Texas Ranger Museum

[jmr40]

Just got back to Georgia after spending 10 days with family near the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Saw many sights that I wish I could share here, but to keep it gun related will only discuss the Ranger Museum in Waco. If anyone ever gets a chance to go you'll love it. Lots of history, lots of firearms on display that belonged to former and currrent Rangers. Everything from the 1830's to present day is on display. I wanted to share a few photos. Taken with a cell phone and behind glass does not do them justice, but you get the idea. If you get a chance to go it is well worth the price of admission.

There were probably more fancy 1911's on display than all other handguns combined. This is just 1 example.



Notice the front of the trigger guard is removed



Quite a few Colt single actions

 

[jimmyraythomason]

We visited the Museum and Hall of fame in 2003. It was the highlight of our trip! I highly recommend it to anyone interested in firearms,law enforcement of history in general.

 

[Old Fuff]

Notice the front of the trigger guard is removed

Also notice that the revolver is a pre-war Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum.

This was "the first" .357 Magnum, and the most expensive production revolver made by anyone during the era (1935-1941).

 

[buck460XVR]

This thread is a reminder to me that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The pictures of those firearms makes me think we're watching the opening the gun vault of a rap artist on a music video. Still, a visit to a museum honoring one of the most infamous and historic law agencies ever to exist, would be well worth the time.

 

[X-Rap]

I went last winter while working down in Waco, very interesting museum and I'd encourage anyone who has an interest in history to go.
The Rangers do indeed have a certain taste for the "Bling" I think it is a Texas thing in general and Texas Lawmen of all stripes have penchant for the Barbeque Guns.
My dad has a nickle 1st gen with the bulls head, gold horns, ruby eyes, and gold Mexican coin embedded grips that was owned by a Texas Lawman back in the 20's. It seems that grip pattern/style was quite popular with lawmen back in those days as I saw some examples at the Ranger Museum.

 

[jmr40]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The pictures of those firearms makes me think we're watching the opening the gun vault of a rap artist on a music video.

There are many other guns there on display with much more subtle art work, or none at all. Something to please everyone, including many plain guns with historical significance.

Many are over the top for my own tastes as well, but wonderful works of art none the less.

 

[Hugo]

So much engraving there in that museum. Any metal engraver should visit just for that. Also any gunsmith.

 

[9mmfan]

Wifey and I went last winter. It was really cool. I was worried that she would be bored, but she mentioned that she would like to go again and spend more time the next time we are down that way. There is an interesting old cemetery next to it as well, if that is your thing.

 

[gspn]

Were the Texas rangers running a pimp operation on the side? What's up with all the "bling" on their guns?

Those bear a striking resemblance to the guns of the Mexican drug cartels.

 

[19-3Ben]

That rifle is gorgeous. What's the stock/foreguard made of, ivory?

 

[Old Fuff]

During the first six decades of the 20th Century, Texas Rangers tended to carry ornate handguns at times, expecially when on duty doing something related to public relations. Critics should take note that they sometimes used them, and when they did they used them well.

On the other hand they're is plenty of photographic evidence that more ordinary handguns were the rule, although nickel plating and ivory stocks were especially popular, as were carved leather belts and holsters. Yes, it is a "Texas thing," and they are still very proud of it.

 

[rondog]

Were there any REAL Colt Walkers there? Those were made for the Rangers weren't they?

 

[Old Fuff]

Were there any REAL Colt Walkers there? Those were made for the Rangers weren't they?

Sort of, but not exactly.

The U.S. Army at the onset of the U.S./Mexican War (1847) purchased them. During the war the Ranger Force was incorporated into the U.S. Army, and while serving therein were issued most, of the (so called) Colt Walker revolvers. In use, many of them self-destructed, supposedly because of the steel used to make the cylinders. Most of those that did survive were issued later to U.S. Dragoons escorting wagon trains going west to California or Oregon. Given the hard use they were subjected too few examples of the original 1000 remain today.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Great place to visit I was there a few years back when some dignitary types were there and they let me join the tour, we got to handle several guns that are in usually in the cases, they gave us white gloves and it was great.

 

[Old Dog Man]

Texas Ranger Gun

I worked on a deceased Tx. Ranger's gun back in the 70's, that is the first one I've seen with the trigger guard cut out like the one pictured. It was also nickel plated and 32-20 cal. He gave it to a retired ships capt. friend who brought it to me. Al

 

[El Viejo]

The guns are almost as interesting as the stories behind them. A little online research can turn up some pretty interesting stuff.

 

[Trung Si]

Were the Texas rangers running a pimp operation on the side? What's up with all the "bling" on their guns?

Other than the ornate Guns, there are many, many more, from 1911s, Shot Guns, BARs and they all have a Story, if one likes Guns, this is the Place, I live 32 Miles from it!

 

[lloveless]

Note that Texas was a part of Mexico for quite awhile til it was liberated. There is a large Mexican influence throughout the state except the Fredericksburg area, where the Germans settled.
ll

 

[fdf]

That all depends on which part of Texas your are in and where a person has lived in Texas. Local population diversity varies a lot in Texas.

 

[buck460XVR]

During the first six decades of the 20th Century, Texas Rangers tended to carry ornate handguns at times, expecially when on duty doing something related to public relations. Critics should take note that they sometimes used them, and when they did they used them well.

On the other hand they're is plenty of photographic evidence that more ordinary handguns were the rule, although nickel plating and ivory stocks were especially popular, as were carved leather belts and holsters. Yes, it is a "Texas thing," and they are still very proud of it.

While calling them "Bar-B-Que" guns may be a Texas thang, ornate firearms have been around since they were invented in China back in 500 A.D. Animal horn used for stocks and intricately detailed engraving was used extensively long before Columbus headed west and there was even such a thing as "the Mexican territory " . Ornate firearms were always considered "in vogue" to be carried during formal occasions and the French were well renown for their engraving long before Sam Colt was born. While I appreciate the art and skill involved for a good engraving job, and understand it's long history and why some folks like it....it's not for me. No different than gold plating a shovel to dig a hole or engraving a hammer to drive nails. I said before, the Museum would be a good visit even if one favors more traditional styled guns. Never doubted the Rangers had no problem using any type of firearm and never said they did. My dislike of Bling guns isn't an insult to them or to their reputation.

 

[fdf]

"While calling them "Bar-B-Que" guns may be a Texas thang"

I have one from a prominent person in Texas that I inherited, it a Texas thang, mine is to the limit.

The museum is on my list to go to.

Russell's For Men has two (2) books on the Texas Rangers, if you have an interest in the Texas Rangers it will change your total thought on them, did mine. Order and read them in order of writing.

 

[LeonCarr]

Many Lawmen have a plain jane duty weapon and a "Barbeque" gun that they wear for get togethers and special occasions.

The Texas Ranger in my hometown carried one handgun for business and BBQ, a full coverage engraved 1911 with gold hammer and gold trigger, with Ivory stocks inlayed with a Texas Ranger badge on one panel and the Gonzales flag with the star, cannon, and the words "COME AND TAKE IT" on the other panel .

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[Deltaboy1984]

I will be there again this weekend for the first time in about 7 years.

 

[dodge]

The wife and I went a couple of years ago while in Waco visiting our daughter. It's a very interesting museum and would go agannext time I'm in the area.