For the all4shooters team, and especially the editorial staff of caliber magazine, this is more than just an obituary: we are mourning the loss of a dear friend and highly respected colleague. From 1994 to 2006, Jens spent twelve years as an editor of the German magazine caliber. He was a dependable and loyal companion with whom we shared countless competitions, adventures and long hours of overtime in the everyday life of a magazine editorial team.
Originally from Gelsenkirchen and a chef by profession, Jens had been a competitive shooter since 1984, with numerous victories and titles to his name. These included several European Steel Challenge championship titles in different firearm divisions, a runner-up finish at the European Bianchi Cup championships, and numerous national titles in both disciplines. He was also an accomplished IPSC shooter, consistently finishing among the top 16 competitors at the German championships. At the time, he was a member of the successful Helmut Hofmann shooting team, sponsored by the firearms wholesaler of the same name based in Mellrichstadt. Other top shooters on the team included Jens Bork, Thomas Wiehe and Veit Huber.
Above all, Jens Tigges was known for his expertise in ammunition, reloading and ballistics. His knowledge was such that he also ran a customer support service for users of Hodgdon powders on behalf of Helmut Hofmann GmbH. Whatever the problem, he was always ready to offer help and advice to shooters and hunters alike. Later in life, he devoted himself to hunting, both at home and abroad, with the same passion he had always brought to competitive shooting. He also put his heart and soul into the care and conservation of his hunting grounds. His knowledge of firearms and ammunition must have proved invaluable to many gamekeepers in their daily work, and listening to his hunting stories was always a pleasure.
Jens was always open to new developments and never lost his curiosity. For him, practical experience invariably took precedence over theory. One example says it all: when PRS-style (Precision Rifle Series) dynamic long-range rifle shooting was only beginning to gain a foothold in Europe, he didn't hesitate to enter a major competition in the United States, the birthplace of PRS. Shooting with a borrowed rifle, he achieved excellent results despite being a complete newcomer to the discipline. The firearms community and we have no doubt that also the US based manufacturers that knew him both as a partner and a friend will sorely miss his immense expertise.
For his family and friends, however, the loss is far more personal. They will miss a truly remarkable man, full of humor, ambition and positive energy, who was always ready to lend a hand whenever someone needed help.
Rest in peace, Jens.
The entire VS Medien GmbH team mourns the passing of Jens Tigges and wishes his family, friends and colleagues strength and courage during this difficult tim
