J. D. Jones

"JDJ" redirects here. For the record label, see Journeys by DJ.
JD Jones
Jones with awards given as Pistolsmith of the year; Handgun Hunters Hall of Fame, Outstanding American Handgunner
Born
JD Jones

(1936-11-21) November 21, 1936 (age 88)
Wintersville, Ohio, United States
Occupation(s)Inventor, gunsmith, businessman

J. D. Jones (born November 21, 1936) is an American firearms and cartridge designer, firearms writer and founder of SSK Industries. Jones began hunting at an early age, and became interested in bullet casting and handloading firearms cartridges. In the 1960s, Jones collaborated with Lee Jurras to create the Super Vel line of high-performance handgun ammunition.[1]

In 1977, Jones founded SSK Industries, a company focused on cartridges and barrels for high-power handguns for hunting and target shooting (such as the Thompson Center Arms Contender rifle-calibre pistol).[2][3]

Also in the late 1970s, Jones founded Handgun Hunters International, an association of like-minded hunters who used handguns for their sport, and HHI's attendant newsletter, The Sixgunner.[4]

Jones is primarily known for two lines of firearms cartridges. The first are the JDJ cartridges, primarily intended for the T/C Contender, ranging from .224 to .577 calibre.[3] The second is the "Whisper" cartridge family, intended to cause maximum damage at subsonic speeds, making them nearly silent when used with a firearm suppressor.[5] He is also known for creating the .950 JDJ, the world's largest rifle cartridge, alongside the rifle that fires the cartridge.[3][6][7]

Jones is a member of the National Rifle Association of America and Safari Club International and has authored two columns for American Handgunner magazine.[citation needed]

See also

References

  1. ^ Rees, Clair (2003). The Ultimate Guide to Handgun Hunting: Tips and Tactics for Hunting Small and Big Game. Globe Pequot. p. 15. ISBN 978-1-58574-820-4.
  2. ^ Taffin, John (2006). Gun Digest Book of the .44. Gun Digest Books. p. 257. ISBN 978-0-89689-416-7.
  3. ^ a b c Guy J. Sagi (20 August 2022). "SSK Firearms: A Pioneer In Cartridge & Arms Design". American Rifleman. National Rifle Association of America. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  4. ^ John Taffin (2016-10-06). "JD Jones: A Man And His Cartridges". GUNS Magazine. Archived from the original on 28 March 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  5. ^ Sweeney, Patrick (2007). Gun Digest Book of the AR-15. Vol. 2. Gun Digest Books. p. 39. ISBN 978-0-89689-474-7.
  6. ^ "SSK Industries .950 JDJ Gun Number One Single Shot". Rock Island Auction Company. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
  7. ^ Suciu, Peter (2023-05-17). "The Largest Caliber Bullet on Earth: Meet the .950 JDJ". 19FortyFive. Retrieved 2023-10-09.