RIP John Whiscombe

[Garvin]

Hot on the heels of the death of the airgun historian D T Fletcher comes sad news about the great inventor and airgunsmith John Whiscombe. BBS member greenwayjames, who is well connected, reports he died recently.

Very very rarely someone has a brainwave about building an airgun and then has the engineering skills and the guts to make it a reality. The powerful Whiscombe recoilless air rifles will live on for many decades to come as a testament to JW's genius. By all accounts he was a top bloke too.



(Edit: a US friend who talked regularly with John tells me he has been 'phoning without result and has been unsuccessfully trying for a couple of weeks to contact JW's daughter Kate...)

[RustyBuzz]

Hot on the heels of the death of the airgun historian D T Fletcher comes sad new about the great inventor and airgunsmith John Whiscombe. BBS member greenwayjames, who is well connected, reports he died recently.

Very very rarely someone has a brainwave about building an airgun and then has the engineering skills and the guts to make it a reality. The powerful Whiscombe recoilless air rifles will live on for many decades to come as a testament to JW's genius. By all accounts he was a top bloke too.

He was a top bloke, a real gent.

Very sad news indeed.

[666]

Hot on the heels of the death of the airgun historian D T Fletcher comes sad new about the great inventor and airgunsmith John Whiscombe. BBS member greenwayjames, who is well connected, reports he died recently.

Very very rarely someone has a brainwave about building an airgun and then has the engineering skills and the guts to make it a reality. The powerful Whiscombe recoilless air rifles will live on for many decades to come as a testament to JW's genius. By all accounts he was a top bloke too.

Very sad news may he rest in peace.

Pete

[xbow]

That is sad news. I only handled one of his rifles once but it was beautifully made if a little heavy.

[piggy589]

That is sad news. I only handled one of his rifles once but it was beautifully made if a little heavy.

The only time I've seen one was at Weston Park,a Spanish guy was competing in the European field target finals.
He kindly let me shoulder the engineering marvel.

Rest in peace J.W.

[Baxterbasics]

Sad news-my condolences to his family and all who were close to him.
His rifles are superb-a fitting representation of the man, it seems.

[mickson]

Sad news a great bloke & great engineer. RIP for an inventor of a fabulous Air rifle.

[oldcurmudgeon]

Very sad news of his passing, both the man and his rifles were unique and though he was a modest man who did not seek fame through his rifles he achieved it.
His rifles were built to such a standard that both Purdey or Holland and Holland would have put their names on them.
His name and rifles will live on in Air Gun folklore as the very best that anyone could wish for.
RIP to a very unforgettable man.

[Artiglio]

A great loss, known John for about 8 years shooting at Bisley, his presence never failed to make a good day better, endlessly enthusiastic and knowledgable on a huge array of subjects, never a dull moment. He’ll be greatly missed by many people. RIP.

[Prone Shooter]

Have just had email from Derek Peckover letting me know. Very sad news indeed. I shot various comps with John over the years and a nicer chap you couldn't hope to meet, a real gent.

His rifles are amazing and a joy to shoot. Wish I'd had one when I had the chance.

Mine and on behalf of BARPC, our condolences to Johns family.

RIP John

[verminhunter]

yes i fully agree to that, top man with exceptional rifles built to the highest level of quality with superb design method, RIP john.

[verminhunter]

Very sad news of his passing, both the man and his rifles were unique and though he was a modest man who did not seek fame through his rifles he achieved it.
His rifles were built to such a standard that both Purdey or Holland and Holland would have put their names on them.
His name and rifles will live on in Air Gun folklore as the very best that anyone could wish for.
RIP to a very unforgettable man.

Yes fully agree, a very talented gunsmith with superb quality and a very brilliant design on his JWs
RIP John.

[WILBA]

his guns will be his legacy. built like tanks and will last 2 life times. rip jw

[verminhunter]

yes sad news to read, john was a very advanced engineer with his JW's , the way it fired was an renovation in its own, sheer built quality and smelt of first engineering ,will be sadly missed in the air rifling world.
RIP John and my condolences to his family.

[Airmasters88]

A great friend, sadly missed.

The funeral will be held at Acorn Ridge Cemetery, Newbury, Berkshire at 12.30 Saturday January 11th if those from abroad who knew him would like to raise a glass.