The John Chapman Rifle

Description

John A. Chapman—often referred to by his call sign “Chappy”—was a U.S. Air Force Combat Controller (CCT) and a member of the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, part of Air Force Special Operations Command. Born July 14, 1965, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Chapman grew up in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. After graduating high school in 1983, he enlisted in the Air Force and eventually became a Combat Controller—a highly trained special operations airman skilled in calling in airstrikes, establishing airfields, and integrating air power into ground operations.

The Battle of Takur Ghar — March 4, 2002

Chapman’s Medal of Honor is tied to his extraordinary heroism during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan, specifically the Battle of Takur Ghar, also known as “Roberts Ridge.”

He was part of a joint special operations team inserted onto the snow-covered mountaintop of Takur Ghar in the early morning hours. The mission went awry when the team’s MH-47 Chinook helicopter came under heavy fire from entrenched al-Qaeda fighters. Navy SEAL Neil Roberts fell from the helicopter during evasive maneuvers, prompting a desperate rescue attempt.

Chapman and his SEAL teammates were inserted a short distance from Roberts’ last known location. Almost immediately after landing, Chapman charged uphill into machine-gun fire to eliminate a fortified enemy position, killing multiple fighters. His actions allowed the rest of his team to advance and temporarily secure the position.

His Final Stand

During the fight, Chapman was severely wounded but regained consciousness after his teammates were forced to withdraw under heavy fire, believing he had been killed. Alone and badly injured, Chapman continued to fight—engaging multiple enemy positions, calling in air support, and protecting the approach to the mountaintop.

For more than an hour, he fought single-handedly against superior numbers, reportedly killing several more enemy fighters before being overrun. His actions bought precious time for incoming Quick Reaction Forces and likely saved the lives of others in the battle.

Medal of Honor

Originally awarded the Air Force Cross in 2003, Chapman’s case was later reviewed after enhanced drone and gunship footage showed he had regained consciousness and continued fighting after his team’s withdrawal. In 2018, President Donald Trump posthumously awarded him the Medal of Honor, making Chapman the first airman to receive it since the Vietnam War.

The TYPE-A Chapman Rifle is built on an accurate Long Rifle platform with proven mil-spec components to make it an incredibly versatile rifle. The Chapman Rifle is equipped with a 14.5″ cold hammer forged barrel with a TYPE-A ASR Ready Muzzle Brake or other muzzle for an additional cost.  Our Chapman rifle is also equipped with a Knights Armament RAS Rail & CAR 15 style furniture.  The TYPE-A Chapman Rifle is driven by our TYPE-A QPQ bolt carrier group w/R.E.M Polish. Equipped with a DGI (direct gas impingement) system and our new TYPE-A PMC Straight 2-stage trigger to give it consistent reliability time after time.

NOTE:  All of our rifles are Hardcoat Anodized and then Cerakoted to give you a longer-lasting, more durable finish.  We wanted your rifle to wear to the anodized surface vs. the raw aluminum surface like some of our competitors.  Just another added benefit making our rifles…TYPE-A.

****Please Note: All NFA rules apply. Please check with your local state laws.

Colors Available (*Shown in Hardcoat Anodized Black)

• Magpul™ Olive Drab Green (H-232Q)
• Magpul™ Flat Dark Earth (H-267Q)
• Noveske™ Bazooka Green (H-189Q)
• Tungsten (H-237Q)
• SIG™ Dark Grey (H-210Q)