Another Jeff Cooper Thread

[feralmerril]

Seems at one time a gun writer had to be a lawman or he wasnt xxxx. Then we have two different type writers. Either high tech or colorful. Then we have either high tech with modern plastic, lazer sights, black para military or the cowboy SASS and classic collector type. I favor the colorful classic type.
Cooper was sort of a mix. In a way he could be high tech but still favored the new newfangled 1911. I believe he also had a bit of real world experience in his military background. He just was a bit too serious for my taste.

 

[Texas Star]

I don't doubt that Mr. Cooper developed an oversized ego over the years. Who would not have with tens of thousands hanging on your every word?

40 + years ago, I exchanged a series of letters with Mr. Cooper. I found him to be informative, pleasant, and respectful to what in hindsight were some fairly uninformed questions on my part.

Fred-

Did you keep those letters? I still have a couple.

 

[Texas Star]

Seems at one time a gun writer had to be a lawman or he wasnt xxxx. Then we have two different type writers. Either high tech or colorful. Then we have either high tech with modern plastic, lazer sights, black para military or the cowboy SASS and classic collector type. I favor the colorful classic type.
Cooper was sort of a mix. In a way he could be high tech but still favored the new newfangled 1911. I believe he also had a bit of real world experience in his military background. He just was a bit too serious for my taste.

He told me that he did kill three enemy with a handgun. One was a Japanese with a Colt SAA .45 and the other two were later, taken out with a Colt .45 auto.

 

[Texas Star]

Will Rogers

I admire Prince William, his wife Kate, and his brother Prince Harry. I think all three handle themselves pretty well, given the adulation that they receive.

And both princes have saved lives. Harry flies attack helos in Afghanistan and Wm. is a former RAF rescue pilot. Harry has also done some ground patrols, walking around with a Browning 9mm and a rifle.

 

[feralmerril]

I have admired them too. They were born with a silver spoon in their mouths, could do anything, go anywhere all of us always dream about but chose military and some potentially dangerous spots.

 

[smokey04]

I can't help but inject myself into this discussion. I'm not a nationally known competitor, gun writer,or ballistics expert. But, I've been around the rice paddy and the city block and, unfortunately,found myself in the awkward position of having to use pistols on too many deadly occasions.
I was a Reserve Army Officer in 1978 when the Army decided they had too many Captain Aviators on active duty. When I separated in OCT of 1978 I decided to take a couple of months off and travel around the country visiting folks in the firearms trade that I had dealt with but had never met face to face.After visiting many gun trade folks I made a bee line for Prescott ,AZ and Gunsight. I got directions locally and drove into Gunsight uninvited.Who appears in the parking area but Col. Cooper? I got out of my truck and commenced to talk with the man. There were no classes going and we talked about personal experiences in detail. Now, at the risk of making some of you guys mad I'll tell you what I found after three days under his roof. That's right, in the Col.s home. Cooper was NOT arrogant, he was confident and forceful in his role as an educator. Opinionated ? Hell yeah! Forceful, you bet. Intelligent ? Yes, probably more than some of the "intelligencia" of the times. The man was not totally overbearing. He was forceful, knowledgeable, convincing, and not without a "softer" side.
He was probably not going to be your buddy but, he was man you would follow attacking hell with a bucket of water.If you didn't know him personally don't disrespect him 'cause you think you're smarter. You'ld stand in awe of his intelligence face to face. Nick

 

[old bear]

Fred-

Did you keep those letters? I still have a couple.

Jim, I did not. As I hinted I was a really uninformed kid at that time. Today, well I'm just 40+ years older.

 

[derek45auto]

"The 1911 pistol remains the service pistol of choice in the eyes of those who understand the problem. Back when we audited the FBI academy in 1947, I was told that I ought not to use my pistol in their training program because it was not fair. Maybe the first thing one should demand of his sidearm is that it be unfair."

 

[brucev]

While I didn't agree with some of his opinions, I respected him.

I think the essence of Cooper is simply saying "no" to infantilization and supine helplessness. I've been doing that for a long time, and it always sends the proponents of those qualities into an insane rage. That just makes me want to do it more.

I beg your pardon. Jim Carmichael is not dead. The other gentlemen to whom I referred are of course deceased. I failed to write carefully. Guess I need to do a better job of writing and a better job of proof-reading!

 

[mstuhr]

Howdy

Howdy,
My experience is along the lines of Smokey04. I met him and talked briefly for the length of an escalator ride at a Shot Show in Texas years ago.
I spent a half hour or so sitting with him and Ray Chapman at a picnic table at Bianchi Cup in the early 80's.
I found him to be an approachable, friendly, likable man.
I can't say I knew him well, but for a person with his celebrity, and my lack of it, his personality made me feel comfortable talking to him.
Thanks
Mike

 

[msgdan]

I always enjoyed reading Jeff Cooper's writings whenever I could. Yes, he had his opinions, good for him. We all do. He was another of the greatest generation who is no longer with us and I miss his thoughts on all subjects. Regardless if you liked him or not, he was a Pro gun guy. Look around this country today and you will see we need more like him.

Dan

 

[ddixie884]

I met him one time, at the IPSC nationals in Virginia. I was in the company of a fellow Texan, who knew him fairly well. We all had a beer and went our seperate ways. I was very impressed with his manners. I considered him a gentleman of the old school and miss his writing. See Below......

 

[ironhead7544]

Col. Cooper was one of the good guys. I spoke with him on the phone a number of times.

It may surprise some of you to find the the Col. advocated the use of the 2 inch J frame for self defense at some times. Of course, good handloads were necessary. The Buffalo Bore ammo duplicates what he specified for the snubbie: 1000 fps with a 158 gr lead SWC. The snubbie was for times you could not conceal even a Commander sized 45 ACP. He also said he would like a Colt Detective Special in a 5 shot 45 Colt.

Concerning the scout rifle, the Col. said that if you could not afford a proper scout, get the Ruger M77 Lightweight in 308. Put on a good low powered scope and dont worry about it.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I still don't have a picture of the Red Scout Rifle at Whittington.
It looks a lot like this one, except of course being red.

 

[J. Galt]

Apparently the first Scout Rifle was purple!
A History Of The Steyr Scout

The Colonel was an old school type gentleman. I was fortunate enough to get to take one of his classes. In the evening the Col. would discuss shooting, history and politics. He had degrees in political science and history, so was well versed in all three subjects. Those were great conversations.