Quote:
Originally Posted by Spook
Hello Rattler earth calling...
Who invented it if JD didnt? Was the intent to shoot sub loads?
I've got some people looking for the first reamer order and die sets....as far as anyone can remember...SSK industries.
Like to know where your info comes from  ....Over
...anybody know this guy? |
Well, over time sometimes memories sour as media advertising takes over.
If you search the Federal Trade Mark records you'll find that the word "whisper" in relation to JD Jones use of that name as it relates to his various chamberings was first filed on May 13, 1994. This is public information that anyone can get. By that time in 1994, I had been shooting the 300 FB from Olympic Arms for more than 2 years. My oldest catalog in hand from Olympic is from 1991, and it clearly shows options for both the 7.62x39 and the 300 Fireball - which JD Jones calls the "Whisper"®.
In a thread on another forum, I addressed this question thusly:
The 300 FB was initially the first real viable option for a 30 caliber round for the AR15. It was used even before the first 7.62x39 conversion, and I'm certain this is true as Olympic invented the first 7.62x39 conversion for the AR. Everyone wanted the "AK" round for their AR. they wanted the increased energy, and to be able to buy the super inexpensive ammo. With the 300 FB already in popular circulation, the 7.62x39 was still a more popular desired chambering. However, because of the case taper on the 7.62x39, there was no viable or reliable magazine options. Oly tried several magazines, and when Colt® produced theirs, all they offered were 10 round mags that really only worked with 4 or 5 rounds in them anyway. Then, the "Franken-mags" came on the scene (1990-1991 or so). Modified AK47 mags with a brazed on AR15 looking magazine top, and believe it or not, they worked pretty well. Once this happened, the 7.62x39 option REALLY took off virtually flat-lining the 300 FB.
Enter now one JD Jones. After the 7.62x39 magazines became available in quantities that actually worked fairly reliably, the demand for the Fireball collapsed. JD Jone took advantage of this opportunity and came along with the "Whisper®" line convincing the public that this chambering was the best thing since sliced bread and that it would be particularly effective shot sub-sonic. Because there was now another 30 cal option JD made his push into the sub-sonic full-bore. To his credit this really saved the popularity of the 300 FB. BUT, it was almost exclusively about shooting subsonic, suppressed, and full-auto. It was at this point that Oly went to the pistol length gas system (6" gas system), not before, and only to produce a barrel viable for use in the subsonic. Oly also switched to a 1x8 twist at this time as well. That is the general progression of the 300 FB with regards top type of manufacture as related to gas systems.
Check old catalogs and magazine articles are enough
to easily flesh out the fact that the 300FB was out and popular long before JD Jone popularized the name "Whisper®". A cursory research will show this easily.
Hope this helps.
Please understand, I mean no disrespect to Mr. Jones or SSK Industries. However I will say that Mr. Jones has made his reputation "bed" and now he must lay in it. In the firearms circles he is well known for his, shall we say, 'distaste' for those who have dabbled in this chambering - despite the fact that he did not invent that chambering. Want to test the popular theory? Call JD Jones and ask him for some ammo and dies and tell him you got your barrel from Olympic Arms or AAC. 'Nuff said.
I must, and will again here as I have in many other forums, give credit where credit is due. SSK Industries really kept the 300 FB/Whisper® alive! They did a great job at marketing and building a niche market where one had flopped before. Kudos all the way around. But to lay claim to having created the chambering is clearly misleading (depending on the descriptive terms used - words like 'developed' - as what does 'develop' mean...), and to claim it's inception/invention is clearly false.
I hope that helps.
Threaded Mode