Actually, they were ordered late and I thought I should share some comments on them.

First is Michael Petrov's book “Custom Gunmakers†of the 20th Century. I wasn't a subscriber to “Precision Shootingâ€, so I missed his articles on this subject. This book is first rate with information that just might enable you to find that hidden treasure or keep from getting taken. Excellent material and I am looking forward to his future articles. Having researched a custom Mauser to some extent, I can only begin to appreciate the efforts that have gone into his research.

Second is Mark Stratton’s “Tricks of the Tradeâ€. While this isn’t necessarily a sit down and read book, I find I am doing so section by section as I see how he achieves some of the incredible work he does. As a fledgling gunsmith and wood butcher (I’ve only been at this 45 years and am just now getting serious) and a graduate of two whole weeks of Trinidad JC summer courses , I really appreciate the ability to see set ups and tooling that will enable me to attempt to achieve the results that he routinely turns out. I am quite sure it will be well used as I fire off my equipment this spring. As Siskel and Ebert would have said “2 thumbs upâ€

Third is a book that I have always been interested in but never saw much about. It is “Building Double Rifles on Shotgun Actions†by W. Ellis Brown. I figured I would get a book that told me how to turn a Stevens 311 into a 45-70 DR. No such animal. This is another well written, well illustrated book that goes through step by step the process to turn a suitable action into a regulated double rifle. It got me interested enough that I have ordered two shotguns for conversion and barrel blanks for the first one. I would be interested in feed back from anyone that has used his methods. While they may not be in the same class as a H&H, it seems I would be able to turn out a usable gun at a fraction of the cost that will be nothing to be ashamed of. Since I will probably never see Africa, it should be more than adequate for use in the US.

Just thought I would share my $.02 concerning these.

Thaine, good reading materials.
I have Mr. Petrov's book and agree it is very enlightening and better still is continuing to grow.

I have a question re: the Doubles from Shotgun. Are you saying the 311 is not going to produce a 45-70? Have you read enough to determine which actions will?

Just curious.

I too believe I will get Mark's book. The word here has been first rate and I know others have referred to this as well.

Frank

Frank,

I didn't mean to suggest that a 311 won't make a 45-70. That's been done frequently. What I wanted to say was he recommends actions with a greener (round type vs square) cross bolt. Mainly European shotguns. SARCO happens to have a bunch at real reasonable prices right now and so I am grabbing one or two while the availability is good. He goes into good detail about what he feels are suitable actions without being name brand specific. I was expecting one thing and was plesantly surprised to find the book went beyond my expectations.

I had hoped that they would order Petrov's book from him so it would be signed, however they got it from Amazon. You are right about the work in progress however. It is great that someone has done this research and shares it as freely as he does both on the board and through his writing.

If you will contact Michael directly, he may sign one for you. He signed a copy for me and a friend as well.
Thanks for the information about the book. I think I will buy it as well.
Frank

Nice thread.

I like books, and I like people who like books. Those were nice Christmas presents, Thaine.

GV