In spring 1951 an independent, general collegiate magazine that developed from the regular chapter letter of the UT chapter of Delta Tau Delta fraternity made its debut at a cost of 25 cents. The editor, business manager, and art director of the Tennessee Shootin’ Iron were former or current members of the student newspaper (Orange and White) staff. The first issue contained the pictures of all sorority pledges, and over eight hundred copies were sold in the first three hours of availability. The Administrative Council declined to approve the publication, so the single issue was the totality of its appearance on campus.