Guns of the Texas Rangers 1870 to 1900

This is the second episode in my two-part series on the guns used by the Texas Rangers in the 19th century.
In this video I’ll discuss the guns used by the Rangers from 1870 until 1900.
Special thanks goes to Doug Dukes and Mike Cox for their excellent books.
Mike Cox’ book, “The Texas Rangers: Wearing the Cinco Peso, 1821-1900” is a great history of 19th century Rangers.
It is available from Amazon:
www.amazon.com/Texas-Rangers-...
Doug Dukes wrote the definitive book on Texas Ranger weapons, “Firearms of the Texas Rangers: From the Frontier Era to the Modern Age”
It is available on Amazon:
www.amazon.com/Firearms-Texas...
Mike Beliveau links:
Patreon - / duelist
Website - mikebeliveau.com/

[@williamc.1198]

My wife and I visited the Texas Ranger museum in Waco. I was able to see many of the handguns carried by various Rangers. I was pleasantly surprised to see how many 1911 and 1911A1s were carried by Rangers. I can understand their preference for them as I prefer "old slab-sides" myself.

[@charlesoppland7778]

Next you Should do guns of the Texas rangers between 1901-2021.

[@hickok45]

Great video; I enjoyed them both!

[@duelist1954]

Thanks Glenn!

[@The-Western-Way]

It's the man the myth the legend himself!!!

[@johnndavis7647]

Men that knew their guns. They pretty much had the best guns available at the time. As guns progressed the Rangers took full advantage of the improvements in power and range. The large bore single-shot Sharps carbine was with them for a good while especially for the Indian fighting. It provided enough power and range to shoot horses out from under Comanche putting them afoot and easier to catch. The fact that the government was giving them ammo didn't hurt either

[@timrobinson6573]

What about the forgotten frontier of Florida? Florida is where Captain Walker first used a Patterson Colt against the Seminole. His success with it in Florida inspired him to contact Colt and led to the development of the Walker Colt. Florida also has a long history of cattle ranching(we call then cowmen instead of cowboys). Many conflicts between the natives and US government. Stories of the Ashley gang robbing banks and hiding out in the Everglades, hiding their gold in the swamps before being gun down by the sheriff and his deputies. Describing the history of Florida could lead a person to think they were hearing stories from the Old West.

[@johnndavis7647]

You are right about Florida. Florida still produces more beef than any state except Texas. Up into the 1920s Florida was a pretty wild place. John Wesley Hardin fled to Florida and was captured by Texas rangers on a train near Tallahassee Florida. Somebody wrote a series of "western" novels set in early Florida. Barnes and Nobles carried them. Lots of history here.

[@josiel152]

I knew nothing about the Texas Rangers except what I saw on Chuck Norris TV series, ha ha. Thanks for this Interesting story.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@pjbarney9580]

King ranch is about 20 minutes from me. If you get the chance there is a film called Texas Rangers, made in the early 2000s. Its cheezy and a good western flick but its "about" Mcnelly and his people

[@duelist1954]

Is that the one with Randy Travis?

[@pjbarney9580]

Yes, great movie even if the story is fudged a little

[@guilfordbarnhill6410]

Great job Mike. Enjoyed this second installment very much. As a resident of Texas for 40 years I continue to be amazed at the hardship of the Texas citizens and the dogged endurance they lived out. It was a brutal frontier life for these early Texans surrounded by Indians and Mexicans that all wanted them dead. Survival was their day to day work. Keep it up Mike, this is your calling!

[@duelist1954]

Thanks! I’m glad that you enjoyed it.

[@Taocat1]

My favorite Texas Ranger story is about the headless horseman of the Nueces strip. If you've never heard of it, I won't spoil it. Right now I am currently reading The Ranger Companies of Bandera County by Earl S. Hardin, Jr.

[@ronrobertson59]

I read about every book I could lay hands on about the Texas rangers. I enjoyed your history of rangers weapons. I by far prefer the 1873 over the 1892 nothing is smoother than the 1873 that's why it is king of Cowboy Action shooting. Good video thanks Mike.

[@35southkiwi16]

I can understand why the Winchester 73 had such a following at the time over the the model of 92. Although heavier it's a much smoother action imo, which would be desrable when under duress I think.

[@drstrangelove4998]

Englishman here, I have a Winny ‘94 and two ‘92s. But I can understand why the ‘73 lasted so long, with the simple side plates and action, it was easy to clean and work on outback on the frontier.

[@johnweller3987]

I have a vintage model 92 in 44-40 I love very much. But I love it because all the Hollywood westerns I watched as a kid led me to believe at the time that was the Winchester Rifle that won the West. LOL. Far from it. The 73 and others are the one's which saw all the action. By the time the 92 was introduced the wild days were mostly history by then. Plus two years later the Winchester 94 came out and that stole much of the 92's thunder. I think the 92 Winchester saw very little action in the old West. Saw some in Mexico though with the revolution. Although the 94 30-30 was more popular, there are photos of the Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata packing one, along with bandoleers loaded with 44-40 cartridges.

