Bart Skelton - RIP

[rockquarry]

I'm not really familiar with Bart Skelton's 's gun writing. What publication(s) did he write for?

I stopped subscribing to most of the magazines about the time they started their steep decline in the quality of material years ago. I wasn't much of a Skeeter Skelton fan, but I read many of his articles from the 'sixties on. However, he did write one article I would place among the top five gun articles I've ever read, and I've read a few of them since 1962.

Skelton did a comprehensive piece on the Smith and Wesson Model 24 .44 Special when it was introduced, or re-introduced as the 24-3. I had to have one (actually several) after reading that article. I'm sure other SHOOTING TIMES readers had the same urge to buy one, even if they weren't easy to find.

Many of us studied the SHOOTING TIMES list of Skeeter Skelton firearms that were auctioned not long after his death. I bid on one or more (don't recall the actual number). I didn't win, but received a very thoughtful personal note from Skelton's widow thanking me for bidding. I'm sure others received similar notes.

I've really gotten off track here, but the Skelton name brings back memories.

 

[kaaskop49]

attn: rockquarry

For me, it was Skeeter's tale about Dobe Grant running guns in Mexico. The link above leads to another "Me & Dobe" story about chasing down a weed mule. Had never read that one. Recommend it.

Sad to read about his son passing away at a relatively young age. In the last 3 years, I've lost 9 people I worked with, most in my age bracket. Carpe diem.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Rubone]

I had never been assigned to such an event, nor had Bart. It was quite a change from arresting drunk drivers in the hinterlands.

RIP Bart.

Biku324,
Did you by chance know Joe Schiel? He was also a retired NMSP officer gone too soon, a dear friend of my wife and mine. Passed at only 60.

 

[biku324]

I did, indeed - he was a good man, and a talented trainer as well.

 

[saemetric]

Here's a link to his obituary

Obituary for Bart Skelton | Baca's Funeral Chapels

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Interesting! I see Bart's Memorial Will held at the Adobe Deli.
I have heard of it but never been there.
It's located East of Deming off the old highway.
It's kind of Geographically Challenged.
But I'm told the food is great and they do a brisk business!

 

[biku324]

It's half a mile south of NM 549 on Lewis Flats Road, just on the east side of the Little Florida Mountains.

 

[Farmer17]

I remember him talking about police shotguns and he favored a plain and simple wood stocked, 870 with bead sight and no magazine extension. The only accessory was a leather butt cuff ammo carrier and he also loved a very accurized Colt .38 Super that his dad used to own.