I stumbled upon this video when it popped as a recommendation, about the late writer Skeeter Skelton. We old-timers remember him. Wasn't aware that his writing career began back about the time of my birth. The fellow who produced it has a like-minded video about Bill Jordan, but I've not watched it yet.



ETA; the Bill Jordan video is footage from the "You Asked For It" TV show where Bill demonstrates his quick draw and introduces the S&W Model 19 to the world.

Thanks for posting! Skeeter's writings had a huge impact on my interest in handguns and law enforcement. I loved his subject matter, style, experience, technical knowledge, and passion that he shared so well with his many devoted followers.

Before his sudden passing, I was thrilled to see that S&W gave in and reintroduced the Model 24 ("-3" version) .44 Special and I bought the first one I found. Skeeter's favorite barrel length was the 5" and though S&W only offered their reintroduced revolvers in 4" and 6.5" versions. I bought one of the 6.5" guns and had the barrel trimmed down to 5" just as Skeeter would by Master Gunsmith James Hoag (R.I.P.), who's small shop was near where I lived in Los Angeles. Jim also did an action job, installed one of S&W's smooth "Combat" triggers, and provided a plain black ramp front sight blade.

Skeeter's favorite stockmaker was Deacon Deason and he was still producing some beautiful and functional grips to Skeeter's specifications and I bought two sets. One of these were used with my Model 24-3 and the other set was for a K-frame round butt S&W. I installed this on my factory 3" Model 66. I still have both revolvers and one or two of the paperback books that were published with a collection of Skeeter's stories.

In 1979, I was hired by a law enforcement agency that didn't issue their officers firearms and we had to purchase our own with virtually no written policy dictating what we could or couldn't carry. For a week (in honor of Skeeter), I carried a 4 5/8" barreled Ruger "Flat-top" Blackhawk in .44 Magnum caliber, but loaded with five .44 Special loads pushing a 250 grain "Keith" SWC bullet at 1000 fps. My holster was a Roy Baker "Pancake" and I carried extra rounds in a dump pouch. I think Skeeter would have approved. I can't believe so many years have (like Skeeter) passed, but I cherish the memories! Thanks again for posting the video!

Yep. I remember reading his columns as well as Jack O'Connor, Elmer Keith, Bill Jordan. and Massad Ayoob back when. Mas was an up-and-coming star then.

Thanks for sharing.

I always looked forward to reading his articles.

I watched the 8 minute video, great summary.

First off, I stayed in Hereford, TX overnight about 6 years ago. It’s a quintessential west Texas cattle town. It smelled like a cattle town, plenty of jackrabbits in most open places.

I do appreciate his fondness of the 44 special. I gotta agree, for semi-casual use, full power 44 mag loads can be a little much. That’s especially true in a medium weight, medium barreled revolver.

He was a great one. I read lots of his articles back in the 70s and 80s. He was an big influence on my handgun shooting. The first centerfire gun I bought was a Ruger 44 Magnum.

I've got a 5" N-frame, but mine is a .357 and not a .44. I still think Skelton would like it.

Thanks for posting.

That Channel is great, they have everal really good videos.