Always liked old guns. About '66 or so I bought a Centennial Arms 1860 Army from Martin C Retting in Culver City, Cal. Literally shot it to pieces. As a 20 year old in '71, got tired of my factory job and went hunting for employment in any gunshop that would have me. Got hired as a full time ballcaster at the Flintlock in Anaheim, Ca. I was in heaven!! Was out front selling rifles, pistols, and parts after the first week. I lived, breathed, worked, and ate black powder and the Rocky Mountain Fur Trade for eight years straight!I ended up managing the place. By the time I quit to move to Montana, I was an active member of 3 different clubs and the AMM. It was, without doubt, the best job I have ever had. The owners were like family, the customers were my friends, and the knowledge base that came through the doors, was like a college course in Living History. I actually used to get PAID to go to shoots and rendezvouz!!!(how cool is THAT!). Moved to Big Timber, Mt in '80 which was a hot bed of M/L activity at the time. I still regret quiting the Flintlock, but wouldn't trade my life here for anything.
Tom