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Forums10
Topics38,374
Posts544,009
Members14,391
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Most Online1,131 Jan 21st, 2024
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,152 Likes: 20
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,152 Likes: 20 |
I looked it up the other day, Michael passed away on February 17th, 2014. I've been e-mailing with a member of the forum who corresponded with him since the early 80's. We thought it would be a good way of honoring him by remembering him. I hope that members will share their memories of Michael, bring some favorite threats back to the top in his honor. Maybe on the 17th, we could individually honor him by doing something like taking out a vintage rifle and shooting it, maybe posting some pictures here of rifles that he would have wanted to see, or raise a glass in his honor.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 7,444 Likes: 204
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 7,444 Likes: 204 |
I can recall a thread where he offered a pretty extensive list of recommended reading. It prompted me to organize my books and renewed my interest expanding my own little reference library. I really appreciated it at the time and still do.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 14,091 Likes: 192
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 14,091 Likes: 192 |
I would like to turn my email correspondence with Michael into a paper scrapbook before some computer glitch loses them.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,009 Likes: 22
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,009 Likes: 22 |
I once bought a very special high wall from a friend now also deceased. I mentioned it to Michael on the phone and within a few days I received from him a copy of a letter describing its' being built for the president of Western Cartridge in the 40's. I later sold it To Mark Bennenson, also no longer among us.
Bill Ferguson
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 280
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 280 |
One of the best decisions I have made in 82 years was to take my wife to Alaska for our 50th anniversary. While she attended a big farmers market/craft bazaar about a block from our hotel on Sat afternoon, I was able to spend about 4 hours in Michael's famous 2 tier gun room. This was just a couple months after his surgery and he wasn't supposed to pick up things so he sat in the easy chair while I was able to look at and handle all the guns. We had been emailing and talking on the phone for some years before my visit and I sure learned a lot from him.
I sure miss him! Dan
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 277 Likes: 5
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 277 Likes: 5 |
Is there someone here that can post photos of Michael's gunroom for me?
Joe
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,152 Likes: 20
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,152 Likes: 20 |
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,152 Likes: 20
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,152 Likes: 20 |
Here are some pictures from Joe, first from the Memorial Service
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,152 Likes: 20
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,152 Likes: 20 |
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 277 Likes: 5
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 277 Likes: 5 |
I thought I’d share my favorite story involving Michael. In my first year in Anchorage I bought a beautiful No.6-1/2 Rigby Ballard whose caliber was only marked as .40 Cal. I was more collector than shooter and actually posted here first looking for help to identify the caliber.
Michael responded asking me to call him. He invited me over to his house. I was excited to meet a fellow collector / shooter in a new town. When my wife asked me where I was going, I responded, “I met this guy online.” She looked at me and said, “maybe you want to try that again ...”. After laughing about it, I drove to Michael’s house.
Michael met me at the door. He was a BIG guy! He was very tall and had a big frame. He was on a call and invited me in and sat me at his kitchen table. When he finished the call, he invited me to see his gunroom. He opened the door to his garage and motioned for me to go first. I was a bit leery because there was nothing that suggested gunroom to me and he was right behind me.
Then he told me to open a door that was in the far corner and go in. Now, a normal person would have excused themselves and left fearing for their lives. I opened the door and walked into a shop room with some small machinery (e.g. lathe, mill, workbenches, etc) but still no gun-related anything. This was when I got scared and I honestly thought to myself, if I run out of here screaming now, will I be saving my own life by not winding up in some guy’s freezer (I’ve seen enough bad movies. I know how this could end.). Michael put his hand on my shoulder and I thought “oh no ... this is it.” He pushed past me with one concealed door left that opened to the room you see in the photos above.
I am so very happy I trusted Michael that afternoon and didn’t embarass myself by running out screaming. He was a great friend and mentor. He took the time to explain things to me and this room held many, many treasures. No matter what their value he was very proud of everything in this room.
I can still here him saying, “Now look ....”
Last edited by Joe Dobrzynski; 02/14/19 09:26 AM.
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