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                                                BILL GOODMAN, P. O. BOX 2002, BOZEMAN, MONTANA 59771

TEL. (406) 587-3131        FAX (406) 219-3415

                                        EMAIL: montanaraven@hotmail.com

Bill Goodman has been a collector of antique/collector firearms for well over 40 years and a full time dealer for over 30 years. Traveling around the country constantly seeking good quality collector arms at REALISTIC PRICES, Bill sells exclusively by mail order. Until recently, he has advertised in every issue of The Gun List (now Gun Digest the Magazine) since it's first small issues in the early 1980s (as well as The Shotgun News before that). All items are photographed. To view them just click the text of the item you want to see. Be sure to scroll down as most items have more than one photo. All guns are sold as collector's items, not shooters. If you wish to shoot an item listed here, it is strongly recommended that you have the item checked out by a competent gunsmith who specializes in antique/classic firearms. All items are sold with the usual three (3) day inspection. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, call to say you are returning the item and you will receive an immediate refund when the item is received back in the same condition it was originally shipped. This list will be constantly updated as new items become available. Use the above phone number to call to check availability and for info on any item you wish to purchase. Prices do not include shipping. All federal/state laws concerning the transfer of firearms are strictly followed. Modern firearms must be shipped to an FFL dealer (or "Curio & Relics" license holders where applicable). Pre-1899 antiques may be shipped to non-FFL holders. All Layaway sales are final. AND PLEASE, MAKE CHECKS TO WILLIAM (OR BILL) GOODMAN AND NOT GOODMANGUNS.

MORE GUNS WERE POSTED ON 4/16/19. WATCH FOR FREQUENT POSTINGS THROUGH APRIL.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD: FINALLY, MY SECOND NOVEL IS OUT! First, I'd like to thank everyone who read my first novel, DESERT SUNDAYS, and kept after me to get the second one done and published! So, after the usual delays and hitches, here it is. This one is called AN OBVIOUS SLAM DUNK and if you like courtroom scenes and a story that not only makes you think, but surprises you...well, this is a page turner I know you'll like. And before anyone asks, yes, the third novel is almost done and I hope to get that one out before too long. All three form a trilogy, but each stands alone, so it doesn't matter which you read first. Both are available on Amazon or Barnes and Noble (Kindle downloads too). If you want to save some money and have a signed copy, I have books here that I can sell cheaper than online at $13 each including shipping. Click here to see both books front and back with a synopsis of each. Don't bother to call to reserve a copy, just toss a check in the mail with shipping instructions. Thanks, Bill Goodman

COLT FIRE ARMS (click text for photo)

1) SINGLE ACTION ARMY RARE LONG-FLUTE CYLINDER VARIATION WITH INTERESTING FACTORY LETTER, #331XXX, SHIPPED 1915. This unusual Single Action .38-40 caliber with 4 ¾” barrel turned up in Tucson, Arizona. What is unusual is that it is slightly out of range for Long flute models by a little over 60 numbers- unusual, but not unheard of. Here’s what Keith Cochran says about them in his exhaustively researched book Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia: “Beginning in 1913 Colt manufactured the so-called Long-Flute Peacemaker. Between serial numbers 330001 and 331480 Colt manufactured 1,379 Long-Flute Model revolvers with a few known revolvers with this feature outside this serial-number-range; these revolvers will be serial numbered close to this serial-number-range however… When Colt terminated the manufacture of the Model 1878 Double Action Frontier Revolver, about 1905, they had a quantity of cylinders in surplus. The Model 1878 revolver had longer flutes in the side of the cylinder because the bolt-lock notch was in the rear end of the cylinder… These cylinders Colt had in surplus were not milled for the lock notch in the rear of the cylinder and they were adaptable to the Peacemaker. The Long-Flute Model revolver was manufactured in six calibers: .45 Colt, .44-40, .44 S&W Special, .41, .38-40 and .32-20 with some of these calibers very scarce to rare.” He also goes on to state, “The bushing in the cylinder of the Long-Flute Model revolver is unlike the bushing in the standard Peacemaker as it does not pass completely through the center of the cylinder; when observing the cylinder from the breech end the bushing cannot be seen.” This example has the correct short bushing. Like the Model 1878, the most common caliber Single Action Long-Flute is .45 Colt followed by .44-40. The .38-40 would be considered scarce with the other calibers downright rare! I sent for the Colt historical letter myself and just now received this unusual letter: “Colt Single Action Army Revolver #331XXX, .38-40, 4 ¾” barrel, blue finish, pearl stocks, sold to Ben Rubenstein, address unavailable, shipped to Stauffer Eshleman and Company, New Orleans, Louisiana, September 23, 1915, one gun in the shipment.” Then under remarks the letter states: “The records further indicate this revolver was returned to the factory on October 11, 1915. It was then shipped to Shapleigh Hardware Company in St. Louis, Missouri for Dollarhide & Harris, address unknown, on November 13, 1915. At this time, the stocks were not listed.” I don't know who "Dollarhide & Harris" is. So, here’s my take on this, and I admit it is speculative, but makes sense: I think Ben Rubenstein special ordered a Colt SAA in .38-40, 4 ¾” barrel with pearl stocks. When the gun arrived, he looked at it and didn’t like the fact it had a Long-Flute cylinder. So he had it sent back to Colt. Colt removed the pearls and re-fitted this returned revolver with standard hard rubber stocks and shipped it to one of their biggest dealers, Shapleigh Hardware in St. Louis. I’ll bet the pearls that were originally on this one were re-fitted to another revolver with a standard cylinder and sent back to Ben Rubenstein in New Orleans. I can’t prove it, but I’ll bet this is what happened. Stauffer Eshleman & Co. was a pretty big dealer in New Orleans. If their customer backed out of the special ordered Single Action, they could easily have sold it as retail in their store…but they didn’t. Instead they returned it to Colt. As to condition, this revolver has seen use, but no abuse. There is still good bright blue around the front sight and top/bottom of the barrel, in the flutes of the ejector housing, some in the protected areas of the trigger guard and good aged blue in the cylinder flutes and on the butt. The balance of the revolver is mostly gray/brown with some light case color on the frame ahead of the cylinder and some small scattered areas showing evidence of light rust that has been wiped off, but not buffed or heavily cleaned. There also appears to be some surface "spotting" on the cylinder that looks like it was from powder solvent/bore cleaner that wasn't wiped off- should be easy to clean better if desired, minor. The screws are excellent, markings are sharp including the correct two line barrel address, the front sight has not been filed or altered the hammer is correct, the hard rubber grips fit well and show normal wear, action is tight with four clicks to the hammer and the bore is fine+ to exc. These Long-Flute Single Actions don’t show up for sale often and this one is in a scarce caliber with a particularly interesting and intriguing letter- I'm sure ancestry.com could provide info on the two names! (five photos) $3850.

