All:

Just got this book in the mail. Pretty good so far. Anyone else get one yet?

Lots of details I didn’t know about.

RAS

Jeff, I own a M-54 & would be interested in this book. Where did you obtain it?
P.S. Just talked with David Bichrest, so I’m being all taken care of!
Thanks for making this posting!

My copy arrived today. Now to digest it.

I am going to purchase the Model 54 Book from David, but I have a question now! I have a Model 54 Carbine 20” barrel in 30 GOVT 06. Serial number is 51208 A. Does the book have any information on the late Model 54’s built after the introduction of the Model 70?

Thanks for any information you can provide.

That is a very late serial number!

I have the info and will order mine as soon as I get home.
I just picked up a nice 30wcf carbine

Book on the way for me too. Wishing for a 30WCF Carbine!

Just so everyone is aware the author is in the hospital as of last week with Pancreatic cancer. I had ordered a book and it didn't to ship, his wife reached out to me with the horrible news

So sorry to hear this sad news. He was a quite the gentleman when I spoke with him a couple of years ago.

I bought my his book by phone order from him. We had a subsequent conversation where he answered a couple of Model 54 related questions. I wrote something of a book review for the Winchester Collector's Forum. I'm saddened to hear the news. I know nothing personal about him; age or such. But I do know that's an extremely serious illness. His book is unique as the only dedicated work pertaining to the Winchester Model 54. A lot of photos and for me too, a lot of information I didn't know! For any serious Winchester rifle fan, it would seem appropriate and now likely soon to be 'unobtainium'.
Thank you for the kind 'heads up' Mr. D. I appreciate an opportunity to offer a prayer for him and his family. I if there is anything more heard, would appreciate an advisory Post in this Forum!
Best!
John

Returned for a momentary bit of info: David Bichrest, born in 1941 & home in Lumberton, TX.

Talked to David just once…like talking to an old friend. Chock full of knowledge. He helped me get a few pictures for his book just right. A great read for any five four collector. Was hoping to meet him someday for a .30-30 review. Sad news to hear about his health. My thoughts and prayers are with David, his family and friends.

I took the news of his circumstances over to Gunboards with a Thread and have positive results there expressing prayers and sympathy. I'd added that David was US Coast Guard retired as Master Chief Petty Officer.
A GB member there went further and determined he had received a medal for lifesaving heroism! The information and citation is in the GB Winchester Forum.
Renewing my request for any update info as may become available.
Best!
John

👍

Just revisted this Thread for any update on his condition. Negative results. Googled his name. Sad news, he died on 12 October 22.
A brief Obituary: https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/tx/lumberton/david-bichrest-15352695

Just to suggest anyone ordering/having just rodered David's book, give some space to his family in terms of delivery expectations.

God rest him!
John

Rest In Peace David

https://www.lumbertonfamily.com/obituary/David-Bichrest

May the man RIP

Thanks much for the Obit posted! I've copied to a PDF and will put it in my autographed copy of his Win 54 book.

And good lord... I'm older than him! He had quite a family! I have three boys ages 50 to 18 and believe me, eighties as yet counting myself "terrible teens survivor"! Lucky I'm still kickin!

But again, David... Fair winds & following seas!
John