On February 2nd of this year, Ray Chapman, one of the early pioneers of modern day practical shooting passed away. Anyone seriously interested in practical shooting, whether for sport, police training, or civilian personal defense, is familiar with his name. Ray was seventy-nine years old, having been born in 1928. While we know him for his proficiency with a handgun, Ray had a long and varied history that included many activities. During World War Two and Korea he served in the United States Marine Corps. After obtaining a degree in civil engineering he had a long career with the California Highway Department, and also worked as a part-time police officer. In the mid to late 1950's, the annual Big Bear Leatherslap at Big Bear, California (a quick draw contest promoted by Jeff Cooper) proved to be popular, and shooters wanted more. As a result the Southwest Pistol League was formed to meet the demand for monthly matches. Ray Chapman was in at the beginning, and over the years proved to be one of the top shooters, as well as one of the innovators of the then-unheard-of concept of open unrestricted competition with service-type handguns, intended to simulate the defensive use of the handgun.
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