2) CLASSIC NEW SERVICE .38-40 CALIBER, 5 ½” BARREL, #58XXX, MADE 1913. Interesting to note that the big Colt New Service is the only modern side swing cylinder revolver ever chambered for this caliber (it is possible S&W made a few Triplelock revolvers in .38-40, but this is not verified). This example came out of right here in Montana. It had been stored in an old collection for so long that when I was able to get it the action was so stuck with old and dried grease that I couldn’t even cock the hammer or rotate the cylinder! I sprayed the gun down with Gun Scrubber and oil and finally things loosened up. I doubt this gun has been fired for decades. The action is now crisp and tight with typically wonderful early Colt workmanship. Overall metal surfaces are free of any rust or pitting and display an appearance of good right blue in protected areas mixing evenly with aged and thinning blue. All barrel markings are sharp and clear with the last patent date of 1905. Frame proof markings are also clear. The rampant colt stamping on the left side of the frame pretty well worn away as there is evidence that a holster strap rubbed this area- interesting in that if it was rubbed in this way the gun would have had to have been carried either butt-forward on the right side or in a cross-draw holster by a left handed shooter. Lanyard swivel intact with block letters “A.B.C.” stamped next to the swivel on the butt- meaning unknown. Fine grips are not chipped or cracked and only show light wear. Bore generally excellent with a few very light surface spots that ought to brush out. Front sight has not been filed or altered. $995.

3) VERY SELDOM ENCOUNTERED AND CONSIDERED EXTREMELY RARE IS THIS FACTORY NICKEL NEW SERVICE REVOLVER IN .38-40 CALIBER WITH 5 ½” BARREL, #308XXX, MADE 1920. Standard finish on these largest of the Colt double action side swing cylinder revolvers was blue. Very few were finished in nickel as a special order. One can go years and not see a nickel New Service come up for sale. This is a fine example that shows most of the nickel intact with only some peeling in the cylinder flutes and on the left side of the barrel. All markings are sharp and clear including the rampant Colt on the left side of the frame. The grips fit perfectly, are numbered on the inside to match the rest of the gun and are in excellent condition with only one small chip at the extreme bottom right panel. Very tight action, bore is a little dark and appears to have some leading in it that ought to brush out to make the overall bore condition fine+ to about excellent. The butt swivel has been removed and should be easy to replace or just leave as is. Front sight has not been altered or filed and the dark areas on the cylinder where the nickel has peeled could easily be polished brighter to blend in with the lightly aged overall nickel. Considering the different calibers and barrel lengths offered in the New Service and the rarity of any revolver in this line having nickel finish, there simply can’t be many .38-40, 5 ½” factory nickel New Services in existence. $1395.

4) GORGEOUS WOOLY MAMMOTH IVORY GRIPS FOR COLT (AND OTHER) MODEL 1911 FULL SIZE AUTO PISTOLS! With elephant ivory in a "gray area" as for legality, this is the best and most interesting option for exotic grips. I have a set on my main 1911 and they get lots of attention! The Wooly Mammoth became extinct over 10,000 years ago and the great tusks and ivory from these magnificent beasts is getting harder and harder to find. The way to tell the difference between elephant ivory and mammoth ivory is in the grain structure. Elephant ivory has a straight grain pattern and mammoth ivory is "cross hatched" in the grain. Each is unique and displays colors absorbed from the minerals in the soil in which the tusks lay for thousands of years. When these are gone, I don't know if I'll ever be able to offer any again. Perfectly legal to own and transfer. Price is $495 per set. (If you are emailing or calling, please let me know 2nd. and 3rd choices as these probably won't last too long!)

MARLIN (click text for photos).

