The Art of the Rifle

by Jeff Cooper

"Riflecraft has been completely ignored since World War II," says Jeff Cooper, America's foremost rifle instructor. To remedy this situation, he took it upon himself to set down the fine art of the rifle before it was lost forever. In his no-holds-barred style, Cooper instructs you in everything you need to know about shooting the rifle, while entertaining you with tales of marksmanship, combat and big-game hunting.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

97 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

John Dean "Jeff" Cooper was recognized as the father of what is commonly known as the Modern Technique of handgun shooting, and one of the 20th century's foremost international experts on the use and history of small arms.

Cooper was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. During World War II he served in the Pacific on the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38), and then was recalled to active duty for the Korean War, resigning his commission as Lieutenant Colonel in 1956. He received a bachelor's degree in political science from Stanford University and, in the mid-1960s, a master's degree in history from the University of California, Riverside.

In 1976, Cooper founded the American Pistol Institute (API) in Paulden, Arizona (later the Gunsite Training Center). Cooper began teaching shotgun and rifle classes to law enforcement and military personnel as well as civilians and did on-site training for individuals and groups from around the world.

Cooper died at his home on the afternoon of Monday, September 25, 2006 at the age of 86

Reviews

[surfurbian]

Clearly written and easily absorbed primer on a shooting the rifle. This is a good place to start for beginners.

Keep in mind that Copper’s approach is pragmatic. His focus is putting rounds on target in such a way to put meat on the table. This book is not about precision or long-range shooting. There is a chapter in wind but the Coriolis Effect doesn’t get mentioned. You won’t find any breathing exercises unless you count the running required in the “Rifle 10” exercise. You will find some straightforward information on shooting positions,

Cooper does offer a bit on the “Scout Rifle” concept. I get the sense that Cooper never intended to create an orthodox definition of the Scout Rifle as many have come to adhere to. Rather it seems the intention was to set a guideline or loose framework for the idea. That would then be used to evaluate the various firearms and to discuss to what degree they adhered to the ideal. This would then be used by individuals as they weighed the various factors and made the selection most appropriate for themselves.

[Blake Hiatt]

Very clear reading and a must-read for anyone aspiring to be proficient with a rifle. Note: This book is about practical rifle application in the field and not about bench rest shooting, which is a different discipline.

[Bappi]

the master of rifles

[Chris Allen]

Cooper is certainly passionate about this subject.

[Ian G]

great book to introduce you to the basics and fundamentals of rifle shooting. Also a quick and easy read. I wish it would have gone into more detail as far as aiming, and adjusting for wind, gravity etc.

[Jared Bennett]

Decent quick overview. I love Col. Cooper's style and vocabulary choices, but the pictures could use some work in illustrating the finer points. It's a little too short and simple for my taste, but easily able to get through it and grasp the information on a broad level.

[Bodhi47]

Short and to the point

Well written with anecdotes to keep it interesting. A perfect intro to rifle shooting for the novice. I would recommend it as a classic geared toward the hunter.

[Eric Molicki]

Good basic introduction. Techniques are classic, which makes them dated at times. Cooper's unique approach is evident in many of the techniques taught.

[Spencer Whetstone]

Excellent. I am docking it one star due to the horrible quality printing of the photos in every example I have ever seen.

[Samuel Boyle]

Most enjoyable instructional book I have read. LtCol Cooper includes entertaining stories from hunting, his days at Stanford, the USMC, and shooting with his family.

[Jeremiah]

Decent book, I enjoy Cooper' s work.

[Logan]

This book shows why many admire Colonel Cooper. A very succinct, interesting, and beautiful treatment of the "queen" of firearms.

[TR]

This is a fast read with good tips, as those familiar with Cooper will know.

[Mike]

As a beginner with a rifle, I found this book invaluable as a starting point. Logically organized, succinct and well illustrated. I couldn't ask for anything more.