[@burnsboysaresoldiers]

Hey Mike, what about a video on the firearms and tactics of the Indian warriors? Trade guns, sawed off muskets, (later) purchased winchesters etc

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

The Nueces Strip was definitely a hotbed of activity. The Rangers and their arms were up to the task.

[@robertrobert7924]

I had already planned my next range visit before this video came out. My 2 gun choices were Uberti 44-40 Henry Carbine and Uberti 44-40 Colt 1873.

[@FinalFront]

I'm wanting to get an Uberti 1860 Henry reproduction. Preferably in .44-40. Haven't Been able to find one. As for revolver I like the Uberti 1851 Navy .36, loaded with paper cartridges. Seems like Uberti quit making all the interesting firearms such as the 1860 Henry over these last few years. Always see a ton of short barreled 1873's and such, though.

[@PeterDad60]

I lived in Arizona as a child during the 1950's and of course I prayed to some day have my own Winchester 1894 .30-30 lever action rifle and around 1992 my prayers were answered when I purchased a brand new rifle! I still love that rifle to this day in November 23, 2021. I'd like to add that I really like the Model 1895 lever action with the non detachable box, which I learned about here in this video. -Peter age 71

[@Pro-Gunn1952]

Those two books will be on my coffee table very soon. Thanks!

[@rhapsody5876]

Great video , i love the Texas Ranger history and the old Winchester and Colt s ....

[@alanhope1190]

Great video, Mike- keep ‘em coming!

[@leeadams5941]

Once again a great video love to see ya bring them up to present

[@barefoofDr]

Still today in Texas when a man is a good shot they say he "Shoots like a Tennessean".

[@AmericanMinuteman95]

Hopefully we can get one from the 1900 onward. Some of the custom 1911s are stunning

[@callofthewillman4469]

Like Lone Wolf’s 1911 with the trigger guard cut off and the thumb safety pinned down and the grip safety tied down with raw hide, no safety’s at all, Lone Wolf was one bad mother

[@callofthewillman4469]

Ever do any reading on Lone Wolf Gonzales? One bad ass Ranger!

[@gijoe508]

Thank you for making these videos, they are very interesting and informative

[@murphy4yt]

Thanks for posting this. I enjoyed this installment even more than the first one. Great stuff!

[@russellcraven251]

Thank you Mike.Always enjoy all your videos.

[@jeffshootsstuff]

Been looking forward to this video.

[@williamhoppe4500]

Thanks so much Mike. Such an interesting and informative series. I certainly enjoyed every minute.

[@jefferyvollers2705]

Thank you for the video Mike. Awesome history.

[@kadven6447]

I really enjoyed this video Mike. Thank you!

[@bbbcfitchburg2563]

Great videos Mike! Thank you!

[@davidslone9776]

Great video on the Texas Rangers. We appreciate your time, and efforts. Thank you.

[@derekgray4313]

Great video Mike. I really like these videos with your narration of the back stories.

[@Sagittariustoo]

Enjoyed both videos on this topic, just outstanding, thanks. 👍

[@rogerharris8081]

Great content Mike and thanks for your research on this topic.

[@jaydo1879]

Great video Mike. I always learn a lot from your videos.

[@win1885]

Another interesting istoey lesson, Mike. Really enjoyed it!

[@falcon5215]

Great series....very entertaining and informative! Thank you

[@douglasturner6153]

Thanks Mike. Very informative and interesting. I appreciate all your hard work making these video's. Great subject matter too.

[@jonathanwilliams4348]

Really enjoyed this! Particularly the individual Rangers and stories of their experiences in battle. Would like to hear more in that regard, thanks!

[@RhynoMez]

I love these stories. You make me want to do some reading on the subject. Thanks for making the videos!

[@wademitchell7378]

Thanks for making these videos.

[@bdh3949]

I really appreciate your videos, thank you. Great subjects too.

[@PPISAFETY]

This was incredibly interesting. Great job, Mike!

[@spiritualawakenings6251]

When I was a Texas Ranger I always favored the 1858 Remington untill I retired in 1881.

[@DonDon-zm3vz]

than you for your service

[@spiritualawakenings6251]

@@DonDon-zm3vz What service? We just did it for the fun of it.

[@spiritualawakenings6251]

@Lisa Stettin Contrary to dime novels the Rangers weren't much different from today. Who needs water when there is so much whiskey, cards, and ladies of the night. Sitting around waiting for someone's ex girlfriend to rat them out didn't take much travel. Anyway the truth wouldn't have as sold many books or given way to bragging how bad we were. Just outlaws with badges.

[@DonDon-zm3vz]

@@spiritualawakenings6251 🤔. . you guys are doin it right

[@kennethwood713]

It was some good times riding with you.

[@Newtire]

One of your best (if not the best) videos Mike. Thanks for all your work!

[@Uukassiu]

I enjoyed both parts very much. Thank you for this videos. I need to get my hands on them lever actions one day.

[@stephenrice4554]

Wonderful piece of history , thank you 👍🇬🇧

[@vyderka]

Many many thanks for your work!

[@louislarose6613]

Wow ! Another Excellent Presentation ! Well Done Sir !

