Skeeter Skelton .357 Magnum

LaVistaBill · Nov 27, 2017

Many of you are probably familiar with the late, great Skeeter Skelton, former Handgun Editor for Shooting Times magazine. One of Skeeter's favorite S&W revolvers and one he used in the Border Patrol and as a deputy sheriff was the 357 Magnum (see photo); also known as the Model 27. He preferred his with a 5" barrel, blue finish and a 1/10" Baughman front sight. For stocks he had a set of Roper custom grips. As a devoted Skeeter fan, I'm the proud owner of a 5" pre-27 and just recently obtained a set of Bear Hug Grips for it. These grips are much like the ones made by Roper and are as close as I have been able to come. You can see the Bear Hug logo inside the grips; the head of the company was a man named Deacon Deason, another great was has passed to his reward. All I need now is a 1/10" width ramp front sight!

As of today 01/04/2025, I have my 1/10" front sight on my pre-27 Smith, so my "Skeeter Gun" is now complete!

rog8732 · Nov 27, 2017

Really enjoyed Skeeter's writings.
That's a good looking .357 magnum of yours too. (Even though the picture shows up mirror image. )

Wyatt Burp · Nov 27, 2017

Nice setup. I think he went through around five of these. Yours look perfect. Now you have to load up his favorite loads in .38 cases that also used in his Heavy Duties. My 1980 "Skeeter on Handguns" is all ragged from me reading it to death many times.

dr. mordo · Nov 27, 2017

Wyatt Burp said:
Nice setup. I think he went through around five of these. Yours look perfect. Now you have to load up his favorite loads in .38 cases that also used in his Heavy Duties. My 1980 "Skeeter on Handguns" is all ragged from me reading it to death many times.

After some googling, "...my favorite handloads, made from a recipe of the 358156 (158gr SWC) hollowpoint bullet held in its lower crimping groove by a Remington .38 Special case. The powder charge was 13.5 grains of 2400 fused with CCI Small Pistol primers. "

From My Friend, The .357

The reference to the lower crimping groove means the bullet was seated very shallow in the case, right?

Pondoro · Nov 27, 2017

There are some old articles on line written by Skeeter - it seems I found one listing his favorite loads once. Search for them.

Pondoro · Nov 27, 2017

My Friend, The .357

Geronimo Jim · Nov 27, 2017

I know how you feel. I am the proud owner of a first gen Colt SAA
in 38 wcf that was owned by Skeeter. It came with documentation
from his wife.

Valmet · Nov 27, 2017

5" .357 N-frame is my favorite wheelgun. Thanks for sharing yours- beautiful piece

Alk8944 · Nov 27, 2017

dr. mordo said:
The reference to the lower crimping groove means the bullet was seated very shallow in the case, right?

No, it means the bullet is seated slightly longer, about 1/10", but still a bit shorter than .357 Magnum LOA. The 358156 has two crimp grooves to allow loading to nearly .357 levels in the .38 Spl. case. It was designed by Ray Thompson when .357 was new and correct brass very scarce.

Sevens · Nov 27, 2017

According to a recent thread in the lounge, I wasn't surprised to find that I am on the younger side in age on this particular forum (I'm 45) but must say that I can't imagine a ton of folks younger than me that have read, enjoyed and simply loved the writing of Skeeter as much as I have.

If I recall correctly, he passed away not long at all after I discovered his fantastic work. I began reading his articles in the summer of 1988.

Every gunwriter had his own style and there were plenty of gunwriters to like... but when you read Skeeter, it felt like you had a buddy talking to you.

Wyatt Burp · Nov 27, 2017

Here's a bunch of Skeeter articles...

Skeeter Skelton

Marshal Tom · Nov 27, 2017

He and Sheriff Jim Wilson who followed him are two of the very best. I read all of Skeeter's articles and have all of his books as well. He very much influenced my taste in gun collecting. He loved the .357 in 5" inch and the .44 special. I am the proud owner of a 4" bright blue 1950 Target .44 Sp. that I found in a local gun shop a few years ago. Never thought I would ever even see one, much less own one.

Homie · Nov 27, 2017

For a better understanding of "SKEETER'S LOAD" see his article "My long favored all-round Loads for Sixguns" in the #8 HANDLOADER'S DIGEST.

STCM(SW) · Nov 27, 2017

I got this one because of Skeeter.....

Frank46 · Nov 28, 2017

See if you can remember where this came from. "Francisco Bustamonte I hate you." Frank

SoCal1911 · Nov 28, 2017

Wyatt Burp-Thanks for the link to Skeeter's stories !

Anyone have a links to Elmer Keith stories?
Bill Jordan and Jeff Cooper links would be appreciated too.
These guys were the real deal.

STCM(SW) · Nov 28, 2017

Frank46 said:
See if you can remember where this came from. "Francisco Bustamonte I hate you." Frank

Yea, I remember the story. That name was scratched on a Colt SAA .

Aircrewman · Nov 28, 2017

One thing that always made me read his articles first when I received my monthly edition in the mail was his extraordinary experience and inspired insights to having a useful sidearm. The .357 Magnum was it and he was particular in his choice of loading for them. One thing that has always seemed to me to be very insightful and important was his choice of that 1/10” front sight...... I understand it because one of my old Smith revolvers has a 1/10” front sight.

It is very easy to see and doesn’t block the target as much as does the 1/8” front sight. It also allows a little more daylight on the sides of the rear sight therefore making it easier to see and use. A wonderful, humble and much admired man. I still miss reading his excellent articles and stories.

Wyatt Burp · Nov 28, 2017

SoCal1911 said:
Wyatt Burp-Thanks for the link to Skeeter's stories !

Anyone have a links to Elmer Keith stories?
Bill Jordan and Jeff Cooper links would be appreciated too.
These guys were the real deal.

One of my faves. Hunting down old Colt SAAs in Mexico and finding an ultra rare .44 Russian mint except that guy’s name , Bustamante, scratched across the frame with a nail.

Wyatt Burp · Nov 28, 2017

SoCal1911 said:
Wyatt Burp-Thanks for the link to Skeeter's stories !

Anyone have a links to Elmer Keith stories?
Bill Jordan and Jeff Cooper links would be appreciated too.
These guys were the real deal.

Here's some Keith stuff. There's probably more to dig up.

Elmer Keith Memorial Website|Guns and Ammo Archives

Skeeter Skelton .357 Magnum

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