1) 1893 DELUXE .32-40 CALIBER RIFLE WITH FANCIER THAN STANDARD WALNUT, PISTOL GRIP, CHECKERING, HALF OCTAGON BARREL, HALF MAGAZINE, CRESCENT BUTT, #332XXX, MADE 1906. This is a particularly attractive, high condition Marlin. It is especially unusual in that most deluxe pistol gripped rifles have shotgun butt plates while this one has the deeply curved crescent butt. The bore is minty bright, the checkering on the pistol grip and forend is sharp and the nicely figured walnut in the butt stock and forend are excellent with very little wear. The receiver shows light silvery case colors on the side with more vivid color in the protected areas and on the top of the receiver.. There is also good case color on the upper portions and protected areas of the lever sides along with exc. blue on the loading gate and even the upper tang shows some good color. The 26” half octagon barrel and mag tube retain nearly all the deep factory blue with excellent markings including the "Special Smokeless Steel" barrel marking and nice screws throughout. It is fitted with a buckhorn rear sight (needs elevator bar only) and small blade front sight. This is a rare caliber Marlin 1893 Deluxe in particularly fine condition inside and out. (five photos) $3250.

2) MODEL ’94 .38-40 OCTAGON RIFLE, #412XXX, MADE C.1909. A fine example that retains most of the deep factory blue on the barrel and magazine showing only light darkening from age, exc. markings, receiver case colors have faded to a heavily mottled gray with good blue on the bolt and loading gate, original Rocky Mountain blade front sight with original buckhorn rear sight, excellent walnut butt stock and forend with tight wood to metal fit and only a little spot of surface chipping by the side of the butt plate near the toe on the right side- very minor and hardly worth mentioning. Fine+ bore with some very light scattered surface roughness that ought to brush out better, tight action. Very attractive overall appearance, $1595.

3) MODEL 39 CENTURY LIMITED, .22 S, L & LR, 20 INCH OCTAGON BARREL, ONLY MADE 1970 TO COMMEMORATE 100 YEARS OF MARLIN FIREARMS. This one is in about new condition showing no wear. It has the correct brass “coin” medallion in the right side of the receiver showing the Marlin horse and rider logo with 1870 and 1970 dates. The right side of the stock also has the brass oval plate stating “39 CENTURY LTD” with “MARLIN 100 YEARS” etc. Mounted with a Weaver D4 .22 scope on the correct base complete with lens covers. It also has the original buckhorn and blade/bead front sights with gold trigger and distinctive brass forend cap and brass butt plate. Comes with the original 39 Century Limited owners manual. One of the most handsome Model 39s Marlin ever made at the North Haven, CT factory. These don’t show up much any more. $1150.

4) BALLARD No. 1 1/2 HUNTERS MODEL, .45-70, 32" BARREL (see below in Antique/Classic section)

A NOTE ABOUT "MODERN MARLINS": Marlin has closed its doors for good in North Haven, Connecticut and been bought out by the folks who own Remington. It looks like some models have been put back into production with the barrels marked "Utica, New York." I did see one of the new ones with the old North Haven barrel address so I assume they had left over barrels they were using up. Quality in wood to metal fit was fair at best and trigger pulls were off the scale heavy! I don't know if any of the octagon barrel "cowboy models" will be produced again, although their online catalogue does show a model 1894 cowboy-type with octagon barrel in .45 Colt.

1) PRE-SAFETY SCARCE 1894 .357 CARBINE, MADE 1982. These are particularly hard to find now, correct 18 ½” barrel, buckhorn rear sight with bead front sight, has a scope base correctly mounted in the factory holes, retains nearly all the blue, excellent wood and has a single quick detachable sling swivel stud in the “bullseye” in the bottom of the stock. If you wanted to, you could remove it and replace the little bullseye inlay that is available through several sources. Tight action and perfect bore. $895.

2) MODEL 1895CB, .45-70 WITH 26" OCTAGON BARREL, MADE 2008. This model has the "Ballard style" rifling that works well with cast or jacketed bullets. These are getting very hard to find now as shooters who own them aren't parting with them! This one is in near new condition with no extra holes or alterations. Aside from some very, very light handling marks on the forend (you have to look carefully to see them), it is basically like new. I have one like this that shoots great! $1100.

3) BALLARD RIFLE & CARTRIDGE, CODY, WYOMING MADE No. 4 FANCY SPORTING RIFLE IN .45-90 (see below in the Shiloh Sharps and Reproduction section)

ANTIQUE & CLASSIC RIFLES, SHOTGUNS AND PISTOLS (click text for photos)

1) CUSTOMIZED, FACTORY ENGRAVED REMINGTON HEPBURN SINGLE SHOT RIFLE CONVERTED TO MEDIUM HEAVY VARMINT RIFLE IN .219 IMPROVED ZIPPER CALIBER, probably done in the 1930s-1950s when these rifles didn’t seem to hold a lot of value to collectors (lots of converted single shot rifles during this time!). This one is unusual in that the receiver appears to be factory engraved with scrolls and game scenes (rabbit on one side and a fox on the other) with reblued at time of conversion over the engraving, meaning the engraving was on the gun before refinishing/customizing! It was also converted to under-lever breech block opening (like on a Highwall or Sharps), it is fitted with a 24: medium heavy varmint barrel, nicely grained pistol grip stock with cheek piece and accent line, flat bottom varmint forend, sling swivels and topped with a (more modern) 6-24X BSA Platinum scope (here’s the factory info on the scope: “Extremely tight optical and mechanical tolerances give these scopes consistency and superb accuracy. Features multi-coated lenses, finger adjustable windage and elevation target turrets, generous eye relief and an adjustable objective that adjusts from 25 yards out to infinity. Completely waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. Comes with a limited lifetime factory warranty.”). Unmarked barrel, I was told by the previous owner that the caliber is .219 Imp. Zipper and that appears correct- it was also the most popular varmint caliber for rifles like this. Tight action, target crowned muzzle, light trigger and all in exc. condition overall. Would cost a fortune to have made today…if you could even find the action (not to mention engraving!) NOTE: three photos- the engraving didn't show up in the first two from light reflection, but you see it in the last photo- same on both sides. $2150.

