WILEY CLAPP

[Anonymous]

It seems every gun forum I look at mentions something having to do with Wiley Clapp (http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=188769).

Okay, who is Wiley Clapp. And what has he done in the world of shooting sports (other than write about stuff) to get guns, grips, sights, and other accessories named after him? And seems he's always hobnobbing with some gun guru or another, or some executive of this or that firearms-related company.

And I'm not being a smartass here, either, okay? I've read Keith, Atkins, Nonte, Cooper, Skelton (possibly my favorite), Jordan, George Evans, and Jack O'Connor extensively. I used to have bound copies (a year's worth at a time) of The American Rifleman...shelves full of the things until I sold them all. Point being, I'm not unfamiliar with a lot of sixgun and shotgun pioneers.

But until late last year/early this year, I'd never even heard of Wiley Clapp. I even searched the Internet for him. All I found is a bunch of pictures, and some posts on other forums by people wondering who he is, too. I even saw a photo of a "Wiley Clapp Inspired" Ruger GP100. And something like "expert advice from Wiley Clapp" on choosing the right handgun.

So. To paraphrase Butch and Sundance: Who is this guy?

 

[Ale-8(1)]

I have wondered this myself.

I think he used to be somebody, almost, many years ago, but lately . . . not so much.

I could be wrong.

:?

 

[CraigC]

Who is this guy?

Primarily, a legend in his own mind. :wink:

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: So I am not the only one who never heard of him before!!!

Is he related to Wiley Coyote ???

 

[Jim Puke]

He is a former Handgun Editor for "Guns and Ammo"...outside of that, I have no real knowledge of his resume. I read his monthly articles for years and, more times than not, I came away disagreeing with him. So, I am not disparaging him, but I have never been very impressed with him or his gun acumen.

 

[CraigC]

I was done with him after the disparaging article about the .44Spl.

 

[SATCOM]

Wiley Clapp, former U.S. Marine and law enforcement officer, field editor for American Rifleman and handgun editor for Guns & Ammo is the majordomo behind a Talo exclusive Lightweight Commander made by Colt.


Perhaps a Jeff Cooper want-a-be?

SATCOM

 

[Ale-8(1)]

" . . . the majordomo behind a Talo exclusive Lightweight Commander made by Colt" . . . as well as a "special" GP-100 from Ruger.

"Perhaps a Jeff Cooper want-a-be?"

Perhaps. :roll: :wink: :roll:

 

[chefrob1]

never heard of him.......held a WCGP100 @ a LGS and it did feel good.....kinda spendy, but it DID feel good.

 

[Anonymous]

Perhaps a Jeff Cooper want-a-be?
SATCOM

Well, there was only one Jeff Cooper, and some people might say, "Thank goodness". Whatever. While I didn't agree with Cooper's politics, I give him credit for advancing the cause of the Colt .45 semi-automatic more than anyone else I can think of right offhand. Except for John Browning, of course. And Cooper kept himself in good physical shape throughout his life. He walked the walk and he talked the talk. In my mind, I can see a picture of Cooper in that aggressive shooting stance of his as clear as if I'm looking at it in Guns and Ammo. I can't see a similar mental picture of Clapp to save my life.

 

[pisgah]

Who is this guy?

I bet he wonders the same about you... :D :wink:

 

[Sgt405]

He served this great country in both the military and with a career in law enforcement. When you walk with danger you formulate opinions and preferences. We all do. It does not mean those opinions will be shared by everyone. We all have the ability to glean information and make our own decisions . I have been in the Army and have 38 years in a law enforcement career. I had the pleasure of meeting some of the greats and some who just wanted anonymity. While I stop short of calling most a legend, Mr Clapp does have far more knowledge than I and his opinions are respected. If I do not agree with someone I will not resort to belittling them.

His input with Colt and Ruger via TALO was asked for as far as what he would want as features on the respective guns to make them combat worthy from the box at a reasonable price. Again, his opinion. You don't have to agree. I for one do on the GP100WC. It beats my S&W Performance Center F-Comp hands down. I carry it off duty now.

 

[Sugar River]

When I first heard the name I thought it was a story about a new insidious venereal disease.

 

[The Blackhawk Kid]

Wiley Clapp was comparable to John Taffin in these days. He was Guns & Ammo. Colonel Jeff Cooper was on the border patrol and became an icon in law enforcement. Colonel Cooper had something to do with the design of the Bren Ten pistol, which Don Johnson made famous in Miami Vice. Have you heard of the Gunsite Ranch? Wiley Clapp also was a shooter/designer with alot of influence in the gun mfg. world. We as shooters/collectors owe alot to these two icons. BHK

 

[CraigC]

Wiley Clapp was comparable to John Taffin in these days.

Not really and G&A has not been worth the paper it's printed on in years. Not since Seyfried left.

 

[Jim Puke]

Colonel Jeff Cooper was on the border patrol and became an icon in law enforcement. BHK

Sorry, but Jeff Cooper never worked for the Border Patrol. However, Bill Jordan had a long and storied career with them.

