How I got into Benchrest with the legend, Jim Steckl

[alan via]

I learned to reload from Jim Steckl in the late 1990s. Jim was a gunsmith at Remington and a world class BR shooter. If I remember, he invented the .222 Rem cartridge. I was on the road in my job and walked into his shop and introduced myself. He taught me how to reload and got me into Benchrest. Under Jim's guidance I bought a converted 40x with Hart barrel chambered in 6BR short. I went to the Benchrest school when it was held in Canastota. After a few matches I realized I was so overmatched competing against gunsmiths and other precision folks that I retired from the sport. Besides being a real gentleman, Jim's spouse also worked at Remington doing custom engraving at the plant in Ilion, NY. I thought I'd pass along what a gentleman Jim was now that he's been gone many years.

 

[alan via]

Jim was quite the gentleman. Stranger walks into his shop. On a second visit, he's taken me under his wing. I remember why he said he'd originated the 6BR short. Said he'd never compete using a 'Russian caliber' !

 

[DumpHollow]

Mike Walker invented the 222 Remington.

 

[LHSmith]

IIRC Jim Steckl was the driving force along with Walker on the 6 mm Rem. Benchrest (6 BR) cartridge among other innovative Remington products.
He also did quite well in SR BR having accumulated 64 Precision Rifleman points and earning his Silver Jacket in 1977.

 

[Mulligan]

When you say he shot a short BR, was this the Talldog or something else?
Just curious

CW

 

[D Coots]

Mike Walker invented the 222 Remington.

Yup

 

[Uncle Mike]

Jim is not gone we shoot with him weekly. Even in his advanced years he scores at the top consistently. A true gentleman and a good friend. Mary Ann traded her engraving tools for an oven. She bakes great cookies!

 

[LHSmith]

Jim is not gone we shoot with him weekly. Even in his advanced years he scores at the top consistently. A true gentleman and a good friend. Mary Ann traded her engraving tools for an oven. She bakes great cookies!

Good to hear as some other shooting forum sites tell a different "STORY" of his health status.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Friend of mine I compete with had a rail gun he bought from Jim years ago. He also had a 40x that was Jim's. I think it was the first one they built in 6br. He says he regrets not hanging on to them as he has very high regards for Mr Steckle.

 

[butchlambert]

I visit with Jimmy by phone every month or so. He sold me 3 of the Remington externally adjustable scopes a few years ago. He is a pleasure to have as a friend and never toots his own horn.

 

[Piper]

Jim is not gone we shoot with him weekly. Even in his advanced years he scores at the top consistently. A true gentleman and a good friend. Mary Ann traded her engraving tools for an oven. She bakes great cookies!

I learned to reload from Jim Steckl in the late 1990s. Jim was a gunsmith at Remington and a world class BR shooter. If I remember, he invented the .222 Rem cartridge. I was on the road in my job and walked into his shop and introduced myself. He taught me how to reload and got me into Benchrest. Under Jim's guidance I bought a converted 40x with Hart barrel chambered in 6BR short. I went to the Benchrest school when it was held in Canastota. After a few matches I realized I was so overmatched competing against gunsmiths and other precision folks that I retired from the sport. Besides being a real gentleman, Jim's spouse also worked at Remington doing custom engraving at the plant in Ilion, NY. I thought I'd pass along what a gentleman Jim was now that he's been gone many years.

Jim is still A Gentleman, Fine shooter and a mentor to many including myself! As Unlce Mike posted. Jim Shoots ( Mike Walker and Jim’s 6BR with a Hart Barrel ) consistently High scores at Ilion Fish and Game Range.
He also shoots billiards as well as he shoots a Rifle!

 

[DumpHollow]

I visit with Jimmy by phone every month or so. He sold me 3 of the Remington externally adjustable scopes a few years ago. He is a pleasure to have as a friend and never toots his own horn.
View attachment 1486864

Who was the actual maker of those scopes? Unertl, Lyman?

 

[butchlambert]

Who was the actual maker of those scopes? Unertl, Lyman?

They were made in the Remington custom shop with glass from Schott I believe it's spelled. Mike said they machined them from aluminum billet.

 

[DumpHollow]

They were made in the Remington custom shop with glass from Schott I believe it's spelled. Mike said they machined them from aluminum billet.

Thanks Butch.