2) CLASSIC ITHACA DOUBLE BARREL SHOTGUN, SCARCE 16 GAUGE WITH 28” BARRELS, #378XXX, MADE 1923. This is a good example of one America’s best side by side shotguns made when the double was still the desired style among serious wing shooters, even though pumps and autos were popular. This one is choked modified and full. It shows normal hunting use, but still retains good aged blue on the barrels with no dents. The receiver is basically a smooth, aged-dull gray. The barrels are marked “SMOKELESS POWDER STEEL” and “MADE IN U.S.A.” along with both sides of the receiver marked “ITHACA GUN CO., ITHACA, NY.” The checkering on the pistol grip and forend is worn, but retains full patterns. Original black hard rubber butt plate is worn, but not chipped or cracked. The pistol grip cap is also fine. Extremely tight action with no play or looseness whatsoever! There are two shallow chips on each side of the receiver top by the barrel lever with no other chips or cracks in either the stock or forend. Matching numbers on receiver, barrels and forend, bright exc. bores, the chambers measure 3” so will take standard 16 ga. shells. Most of these were made in 12 ga. with 16 ga. being difficult to find. If you like shooting classic American made double guns, this is a fine one without paying a fortune! $495.

3) FRONTIER USED BALLARD No. 1 ½ HUNTERS MODEL IN DESIRABLE 45-70 WITH VERY RARE 32” ROUND BARREL, #18XXX, MADE BY THE MARLIN FIREARMS COMPANY. This model was made by Marlin from 1876 to 1883. This example is a fairly high serial numbered rifle that was probably manufactured toward the end of production. I was told by the previous owner that it belonged to a Judge in Billings, Montana who is now very old and had to sell his gun collection. I was also informed that he found this Ballard years ago in Eastern Montana. I have little doubt that it has always been in this part of the country. The No. 1 1/2 Ballard was the no frills workhorse of the line made in .40-63 and .45-70 calibers. It was offered only in round 28”, 30” and 32” barrel lengths with the long 32” length being quite rare. The .45-70 chambering was popular on the Frontier West as it was powerful enough for the largest game found plus ammo could always be obtained at military forts. The last buffalo hunts were in Montana around 1883 and there is a good possibility that this old Ballard took a few from the last wild herds. Quoting from John T. Dutcher’s excellent and detailed book BALLARD, THE GREAT AMERICAN SINGLE SHOT RIFLE:“ It was good marketing savvy to offer a modern, strong rifle at a reasonable price. In their 1878 catalog dealers Turner & Ross listed the No. 1 ½ rifle for $28, while an 1873 Winchester lever action repeating rifle was $25, chambered for far less powerful cartridges, and the 1874 Sharps ‘Business Rifle’ with double set triggers was $35. Marlin Ballards were never cheaply made but were high quality rifles: however, some basic models such as these 1 ½ rifles are plainly finished, utilitarian pieces. This model was made from approximately 1876-77 until 1883. Most No. 1 ½ rifles were made by J. M. Marlin, but they still were listed in the 1883 Marlin Fire Arms Company catalog. Rarely is the Model 1 ½ found in fine condition.” This rifle has the desirable loop lever and retains the original long buckhorn rear sight with the short blade front sight. The barrel serial number (stamped under the forend) and the forend serial numbers match the receiver number. The barrel is an uncleaned mottled gray/brown and is clearly caliber stamped on the top ahead of the receiver “45 Govt.” Deep aged patina receiver, very tight action with the lever snapping closed smartly. The butt stock is fine with one hardly visible very old chip repair at the toe. The forend shows only normal wear with no chips or cracks. The bore is fine with good rifling all the way through and only light scattered surface roughness. These big Frontier Ballards don’t come up for sale often and this is a very desirable one with 32” barrel, ring or loop lever and .45-70 caliber. (3 photos) $2650.

