In the 1980 Shooting Times compilation, "Skeeter Skelton on Handguns," our favorite author noted that "It all started with the 9mm" and that "...his first column assignment in 1966 on the 9mm opened the door."
I've always wanted to score a copy of that original issue with Skeeter's very first article. I searched for it often on Ebay. I didn't actually know which particular monthly issue contained Skeeter's 9mm story. Eventually, I put together a list of which issues did not contain the elusive initial writing of the .44 Special aficionado.
Then, about a week and a half ago, I found an Ebay auction for all twelve issues of Shooting Times from 1966. I won the auction for $13.51 and the magazines arrived yesterday in excellent condition. So many thanks to whoever kept them so nice for the last 44 years (isn't THAT a coincidence?)!
The cover of the July 1966 issue showcases a gorgeous pair of Colt double action revolvers, a Python and a Diamondback. This is the issue with Skeeter Skelton's very first published article.
"Handguns by Skeeter Skelton" is on page 6 where Skeeter starts off mentioning his Uncle's Luger.
Interestingly, the very next issue (August 1966) is Skeeter's very first published article on the the .44 Special (titled "The .44 Special, A Reappraisal" and the byline is Charles A. Skelton).
Of course, there are many classic articles by Jordan, Askins, and many others from the old days. Not a bad score for under $15.
I feel almost complete by having added these original magazines to my collection of publications by my all time favorite gun writer....
-Steve
I've always wanted to score a copy of that original issue with Skeeter's very first article. I searched for it often on Ebay. I didn't actually know which particular monthly issue contained Skeeter's 9mm story. Eventually, I put together a list of which issues did not contain the elusive initial writing of the .44 Special aficionado.
Then, about a week and a half ago, I found an Ebay auction for all twelve issues of Shooting Times from 1966. I won the auction for $13.51 and the magazines arrived yesterday in excellent condition. So many thanks to whoever kept them so nice for the last 44 years (isn't THAT a coincidence?)!
The cover of the July 1966 issue showcases a gorgeous pair of Colt double action revolvers, a Python and a Diamondback. This is the issue with Skeeter Skelton's very first published article.
"Handguns by Skeeter Skelton" is on page 6 where Skeeter starts off mentioning his Uncle's Luger.
Interestingly, the very next issue (August 1966) is Skeeter's very first published article on the the .44 Special (titled "The .44 Special, A Reappraisal" and the byline is Charles A. Skelton).
Of course, there are many classic articles by Jordan, Askins, and many others from the old days. Not a bad score for under $15.
I feel almost complete by having added these original magazines to my collection of publications by my all time favorite gun writer....
-Steve