Also, Wiley Clapp never demonstrated the broad and quantifiable knowledge of guns that he has written about, like John Taffin always has.

 

[Quiet 1]

When I first heard the name I thought it was a story about a new insidious venereal disease.

That's a four smily face line. :) :) :) :) More specifically, a cunning, crafty form of Gonorrhea. :wink:

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Cooper was never in law enforcement other than as a consulting weapons instructor.

After his Marine career, he became a history professor.

He developed the "modern technique" of combat pistolcraft, and has instructed it all over the world, in some "interesting" places.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Cooper

He has BTDT.

 

[Anonymous]

Who is this guy?

I bet he wonders the same about you... :D :wink:

I seriously doubt that. He probably doesn't even know I exist, any more than I knew he existed. :roll:

 

[pisgah]

Colonel Jeff Cooper was on the border patrol and became an icon in law enforcement.

Utterly untrue. Marine, shooting instructor, author, historian, philosopher -- but not law enforcement. Never met the man, but maintained an infrequent but very enjoyable correspondence with him for years.

 

[Anonymous]

" . . . the majordomo behind a Talo exclusive Lightweight Commander made by Colt...

This is another thing on my long list of things I don't understand. Unless you're shooting in competition (and I know thousands of people do), what's the point of accurizing and tweaking a .45 semi-auto to death? Wiley Clapp (sigh), Les Baer, Ed Brown, Talo, and this latest thing that costs about $4K...the Nighthawk or something? And others. Really, what's the point?

I recently had the privilege of shooting a friend's old Ithaca contract WWII .45. Parkerized, and it'd rattle a bit if you shook it. Had a good sized chip out of the left grip and the front sight didn't look as tall as I thought it should (but that might've just been my eyes). This was a fighting pistol, a soldier's gun. And somehow, despite the fact that absolutely nothing had been done to this pistol other than regular maintence and cleaning, I managed to keep six shots in a 6-inch circle covering the heart area of a man-target at 25 yards. Had one flyer way off target. And I've had cataract surgery and wear bifocals. So how much accuracy do you need in a close-quarters combat or self defense situation?

Sometimes it just seems a bit much to me.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Some folks buy a Bentley, or a Rolls Rpyce, or a top-end Corvette . . . because they want one and can afford it. Their money, their choice.

I drive a 12-year-old Forester and am quite happy, thank you. My money, my choice.

Takes all kinds and keeps the custom shops in bidness.

;)

 

[WESHOOT2]

He added significantly to my knowledge of handloading, and his advice on all things firearm-related has enhanced my personal firearm-related existence.

He is (at least) one of us.......

 

[CraigC]

An accurate 1911 is a viable 50yd deer gun and for me, more fun to shoot.

 

[Old RugerFan]

Wait a minute...doesn't everyone want to be Jeff Cooper? :lol: I have several of his books; amazing life.

Oh, and Wiley Clapp has written many good things, too. Either way, the WC GP-100 is awesome. I hope to get one one of these days.

 

[CraigC]

Wait a minute...doesn't everyone want to be Jeff Cooper?

No, that's Elmer Keith. :wink:

 

[revhigh]

An accurate 1911 is a viable 50yd deer gun and for me, more fun to shoot.

Oh yeah ! Love the Range Officers ! Nice mag well and grips too, although I'd prefer the grips checkered !

My favorite Springfield 1911.

As Larry Potterfield always says .... Only accurate guns are interesting .... 6 inches plus at 25 yards ain't interesting at all. :D

And most people sure as hell don't need to spend $4k to get a 1911 that they can't outshoot. Gold Cups and RO's work for me.

But then so will this ... I Have about $475 in it.




REV

 

[olyinaz]

There's always those who like to tear any man down who stands out a bit. It's a kind of social communism I have no appreciation for.

Oly

 

[varminter22]

He served this great country in both the military and with a career in law enforcement. When you walk with danger you formulate opinions and preferences. We all do. It does not mean those opinions will be shared by everyone. We all have the ability to glean information and make our own decisions . I have been in the Army and have 38 years in a law enforcement career. I had the pleasure of meeting some of the greats and some who just wanted anonymity. While I stop short of calling most a legend, Mr Clapp does have far more knowledge than I and his opinions are respected. If I do not agree with someone I will not resort to belittling them.

His input with Colt and Ruger via TALO was asked for as far as what he would want as features on the respective guns to make them combat worthy from the box at a reasonable price. Again, his opinion. You don't have to agree. I for one do on the GP100WC. It beats my S&W Performance Center F-Comp hands down. I carry it off duty now.

Thanks, Sgt. Very well said.

Opinions vary. For example:

I prefer S&W DA over Ruger DA.

I do thoroughly enjoy my Ruger SA!

I miss the days of Elmer writing for G&A. And Ross too. I haven't subscribed since.

 

[noquarter]

Wait a minute...doesn't everyone want to be Jeff Cooper?

No, that's Elmer Keith. :wink:

Elmer Keith wants to be Jeff Cooper?? Who Knew? :D