4) STEVENS NEW MODEL POCKET RIFLE, SECOND ISSUE, .22 SHORT CALIBER, 12” HALF OCTAGON BARREL WITH MATCHING STOCK, #8XXX, MADE 1875-1896. These are getting quite scarce as only about 15,000 were made during the black powder era and many didn’t survive. This model came before the more common Model 40 Pocket Rifle made from 1896-1916 that is easily identified by the trigger guard that the early models lack. The New Model Second Issue was made in various .22 Rim Fire rounds plus .32 Rim Fire. This example is in the smallest chambering of .22 Short and is unusual for two reasons. First it is STILL .22 Short and hasn’t been bored out to .22 Long Rifle. This is important because the rifling twist is different for the .22 Short as it fires a light 29 grain bullet compared to the usual 40 grain .22 Long Rifle bullet. Accuracy suffers when this is done by people who didn’t realize this. Also this one is unusual because it has a bright, excellent bore! Most of these were fired extensively with black powder loaded shells that unless cleaned immediately after shooting will spell doom for the bore. This one is outstanding by comparison to almost all I’ve seen in the past. Has excellent bright nickel on the frame with only a small bit of peeling around the side plate and a small spot on the left side of the butt. The stock has a matching serial number to the frame and retains fine nickel with some minor brown spotting. Only the stock screw appears to be a replacement as these were usually of the knurled type and this one has a slot, but fits perfectly. Correct globe front sight with pinhead post and small silver blade on top of the globe matched with a tall buckhorn rear sight with elevator screw. Barrel has the Stevens markings with the last patent date of 1864. The barrel retains a soft thin blue mixing evenly with light brown. Excellent rosewood grips fit perfectly. A really nice example of a type of firearm that doesn’t seem to show often any more. $1295.

MODERN AND CUSTOM CLASSIC FIREARMS (click text for photos)

1) WOOLY MAMMOTH IVORY GRIPS FOR 1911 STYLE AUTO PISTOLS (see above in the Colt section)

2) HARRINGTON AND RICHARDSON MODEL 1871 "BUFFALO CLASSIC" .45-70 SINGLE SHOT RIFLE (see below in Shiloh Sharps and Reproduction section)

3) WINCHESTER MODEL 94 XTR “BIG BORE” .375 WIN. CALIBER LEVER CARBINE (see below in Winchester section)

4) HARRINGTON AND RICHARDSON 1873 OFFICERS MODEL TRAPDOOR .45-70 (see below in the Shiloh Sharps and Reproduction section)

5) BALLARD RIFLE & CARTRIDGE, CODY, WYOMING MADE No. 4 FANCY SPORTING RIFLE IN .45-90 (see below in the Shiloh Sharps and Reproduction section)

REMINGTON (click text for photos)

1) OUTSTANDING MODEL 1901 ROLLING BLOCK MUSKET IN 7MM MAUSER CALIBER. One of the best I’ve seen in a long time, this example shows fine case colors on the receiver, excellent blue on the barrel, exc. walnut stock and handguard, correct sling swivels and cleaning rod intact (these often missing), original military style ladder rear sight with slide intact (again, these often missing), excellent deep blue on the hammer and breech block as well as on the two main receiver pins and retainer on the left side, exc. deep barrel blue, tight action, bore needs a good scrub but will be excellent, sharp markings on the tang with last patent date 1901 with no foreign proofs or foreign cartouche stampings in the stock, and all in about as nice as one could hope to find without somehow being brand new! (4 photos) $995.

2) ALMOST NEVER SEEN MODEL 25R CARBINE PUMP RIFLE IN .25-20, #19XXX, MADE 1923-1936. The standard Model 25 rifle has a 24” barrel with pistol grip and usually a crescent butt plate, while the carbine version has a 17 ¾” barrel (often erroneously stated as having an 18” barrel in some books), straight stock and shotgun butt plate. Almost all the Model 25R carbines I’ve seen over the years have been in very hard used and often abused condition. This example came out of here in Montana, and while it shows use, it is fully functional and unaltered. Carbines came with hook-eye swivels in the butt stock and on the mag. retaining band. These swivels are intact. The butt stock is basically sound but has the usual small chipping of the wood directly behind the rear top of the receiver/stock juncture along with the typical thin crack coming back for a couple of inches. It has the original Remington/UMC marked steel shotgun butt plate. The forend is basically excellent. Overall metal surfaces are a smooth gray with little blue remaining, but excellent markings and original sights. The bore is fine+ and may scrub out exc. with the action being tight. A very difficult Remington to find. $1395.

3) CUSTOM HEPBURN VARMINT RIFLE (see above in custom & classic section above)

RUGER FIREARMS (click text for photos)

1) CLASSIC MODEL 77 IN 7MM REMINGTON MAGNUM CALIBER, MADE 1981, a truly great rifle in every way that is no longer in production, this is the variation without open barrel sights, 24" barrel, comes with a sling and Ruger scope rings, seen very little use as about all the blue is present with barely any edge wear to the trigger guard, original Ruger rubber butt pad and grip cap, sharp checkering, there are some very shallow scratches to the wood on the left side of the receiver which are minor and hardly worth mentioning, classic tang mounted safety, exc. inside, about the most perfect "do anything" caliber available, if you wanted one rifle to hunt anything from antelope to big elk, this one would do it very nicely, $575.

SHILOH SHARPS AND OTHER REPRODUCTIONS. Note: I am a Shiloh Sharps dealer and can order you any Shiloh you want. Check out my other website for Shilohs: www.shiloh-ballard.com (click text for photos)..

1) HARRINGTON AND RICHARDSON MODEL 1871 "BUFFALO CLASSIC" .45-70 TOP BREAK SINGLE SHOT RIFLE. This is a discontinued model that is still quite popular. This example has a 32” round barrel fitted with a Williams fully adjustable rear sight matched with a red fiber optic blade front sight for enhanced visibility especially in the hunting field. The checkered forearm and butt stock show some handling marks, but are basically solid and well fitting. There is some nice grain pattern to the stock which is fitted with a case colored butt plate. Stock screws are an attractive brass and the receiver is finished in a dark blue/gray case color pattern. Tight action and excellent bore with target crown. These don't turn up for sale too often. Lots of fun shooting without paying a fortune! $575.

