Some months ago when I had asked a question about gun shops in and around Chicago, Chic Worthing had suggested going to Mike Schrank's Smoke N Gun in Waukegan. I finally went there today and I couldn't be happier with the people there. Chic had sent them an e-mail telling them about my posting and we talked about guns and hunting - I had a shooter who is trying hard to join the Indian Olympic team and I learned that Mike's son coached some of India's top ISSF shooters in the past. David Norin, the custom gunsmith and Chic's friend showed me some beautiful rifles that he had made as well as a color case hardened Oberndorf Mauser action that looked simply magnificent side by side with another Oberndorf that was in the white and which looked that it had been made yesterday, as if the 1933 date on it was some kind of jest.

I looked over several rifles in the shop including a beautiful J Bore Mauser 8x57 and an impeccable early Weatherby on a Mauser action in 300 Wby. I walked out with a Knight 50 cal muzzleloader and ammunition for my rifle and shotgun. They agreed to special order a match air rifle for my young friend and suggested equipment that he could use - all over an hour or more.

If there is something called service, these folks know what it is. My special thanks, though, are to Chic Worthing, someone whom I have never met and who was yet thoughtful enough to introduce me to these really fine people.

Thank you and good hunting!

Mehul,
I am very glad you enjoyed their shop. It is quite a gem in that dimly lit place. It is rare to find as much top notch stuff in any place. I had only found it this summer when I was trying to locate David.

Chic is one of the most generous and affable people you would ever want to meet and consider a friend.

I owe him a lot just in general help and personal kindness he has done for me. I doubt I will ever be able to return it all.

Right now I am working on raising enough money for his bail bond.

I'M JOKING ABOUT THE BAIL BOND.

But, not the rest!

Chic,

It was very generous of you to send them the e-mail. It was also very nice of them to remember about it when I went there. The next time you visit Waukegan, I would be very happy to buy you some beers if you could spare an evening.

Roger,

I agree with you completely. This kindness to someone whom he hasn't even met is a mark of a very kind and helpful man. Thanks and you are also most welcome to have drinks with me if you come to Chicago.

If we complete our condo purchase, I'll be more than happy to mix cocktails for you gentlemen. My other hobby, and one that I particularly enjoy, next to shooting and hunting, of course!

Cheers!

Mehul,
I'm sure you've hooked Chic with the cocktails offer. He's probably sniffing around for a Bloody Mary about now.


- stu