[@tommygun6028]

Great Historical Story and Gorgeous Guns !!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing Mike 👍

[@grumpyoleman2152]

Thanks for that presentation. I know that took quite a lot of time. Very interesting!

[@jeffdecker9969]

Great video sir.. Loved hearing the history

[@deacondale5360]

Another great video on the guns and the times. Our family often watches your videos together. Please keep them coming

[@peterstaehlin]

Both posts were very informative. Thanks for the work👍🏻

[@1248dl]

Very informative treatment. Thanks, Mike.

[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

Great video and great history! Thank you!

[@sgtmajtrapp3391]

Very interesting overview on the most iconic law enforcement agency in our history, really found the history and stories to add greatly to the firearms selected and used. Great job.

[@fredjacobsen5025]

Thank you Mike for these historically researched fantastic videos.

[@wesleyw2238]

Love the video! Amazing info.

[@rick0596]

I love these videos Mike. Thanks

[@darkoflight4938]

Thank you again for this presentation. This is a wonderful mix of history AND showing off the guns involved. I´m sure it has been done before but you do it in the perfect mix of detail and broad picture. Good stuff! Maybe a series of history of famous characters of the west and their guns? Keep up the good work!!!!

[@billscott9005]

Really enjoyed this episode. I hope there's more

[@TripleAAA53]

Outstanding TUTORIAL Mike !!!!! Thx !!!!!

[@williamhanley2566]

Very informative,well delivered. Thank you

[@RME1911]

I really enjoy this series, I have an ancestor who was a Texas ranger around this period, Being a shooting enthusiast this has been really fun for me to see the types of firearms he may have been familiar with. Thank you for your content.

[@orvjudd1383]

Thank you, I look forward for more.

[@robertreid7221]

Absolutely brilliant ! As was the first episode. Thankyou sir.

[@100dfrost]

Excellent video, thank-you sir.

[@billy56081]

Thank you for this presentation.

[@michael.w.salter]

Great history Mike. Thanks.

[@charlesirby9222]

THANK YOU, I ENJOYED THIS VIDEO. The Rangers hold a special place in my heart.

[@saxonlight]

Outstanding info. Thanks.

[@anthonydeveno9028]

Great video Mike. It is interesting to learn about the most iconic law enforcement agencies in American

[@davidhruska9643]

Great Stuff! Enjoyed !

[@eclectic3618]

Excellent Job Thanks For Posting

[@carolannesparkman6938]

I really enjoyed this! Thank you! ❤️😊

[@mikek8089]

Great series Mike!👍🇺🇸

[@axeldiazreyes2085]

Mr. Mike, thanks for share your knowledge with us!! :)

[@blackpowderfirearmenthusia3194]

Very good and very informative video. I love when you have educational videos like this. Thank you for taking the time to research and then make an outstanding video.

[@itzcaseykc]

I didn't like history while in school, but have learned to appreciate it more and more as time marches onward. Thanks for part two.

[@terryschiller2625]

Awesome Sir! The history of the west is so amazing to me. Thank you

[@joeguzman3558]

What a great educational video , thank you very much for everything

[@grayj98k13]

Awesome Video Mike! Thanks for all your hard work! I really love seeing the history behind it all… crazy to me that “provide your own sidearms” was so prevalent back in the day considering today most departments dont even give you the option !

[@jimpelikan457]

Awesome research and history lesson. You are a wealth of information on the most colorful and interesting part ( in my opinion) of American history. Thank you.

[@juliagoodhope420]

Amazing presentation!

[@bobhartman2571]

Thank you, excellent history info. A tough time for Texas.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

Earlier this year I read the new book War on the Border by Jeff Guinn, being assigned to the Rio Grande region sounds like the most miserable thankless job as a Texas Ranger no matter what era you're in

[@eamonmcdermott4032]

This is terrific stuff, Mike. Hopefully, you've got more of these 'old west' historical videos.

[@duelist1954]

I have a few ideas.

[@RebelHawg13]

Thank you Mike, I really enjoyed these two videos

[@duelist1954]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@jimb7710]

Great story about the Rangers and their firearms. Thank you

[@edmazzeo1985]

great video mike.....the one on powder horns, some months back helped me in my research as a collector ...thanks,brother..

[@guylewis7418]

I really enjoyed this series. Thank you for the presentation!

[@davidgodley521]

Thanks, I really enjoyed this!

[@kevincollier4147]

Thanks for a great video!

[@barry9413]

Excellent presentation, Sir.

[@juvenal8929]

Fantastic series. Learned a lot!

[@jeffgrier8488]

I enjoyed the video and i really appreciate the time you put into your research.

[@farmdoc9252]

Thanks Mike! Great job.

[@bruceshook1781]

Great video, liked both 1 and 2 , very informative

[@grayj98k13]

Awesome Video Mike! Thanks for all your hard work! I really love seeing the history behind it all… crazy to me that “provide your own sidearms” was so prevalent back in the day considering today most departments dont even give you the option. I’ve always been more of a sidearm guy than a rifle guy… good to know that if I was a ranger from the 1820s-1890s I could be as picky as i wanted lol.