Posted: 2/6/2008 9:53:09 AM EDT
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Funeral service near Austin today for one of the founders of Modern Pistolcraft. Along with Cooper and a few others, Chapman was responsible for the renaissance of the 1911 as the premier fighting handgun. All the current schools follow the path built by the Chapman Academy, Gunsite, etc. Mods: if you have to move this OK but I thought it was most appropriate for this forum. |
 RIP Ray's shooting career began at the age of 16 as a Marine in WWII. Many of his principles for defensive shooting came from this experience. His activities as a law enforcement officer reinforced them. At the request of fellow officers he began teaching these principles. He perfected his skills and became involved in competitive shooting. Ray went on to win more than 250 major shooting tournaments. The most prestigious was the inaugural World Championship of Practical Shooting in 1975. The demands for his teaching became such that he took early retirement as an engineer and moved to Columbia, Missouri, to open the Chapman Academy of Practical Shooting. As Ray’s reputation grew his school also gained a reputation for excellence among shooters. Ray strives for perfection in everything he does. That effort is reflected in the course curriculums offered at the Academy. Ray always incorporates new techniques to improve the presentation and content of the programs. |
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He will be greatly missed. I'll never forget the night that I spent in his home before the '98 IDPA Nationals. We stayed up late playing pool and just talking. I was very nervous to be shooting my first Nationals and his advice and words of wisdom helped me to take first place in my Class. I feel very honored to have known him. He truly was a great Gentleman. |
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I know its inevitible but it is truely sad that so many of the handgunning greats are passing on. From the time I started seriously shooting in 1975, people like Ray Chapman, Colonel Cooper, George Nonte, etc. were the inspiration for my interest in 1911s and combat shooting. These old timers are leaving a big void to fill. |
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I did not really know him but I did speak with him on a couple of occasions. Nicest guy you would ever want to meet and a fount of knowledge on pistol shooting. He can never be replaced, and will always be missed, even by those who do not realize they are missing his great knowledge and skills. R.I.P Ray |
