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....
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....
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.

[@ronrobertson59]

The 1911 is the best combat hand gun ever made. I carried one for 20 years between the Army and the PD until our liability insurance band single action handguns.

[@QualityPen]

⁠@@ronrobertson59”Two world wars, sonny!” I’m sure it was good for its time, but you’re talking about it like Jesus came down from Heaven himself to hand the 1911 blueprints to Colt. The 1911 never did anything special. It was just an above average pistol, and today there are objectively better alternatives.

[@hickok45]

Great video; I enjoyed them both!

[@duelist1954]

Thanks Glenn!

[@The-Western-Way]

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

[@charlesoppland7778]

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

[@barefoofDr]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@kevinbaker6168]

If I remember correctly when the 1873 Colts and Winchester's came out the Ranger Captains told the men to get what they wanted, do long as it was in 44-40. That was so all Rangers had ammunition in a common caliber for rifle/carbine and pistols.

[@kevinbaker6168]

The Mexicans and Rangers had a great deal of animosity for each other. The Mexicans referred to the Norte Americano law men as "Wrenchas" and the Rangers referred to the other side as "Messkins". The animosity stemmed from some heavy handed or prejudicial actions.

[@kevinbaker6168]

The legend is Colt and Winchester entered into a "Gentleman's Agreement", they would not produce models that would compete directly with the other. No lever actions from Colt, no revolvers from Winchester.

[@phredphlintstone6455]

@@kevinbaker6168 I believe today that would be called insider trading

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@sivaratnamasabaratnam8946]

The shape of 1873 & 1876 is an attraction compared to the bulky 1892s

[@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

[@frydemwingz]

I always hated the whole "this is deducted from your pay" military routine that still exists today. I remember after basic training, seeing my pay stub that was about 600 dollars after all the deductions of uniforms and equipment.

[@elpasowrangler]

If you own it you take better care of it. And now you know why so many had names on them.

[@DYLANJJK94]

At the very least, take it from your pay If you actually keep the gun after services.

[@DYLANJJK94]

elpasowrangler Plus though I’m sure this isn’t how it works, but gov’ts could have bought in bulk at a good price, but they probably didn't care about getting deals.

[@frydemwingz]

@@elpasowrangler at least they dont charge for weapons anymore lol. And you dont take care of something because you paid for the gun, they took care of it because they relied on it. That's such a boomer mindset to think if you paid for something as opposed to being given it to do you job, you'll take care of it better. all boomers understand is money, they say nothing of duty or camaraderie. Their reasoning for making them buy their own rifles wasn't so they would take care of them better, jesus. Guns are just expensive, and Texas was hurting then. That's why. To be fair, it was probably some boomer with this "they'll take care.....of....it......better!!!!" mindset that was in charge of modern day recruits paying for their own uniforms and sea bag in basic training.

[@thatsmrharley2u2]

@@frydemwingz Hate "boomers" much?

[@Pro-Gunn1952]

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

[@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

[@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

[@eamonmcdermott4032]

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

[@duelist1954]

I have a few ideas.

[@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.

[@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

[@rhapsody5876]

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

[@mmcss1155]

A couple comments to add to this fine video. Capt McNeely coined the phrase "1 riot 1 Ranger" when he sent a single Ranger to San Antonio (I think) to quell a riot. I own an original 1895 Winchester in 30-40 Krag. Which is a misnomer. Stamped on the barrel is .30 Govt. also known as .30 Army. The 1895 came in a bunch of calibers. .303, 30-40, 308, 30-06, and 45-70. Teddy Roosevelt owed this rifle in all of those calibers.

[@BillB23]

Winchester sold a bunch of M1895s to Russia chambered in 7.62x54R. They had a guide for a stripper clip. Given the choice, I'd rather have a Winchester than a Mosin.

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

The Texas Ranger Museum in Waco, TX, is great. Lots of Pics, Badges, and GUNS.

[@bobhartman2571]

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

[@TrulyUnfortunate]

As a Texan this interests me greatly.

[@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.

[@jeffreybarber6602]

J Bàrber Australia. Being left handed I had two Winchesters in 92 model 25 20 and 94 model in 30 30. Both were excellent pig guns and very reliable. I mostly hunted on fòot in thick scrub and a fast accurate repeater was essential. In thick bush pigs will often lie doggo and snap shots over iron sights are a daily occurrence. Some as close as a few feet. Enjoy your video's, well researched and very well delivered.

[@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

[@Everythingblackpowder]

Great video! Thanks Mike

[@stang3787]

I remember an add Winchester used to run in the late 1950's showing a group of about 20 ranges with all but one with a Model 94. The odd ball had a Krag carbine.

