

[Dick Hosmer]

Dying interest I guess, though both KCA and John Spangler's save of Frasca's board are doing fairly well. Al's followers are just happy they can type in English and post pictures.

[Allen]

What gets me is the absence of fellowship. It doesn't have to be guns or politics. Folks here can chat about anything, but don't.

Then again there is the "site" problem that has caused some members to drop off due to not being able to log on, but just using a different computer or browser normally solves that issue.

Like you say though: "dying interest" is probably the best cause.

[Dick Hosmer]

Upon further reflection, while the "old" groups seem to be fading, Facebook is flourishing. I moderate one of the TD groups there, and we get, on average 3-4 new join requests every single day - sometimes many more! Go figure. I'll be 87 this year and am seriously thinking about reducing my collection. I know I've said it before, but this time I'm afraid I mean it.

[Allen]

I was speaking of this forum in general but yeah, black powder and TD interest has been hit hard. The younger generations have their pot metal and plastic weapons to swoon over. The old Springfield TD's are over a hundred years old and considered just obsolete relics by many now I guess.

As far as steering those on Facebook to have an interest here it is a little more difficult to become a new member now thanks to the spammers and trolls. Before, anyone could register. Now, you have to be approved. This shouldn't be a big obstacle--just not instant membership like before.

[Dick Hosmer]

I was speaking of this forum in general but yeah, black powder and TD interest has been hit hard. The younger generations have their pot metal and plastic weapons to swoon over. The old Springfield TD's are over a hundred years old and considered just obsolete relics by many now I guess.

As far as steering those on Facebook to have an interest here it is a little more difficult to become a new member now thanks to the spammers and trolls. Before, anyone could register. Now, you have to be approved. This shouldn't be a big obstacle--just not instant membership like before.


Bingo! I run a taut ship on FB. You MUST answer our brief questions (3) or it is no go. Have 16 wannabes backed up now. My postings on the matter have yet to generate a negative comment.

[lyman]

Bingo! I run a taut ship on FB. You MUST answer our brief questions (3) or it is no go. Have 16 wannabes backed up now. My postings on the matter have yet to generate a negative comment.

Dick,

which facebook group?

[Dick Hosmer]

US Springfield Trapdoor Rifles, Springfield Trapdoors, plus (way too) many others involving Krags, American Flyer trains, Austin-Healeys, etc. ad nauseam .

[Carlsr]

I was once in that group on Facebook. I left Facebook back before covid and the only thing I miss is the trapdoor group:(