2) HARRINGTON AND RICHARDSON OFFICERS MODEL TRAPDOOR .45-70 CALIBER SINGLE SHOT RIFLE. These were made the U.S. and whenever I get one of these I always say they are still a great bargain on the reproduction market today…when they can be found. Beautifully reproduced from the original Springfield Officers Model, the H&R has the correct fancy pewter tip, wiping rod, engraved lock, hammer, breech block, trigger guard, barrel band and butt plate. The forend and wrist are sharply checkered, all metal parts except the barrel and barrel band are nicely case colored and the rifle is fitted with a sporting tang sight with blade/bead front sight. In an early 1970s annual issue of Gun Digest, Ken Waters did an article on shooting the various .45-70 rifles that were available at the time and found the H&R Officers Model to be the most accurate! This one is in near new condition. These don't show up often any more. (3 photos) $1195.

3) SHILOH SHARPS 1874 .45-70 SADDLE RING MILITARY CARBINE, #1XXX. This is an early Farmingdale, New York production carbine. Most of the carbines made by Shiloh were the 1863 percussion models with the cartridge Model 1874s quite scarce and rarely offered for sale now. Shiloh no longer catalogues any military rifles or carbines as they are concentrating on the 1874 and 1877 sporting and target rifles. This example has the optional sling ring/saddle ring as well as having a polished blue 22” barrel. It features the standard Lawrence ladder rear sight with slide and small carbine blade front sight. Overall condition is near new, showing no wear or usage. The tangs on these carbines are factory drilled and tapped for tang sight. Nice, dark walnut with case colored receiver, lock, butt plate, barrel band etc. These make great brush guns. A difficult to locate Shiloh. $2350.

4) BALLARD RIFLE & CARTRIDGE, CODY, WYOMING MADE No. 4 FANCY SPORTING RIFLE IN .45-90, #C 8XX, MADE APPROX. 2002. I was one of the first and only dealers for the Ballard Rifles (and later Highwall Rifles) made in Cody, Wyoming. I still shoot two Ballards and one Highwall from that time. These are of the very highest of quality rifles. They advertised them at the time as not being “reproductions” of Ballards, but rather a “continuation” of the superb Ballards made by Marlin until 1891. This example is in like new condition and shows no use at all. It is a straight stocked rifle with shotgun butt. The wood is a fancy grade of fiddleback walnut beautifully fit and finished. The butt plate is checkered steel and case colored to match the deep and rich case color on the receiver and lever. The lever is of the ring type and, in my opinion, better looking than the “S” type lever that was also available (I have a similar No.4 in .45-90 that I ordered with the ring lever like this one.). This rifle sports a 32” heavy octagon barrel with a buckhorn rear sight and fully adjustable for windage globe front sight that will take apertures. It is also fitted with adjustable double set triggers and an Axtell vernier tang sight also adjustable for windage and elevation. The weight of this rifle is right at 12 lbs and would be right at home on the black powder silhouette range, 1000 yard long range or in the hunting fields! These almost never seem to come up for sale any more. This one is in a particularly desirable caliber and configuration! $3850.

SMITH AND WESSON (click text for photos)

1) PRE-WAR .44 SPECIAL SECOND MODEL HAND EJECTOR REVOLVER, 6 ½” BARREL, SCARCE NICKEL FINISH, MADE 1921. Only 15,510 of this model were made from 1915-1940 and I’m sure that low number reflects limited manufacture and demand during the Great Depression of the 1930s.The classic book STANDARD CATALOG OF SMITH WESSON indicates that nickel finish in this model is worth "a premium." This one retains nearly all the original nickel finish with only some scattered freckling mainly on the edges of the grip straps and on the right side of the frame behind the cylinder (this is typical as this is the area that holster straps rub), still retains some light case color on the hammer and trigger, sharp bright bore with only a spot or two of light surface corrosion that might brush out, tight action, exc. markings, matching numbers, exc. diamond checkered walnut grips, unaltered front sight, lanyard ring intact, these big frame pre-war .44sd are becoming very difficult to locate and this is a particularly fine example in desirable nickel finish. (4 photos) $1395.

2) TARGET SIGHTED, PRE-WAR .38 SPECIAL HAND EJECTOR M-1905 4^TH CHANGE, #582XXX, MADE DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION YEARS OF THE 1930s. This along with the Colt Officers Model revolvers were the most popular revolvers used in the popular bullseye matches of the day. During the Depression, with sales very low S&W kept only the best craftsmen employed. The fit, finish and hand honed actions of this decade were second to none. Simply put, the quality was unsurpassed and the actions and triggers have to be felt to be believed. This example with standard 6” barrel has a white outline adjustable rear sight paired with a tall “King Patent” front sight with red ball insert. It shows fine blue overall with just some blue wear on the sides of the barrel and on the edges. All markings are sharp and clear. Matching numbers on the cylinder, barrel and frame. Excellent diamond checkered grips, exc. bright bore and fine action. These would be too cost prohibitive to produce today! $950.

