Mourning the Departure: Wiley Clapp
Wiley Clapp: A Legendary Figure in the World of Gun Writing
Wiley Clapp, a renowned figure in the world of gun writing and a former U.S. Marine Corps officer, passed away on June 5, 2025, at his home in Minden, Nevada.
Born and raised in the United States, Clapp's military career began in 1957 when he graduated from the Virginia Military Institute. He joined the United States Marine Corps and by 1965, found himself in combat in Vietnam where he commanded a company in the 1st Marine Division.
After serving in the military, Clapp left in 1969 and joined the Orange County Sheriff's Office in California. He served for 17 years before retiring from law enforcement. It was then that Clapp began another career in gun writing.
Clapp's writing reflected his real-life experience as a U.S. Marine Corps officer who served with distinction as a company commander in Vietnam. His work brought a fresh perspective on handguns, especially in their use for personal defense.
For years, Clapp served as the handguns editor for Guns & Ammo. He also wrote for American Rifleman for nearly 30 years and was a field editor for more than two decades. In 1986, he started writing for Gun World and co-authored The Gun Digest Book Of 9mm Handguns. He also authored Modern Law Enforcement: Weapons & Tactics, The Gun Digest Book Of Handgun Reloading, and Concealed Carry: The Shooter's Guide To Selecting Handguns.
Clapp was a longtime columnist for Shooting Illustrated, writing the back page column, "Fightin' Iron." His writing was described as authoritative and sincere by Mark Keefe, editorial director for NRA Media. Doug Hamlin, NRA executive vice president and CEO, stated that Clapp brought depth and authenticity to his writing.
In 2022, Gunsite Academy named a classroom after Wiley Clapp in recognition of his lifetime of dedication. Clapp's contributions to the world of gun writing will continue to be felt for years to come.
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