It was with much anticipation and trepidation that I opened the package I received today from Alaska. It contained Volumne Two of Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century by Michael Petrov. The anticipation did not convey a strong enough feeling as I could not believe Michael could have surpassed his first book but he did in all respects. If you do not have this book you should if you have any love for fine rifles. The coverage of early Springfield sporters is better than well covered, it is COMPLETELY covered. The trepidation comes from the fact that this will be the last book of knowledge from Michael and I shall sorely miss that anticipation of volumne three. When it comes to early American gunsmiths he WAS the final word. This book and his first (autographed) volumne will join my autographed copies of James V Howes 'Modern Gunsmithing' as treasures of my meagre collection. He IS missed.

I spent some time with Michael shortly before he died and was encouraging him to document all of his rifles and to use his extensive collection of wonderful color photos. He said he thought he would but was first trying to document the collection of another close friend who had recently died.

Hopefully someone, maybe an guild member he trusted ?, could assemble his photos for a grand finale ?

Volumes 1 and 2 are amazing in their detail and history. I'm glad I purchased them when they were available. A third volume from his extensive collection would be greatly anticipated.