3) RARE MODEL 1926 .44 SPECIAL HAND EJECTOR THIRD MODEL (ALSO KNOWN AS THE “WOLF AND KLAR MODEL), 5” BARREL, DESIRABLE BLUE FINISH, #55XXX, ONLY 4976 MADE FROM 1926-1941. Most of these big N-frame S&Ws were shipped to famed dealer Wolf & Klar of Fort Worth, Texas. Many of these ended up in the holsters of the Texas Rangers, Border Patrol or other law enforcement agencies. They were made in both blue and nickel finishes with the majority I’ve seen being nickel. This example shows fine original blue with normal holster wear to the forward part of the barrel sides, and edges along with the typical holster strap wear line on the right side of the frame behind the cylinder. The blue on the grip straps and trigger guard bottom is dulling somewhat, but not worn to gray. Still retains some nice case color on the trigger. Front sight has not been filed. Excellent markings and matching serial number on the frame, cylinder and barrel. The grips are the correct style, and fit well, but re not numbered to this revolver- this is often the case with this particular model as many Texas lawmen replaced their walnut grips with stag or ivory…this was when sidearms were an object of pride and not viewed as a politically incorrect unfortunate necessity! Excellent action and bore. Typical impeccable pre-war S&W hand-fitting and craftsmanship! One of the finest and most difficult of the pre-war .44 Special to obtain. $1795.

4) IF YOU LIKE HISTORICALLY MARKED REVOLVERS, THIS ONE IS A PRIZE! PRE-MODEL 10, FIVE-SCREW .38 SPECIAL WITH RARE 2” BARREL, ROUND BUTT, NICKEL FINISH WITH THE BACK STRAP MARKED “DETROIT POLICE 10204,” SERIAL NUMBER C208XXX, MADE IN 1950. The right grip panel has been replaced with a black synthetic grip panel with the top extension part made to act as a “belt stop” so the revolver could be worn inside the pants without a holster using the grip to catch over a pants belt! The left grip panel is the normal diamond checkered style with S&W medallion. There is a “N” stamping on the frame under the grips as well as under the barrel by the matching serial number to indicate nickel finish. Matching number on the butt, barrel and cylinder. About all the bright nickel remains with only minor edge wear and there is fine case color on the hammer and trigger. Probably a detective’s revolver. I’m sure there are a lot of great stories in this scarce variation Pre-Model 10! $895

5) EXTREMELY SCARCE ADJUSTABLE SIGHTED, TARGET VERSION M-36 CHIEF SPECIAL, 2” SQUARE BUTT .38 SPECIAL REVOLVER, ONE OF A RUN OF 1,001 OF THESE MADE IN 1966! This and the also rare and identical M-50 target sighted Chief Special are identical. Most of these seem to be the M-36-1 with fewer being the non-dash M-36, like this one. Looks to be unfired and about new as the blue is all intact on the face of the cylinder, and all the rest of the bright blue remains with only a very small spot of brown on the butt and a tiny peel spot on the left side of the frame at the juncture of the top of the recoil shield. The medallion diamond checkered grips are in similar condition. Interestingly, this revolver is in the correct 1966 serial range of these- 391XX1 and the grips are numbered identically except for the last digit which is 391XX2- obviously a factory mix-up during final assembly. One of the most rare and desirable of the Post-War S&Ws that just never seem to come up for sale. (note: what looks like scratches in the top photo is just light reflection off oil) $1295.

U.S. MILITARY AND SPRINGFIELD (click text for photos

1) VERY FINE CONDITION 1879 U.S. SPRINGFIELD .45-70 TRAPDOOR RIFLE, #190XXX WITH CORRECTLY CORRESPONDING, SHARP 1882 STOCK CARTOUCHE. This is the classic Indian Wars standard issue army rifle. It is also a little known fact that many cavalry units were also issued some rifles along with carbines for long range shooting. This example retains nearly all the deep blue on the barrel, barrel bands and trigger guard, as well as the deep blue/black oil quench case color on the lock plate and hammer. The breech block is correctly and clearly marked with the “US Model1873” and the lock plate is also clearly marked with the eagle and “U.S. Springfield.”. The top of the butt plate has the correct “U.S.” marking and there is a normal small rack number stamped in the wood just ahead of this marking. Retains the deep and clear circle “P” cartouche in the wood behind the trigger guard, exc. bright bore, correct swivels, cleaning rod intact, exc. wood with only the most minor of handling marks, correct “R” ( for rifle) marked 1879 rear sight that is mounted with the original “slotless” screws- most have been replaced with later slotted-head screws. This is a really fine example with a great deal of blue. Attractive early example and still the best bargains in the antique arms market! (4 photos) $950.

WINCHESTERS (click text for photo)

BILL GOODMAN, P. O. BOX 2002, BOZEMAN, MONTANA 59771 TEL. (406) 587-3131 FAX (406) 219-3415 montanaraven@hotmail.com

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THESE WERE SUCH GOOD NOTES FROM THE FIELD I'M KEEPING THEM HERE.

