Jeff Cooper Dead at 86 John Dean "Jeff" Cooper, noted firearms expert who is commonly referred to as the father of the modern technique of handgun shooting, died Sept. 25 at his home in Arizona. He was 86. "Jeff Cooper was a great teacher, innovator and advocate for gun safety. He and his Gunsite Ranch have made a lasting contribution in the use of small arms for personal defense by the military, law enforcement and civilians," said Doug Painter, NSSF president.