May 10, 1920, Is the birthday of Lt. Colonel John Dean “Jeff” Cooper. I had the privilege of being taught by Jeff himself in the 80’s for a portion of a military small arms instructor’s course. He was a great teacher and easy going. He had great stories that applied to his teaching. I learned much from him. I asked him about the Big Bear Leatherstrap matches that he started, and he was surprised I had even heard of them! They started before I was born.
While his accomplishments and contributions to shooting were nearly incalculable, here are just a few:
Developed the Four Safety Rules
Developed the Color Code of Awareness, and literally wrote the book on mental conditioning for combat and self-defense
He had started the Leatherslap matches at Big Bear (CA), the first open combat-style competitions
Helped refine and promulgate the Modern Technique of the Pistol. He is the father of Combat Pistol techniques.
Founded Gunsite Academy, the first top-tier shooting school to admit armed citizens
Founded the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), the grandfather of all action/practical shooting sports
Developed the Scout Rifle concept. The scout rifle is a conceptual class of general-purpose rifles. Defined and promoted by Jeff Cooper in the early 1980s that bears similarities in the design and functionality of guide guns, mountain rifles, and other rifle archetypes. With more emphasis being placed on comfortable portability and practical accuracy, rather than firepower and long-range shooting.
Almost single-handedly popularized the 1911 as a defensive sidearm. He loved the 1911!
Please remember Jeff for his concepts and foresight. Not only that, but he was a nice guy!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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