Jeff Cooper Quotes

43 Sourced Quotes

The proper course of action, when under attack, is usually to counterattack.

Jeff Cooper
The rifle is a weapon. Let there be no mistake about that. It is a tool of power, and thus dependent completely upon the moral stature of its user. It is equally useful in securing meat for the table, destroying group enemies on the battlefield, and resisting tyranny. In fact, it is the only means of resisting tyranny, since a citizenry armed with rifles simply cannot be tyrannized.

Jeff Cooper
The decay of the late, great country of South Africa is beginning to become apparent. The name of the Transvaal has been officially changed to 'Gauteng.' (One of our friends has suggested that in view of this its inhabitants in the future should be referred to as Oranggautengs.) … And now there is a move afoot to wreck the Kruger National Park, one of the wonders of the world, on the notion that a good bit of its land was 'taken from the blacks.' This idea is somewhat akin to giving Yellowstone Park back to the Blackfeet.

Jeff Cooper
Personal weapons are what raised mankind out of the mud, and the rifle is the queen of personal weapons.

Jeff Cooper
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.

Jeff Cooper
On the very instant that we know that our assailant intends us serious physical harm, we must work just as fast as we can.

Jeff Cooper
Observe your cat. It is difficult to surprise him. Why? Naturally his superior hearing is part of the answer, but not all of it. He moves well, using his senses fully. He is not preoccupied with irrelevancies. He's not thinking about his job or his image or his income tax. He is putting first things first, principally his physical security. Do likewise.

Jeff Cooper
If it is ever your misfortune to be attacked, alertness will have given you a little warning, decisiveness will have given you a proper course to pursue, and if that course is to counterattack, carry it out with everything you've got! Be indignant. Be angry. Be aggressive.

Jeff Cooper
Therefore, if you are attacked, retaliate instantly. Be sudden. Be quick. Speed is your salvation.

Jeff Cooper
The one who anticipates the action wins. The one who does not, loses.

Jeff Cooper
We are fully justified in valuing the life and person of an intended victim more highly than the life of a pernicious assailant. The attacker must be stopped. At once and completely.

Jeff Cooper
If you find yourself under lethal attack don't be kind. Be harsh. Be tough. Be ruthless.

Jeff Cooper
Your physical safety is up to you, as it really always has been.

Jeff Cooper