Mike is a passionate historian, an inveterate collector, and a competitive marksman.
His arms research focuses primarily on the rise of the cartridge load revolver in the 1850’s and 1860’s, but the broader work spans the late 18th century through to the 20th century.
Well-respected as a published author, media consultant, journalist, and guest lecturer, Mike enjoys advancing the study of arms history as a legitimate and important topic of historical inquiry.
And yes, that was Mike that you saw in season 14 of Swamp People!
Mike has been a historian since he was a young child. As a high school student he produced a small booklet on the history of his hometown of Sunderland, and he subsequently earned a degree in history at North Carolina State University where he graduated top-in-his-class.
Patches! We love patches!
Mike has been involved with dozens of organizations throughout his career, and he currently enjoys active memberships in the following:
- Smith & Wesson Collectors Association
- Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation
- American Precision Museum
- American Society of Arms Collectors
- Colt Collectors Association
- Company of Military Historians
- Garand Collectors Association
- Glock Sport Shooting Foundation
- Louisiana Wildlife Federation
- National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association
- Ohio Gun Collectors Association
- Phi Beta Kappa
- Project Appleseed
- Remington Society of America
- Ruger Collectors Association
- Sharps Collectors Association
- Society for the History of Technology
- Sons of the American Revolution
- Springfield Museums
- Springfield Research Service
- Swedish Colonial Society
- Texas Gun Collectors Association
- Winchester Arms Collectors Association
