Old friends + Far West | Reconnect and Celebrate Collecting

Group of men standing on a porch, some holding awards, in front of a white gazebo during daytime.

Group of five men sitting and standing in a circle at an indoor event, some holding papers or bags, with books and tables in the background.

Three men examining an award or plaque at a social gathering, with one holding a glass of wine and another holding a cup, in a room with wooden paneling.

Here’s to the laughter, the adventures, and the unforgettable moments shared with these amazing friends. Each photo captures a story and a memory of our collecting journey travelled with the far west arms collectors association during 1990 to the early 2000’s.

Lets do it again !

Several really old collector friends (Anybody older than my age of 70) have empowered Little John to raise the far west arms collectors flag again.

Reorganization

send us your email and phone number.

informal meetings planned for the following collectors events.

Announcement for the reunion and restoration of Far West Arms Collectors Association, scheduled for Thursday, June 12 at 2 pm at Phoenix Club in Brea, California, inviting attendees to bring a non-firearm item and providing contact information.

Two men smiling and posing together at an indoor event with tables of items in the background.

Four men standing around a table displaying collectible firearms at an indoor event, with banners indicating association involvement.

Three men engaged in a conversation, with the man on the left taking notes on a notepad, in an indoor setting with other people in the background.

Award winners for 1st Far West Arms Collectors Show. Note: Man with Castro style communist beard is my old friend Jerry Klas. Who boasted 5,000 Smith and Wesson's revolvers. (Who cares other than really old farts and dead people???)

Board meeting at Saddleback Inn Far West Arms Collectors Association

Jerry Anderson (Mr. Winchester) tends bar at Far West Meeting Saddleback Inn. Santa Ana, California

3 Amigos AKA- Left: Dave Garman (Sweet Lips) Center: John L. (Big John Gangel) Right: Peter Oppenhuizen (Wheels)

John Robinson (Left front) "On duty suit" John Gangel (Center) His Hawaii look "Bob" Sulley (Right front) Gun engraver

Moe Gronsky - Naval Officer - Little John's 1st partner.

"Machine gun Moe Gronsky" Little Johns 1st partner in Musket and Sabre Antique Arms Costa Mesa, California 1968 - 1971

Tucson Collector Dr. Richard Eddy and Gene Cahn

"Wheels" Oppenhuizen AKA Pete and his girlfriend

Paul Dorris (Left) Joe Musso (Center) Little John (Center right) at Colt Collectors Gun Show in Costa Mesa 1991

Nick Scollard and board member Ed Hall known as Mr. Efficient

John L. Gangel Aka Big John and D-Day hero sergeant Gene Herrick both cant hear shit. Both quoted as saying "We can't hear you, turn on the microphone!"

Little John and John Ewald at formation of Far West Collectors Association 1990 - 1991

Mike Kalman known as official drink taster for the club sampling another gallon of scotch while his guide and back up for prairie dog hunts begs him to stop

Roy Marcot (Left) Joe Musso (Center) Ed Cote (Right) known as Mr. I never sell anything closing a deal on the sale of 6 guns

River Maize with his baby Paterson and proud grandpa "Little John"