Right on, JB. Many have questioned the validity of John's run and some have genuine doubts, but their opinion, even if possibly well-grounded, is ultimately unimportant. BCA certification of the run closes the matter for me. This is the organization authorized to certify the record and they have done so. John has the record, plain and simple, unless somebody runs more than 626, of course. Many widely known historical events lack incontrovertible proof of occurrence, but it has been commonplace for a long, long time to accept the accounts of such events from those present or those whose profession was to record events for history.
Questioning the integrity of those who certify high runs is pointless. Nobody gains from falsely certifying a high run. Cranfield's run is very well known and was corroborated by people who are credible, but the run was not certified as an exhibition run, and is, correctly, not recognized as the world exhibition record.
I doubt John's record will be exceeded in his lifetime, but you never know, for there are some shooters possessing the skills to beat 626, and these attempts are being made on very easy equipment. I just can't convince myself than anyone out there will have the passion and staying power that John exhibited in trying to achieve the record.
Just as you suggest, John needs to be given his due. He is, indeed, the world record holder.