CRACKED STOCKS! Seems like an odd thing to write about, but this is something I've not seen in print before. I've observed a lot of rifles with cracks coming straight back toward the butt plate from the upper and lower tangs. Sometimes the cracks are severe enough to warrant repairs (like cross bolts etc. through the wrist or extensive gluing) and other times the stock remains pretty solid as is. So what caused this condition in the first place? I've hunted with all kinds of rifles in all kinds of weather and terrain and never had a gun get damaged like all these I've seen. And I've taken some pretty bad falls too. Once, on ice I couldn't see beneath a couple inches of fresh snow, my feet went out from under me and my rifle landed a number of yards away! Still, no cracks like these. So I've been puzzled by this for some time. Then it hit me, since these guns all seemed like Western big game rifles- large lever actions like 1876 and 1886 Winchesters or Marlin 1881 and 1895s as well as all over while the rifles were in saddle scabbards- fairly common in icy winter conditions, especially in the mountains. Also, sometimes horses will walk so close to trees that they rub against them. If a rifle is in a butt-forward position scabbard, the rifle can go on one side of the tree and the horse the other causing a stress cracked stock. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think so. The wrists are fairly strong on most rifles and it takes a lot to crack one. If anyone else has a different theory about this condition, I'd like to hear it!

"GUNS OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION YEARS" When the Great Depression began with the Stock Market Crash of 1929 America was taken by surprise. Prior to this pivotal event, in the gun industry production was high and sales were brisk. Almost overnight sales fell off hugely. The Winchester Handbook by George Madis shows production numbers by years of some of the major models. This is pretty illuminating. Here are some examples: Model 1890 .22RF had 12,367 produced in 1928 and 696 made in 1932; Model 1892 saw 64,833 produced in 1910 and 491 in 1930; Model 53 had 2,861 produced in 1925 and 30 made in 1937; Model 1894 had 29,967 made in 1927 and only1,192 made in 1934; Model 55 had 3,064 made in 1927 and 42 made in 1936. Colt, Marlin, Savage, Remington and Smith & Wesson etc. all f elt the same pressure. With production down to a fraction of what it was, the big manufacturers had no choice but to fire employees. Those lucky enough to be retained were the most highly skilled and experienced craftsmen. They also had time to put extra fine fitting and finishing into each firearm. Generally, the quality of these guns is truly exceptionally. With production numbers of these late pre-war arms relatively small and quality without peer, their value should be assured. Some of the scarce large frame Colt and S&W handguns- especially the target sighted versions- are almost breathtaking in their fit an d finish. This has been an under-appreciated niche in arms collecting/investing. It is my belief Great Depression era arms are often "sleepers" on the antique market today and are bound to increase in value at a rapid pace making them excellent long term investments.

I have found a new shooting activity that I'm sure a number of folks who check out my website will either want to try themselves or will at least find interesting reading. I've discovered the fun of BLACK POWDER SHOTSHELLS. And no, I'm not new to black powder. I've been shooting muzzle loaders since I was a kid (I was too young to buy ammo, but a can of black powder and a single shot muzzle loading pistol kept me shooting!) I've shot black powder cartridge rifles and some handguns since the 1970s. I've also tried a few muzzle loading shotguns, but a while back I noticed Midway was offering reloadable brass shotshells made by Magtech in Brazil. They cost about a buck a piece and come in a box of 25. So I thought this looked interesting and bought a box. They prime with a large pistol primer (I use CCI Large Pistol Mag. Primers) and require no special tools to load. I did buy a "cowboy 12 ga. shell holder" by RCBS which makes priming easier, but one can prime using a dowel, hammer and a flat surface to seat the primer. Anyway, I loaded with various loads of black powder as well as Alliant Black MZ black powder substitute. 27.3 grains equals one dram, so a typical field load of 3 1/2 drams equals about 95 grains of black powder or substitute. I load that through a drop tube to better settle the powder, using a wood dowel I seat an over powder card wad, then a cushion wad, pour in 1 1/8 oz. of shot from an antique shot dipper I picked up somewhere along the line, top with another over powder wad and then put about three small drops of Elmer's glue on this top wad at the edge. Last, using a Q-tip sweep it around the wad edge. It dries making a nice seal with the inside of the brass case and holds everything together. Firing removes any glue residue from the case. I picked up a particularly nice Remington 1889 double barrel with exposed hammers (damascus with exc. bores) and tried out my loads on some thrown clays. I'm not a good shot with a scattergun, but when I felt I was on, the clay targets broke as nicely as if I'd been using a modern smokeless shotgun. I used this double on a pheasant hunt last fall and did just fine with it. Truthfully, it made the hunt so much more fun I don't know if I'd go again with one of my modern guns! Today I tried the same shells in a Winchester 1887 Lever Action 12 ga. that was made in 1888. It fed beautifully and was a blast to shoot (no pun intended). The brass cases de-prime with a simple Lee type punch and clean up with hot soapy water. No resizing is required for the next loading. Pretty simple. The 12 ga. cases are 2 1/2" long, which is exactly what a modern 2 3/4" case measures LOADED AND UNFIRED. Remember, many of the older guns, like the Winchester 1887, have 2 5/8" chambers. You don't want to shoot a 2 3/4" shell in them as they won't be able to open up all the way causing pressures to jump etc. I don't think Magtech offers brass cases in 10 ga. but they do in the smaller gauges. There are a lot of older shotguns out there that can often be purchased inexpensively and make wonderful shooters. Be sure to have any gun checked out by a gunsmith if you have doubts about it. With these brass cases and ease of loading, it's worth trying. Buffalo Arms in Idaho sells the correct size wads for these brass cases- they actually take 11 ga. wads. If you give this a try, I think you'll be glad you did- Bill Goodman