[@alswann2702]

I'm still the oddball with my Krag carbine. Everytime I go the range someone's gotta ask me, "What the hell is that??" Peseants!

[@jamesburns2232]

That's a beautiful Model 1895 lever action Winchester rifle at 26:16! 🤠

[@classicgunstoday1972]

Great video. Never knew that they used ball and cap 1860 in early 1870s. No conversions? Another great book: “Comanches: The History of A People” by famous Texas historian, the late T.R. Fehrenbach written in 1974 and reprinted in 2002

[@duanephillips2343]

Just saw this; like all of yours that I've seen, it's great. Thanks. You have inspired me to get my CVA Colt 1860 back in action after decades as a display on the shelf.

[@daleweller5193]

You must have one hell of a gun collection.

[@danielkleinheksel8853]

I believe Curly Bill got his “career” start by raids in Texas, then pushed to NM and finally ended up at the Clanton ranch in Tombstone.

[@ronjensen3514]

You forgot the most iconic 1895 cal. 405

[@tacman2893]

I am surprised that you didn’t speak to the 1886 Winchester. I have seen photos of Texas Rangers, or so I thought, from the 1890’s using the 1886. I would have thought given the availability of ammo from the state it would have been somewhat popular. Thanks for the video.

[@duelist1954]

I didn't run across any in my research, but, since Rangers bought their own guns, I'm not surprised that some used the 1886.

[@dingram1066]

Oh really love the series I hope you’re able to do at least the first part of the 20th century

[@davidgodley521]

I like my Henry Big Boy .357 brass finnish, wide lever and my GP 100, 6" stainless steel barrel.

[@TXJasper]

You probably know this, but there is an awesome Texas Ranger museum displaying all there weapons in Waco, TX. Definitely worth the visit if you're down this way.

[@duelist1954]

I hope to get there someday.

[@murphy4yt]

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

[@guylewis7418]

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

[@caspergibson699]

Man, I was born several hundred years too late or several thousand years too early, darn!

[@albertopontes4967]

Smashing, I just loved your informative comments, which were a lesson to me about Texas Rangers's History and showing both episodes with your pictures, photos and shooting videos (I have a lever action Winchester gun, 30.30, that I use for hunting wild boars at day light )

[@michaelvanwinkle7919]

Thank You for your two part series on Guns of the Texas Rangers. I had read the Miller's book, Texas Ranger John B. Jones, prior to watching your videos and enjoyed hearing you elaborate on the several incidents that Rangers were involved in. Wish you had made mention of Captain Neal Coldwell in the process. Some of the cites of incidents of Rangers fighting Indians are marked with Texas Historical Markers & Roadside Markers and can be located in books covering them., as another resource for future research. Keep producing your enjoyable videos.

[@EricDaMAJ]

The original pay for Texas Ranger private was $1.25 a week in 1835. Probably wasn't much more in 1870.

[@bbbcfitchburg2563]

Could you tell the famous tale of Ira Aten and his shoot out with Mexican rustlers when he used his new 1894 Winchester?

[@SlickSixguns]

I think you should a video similar for all frontier law enforcement state forces

[@anthonydeveno9028]

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

[@Rumblestrip]

I prefer a 73 over a 92 myself. 73 seems to operate smoother for me. Lol

[@johnfessenden3771]

Thanks Mike

[@tommygun6028]

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

[@davidslone9776]

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

[@louislarose6613]

Wow ! Another Excellent Presentation ! Well Done Sir !

[@blairroth1812]

You are truly at your best telling history “thanks”

[@duelist1954]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@johnbernstein203]

Mike........excellent job and historically correct. How about doing a series on the holsters and leather gear of the Rangers all the way up to today. Just a suggestion and thanks from Houston, Texas.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks! I’m glad that you enjoyed it.

[@nomadpi1]

Thks. I read a huge amount of history. I'm familiar with all the books you've mentioned. Interesting info. Post-Civil War, my ancestors left Alabama and "went to Texas." They were typical Texans and I have no qualms re: their attitudes. They had real-life reasons for their attitudes.

[@davidstuck2866]

Thank you Mike, another great video. you certainly have a knack for this kind of thing.

[@Velocispic]

Haven't seen your vids in forever!! Glad to see you posting again!!

[@duelist1954]

Antonio, I have been posting every Thursday. A lot of people tell me that KZbin isn't sending them notifications on my videos. That must be happening to you.

[@callofthewillman4469]

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

[@grumpyoleman2152]

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

[@aaronwilkinson8963]

Texas rangers are epic

[@AlexCausey]

I wonder if the 1886 Winchester 45-70 was ever used by the Texas Rangers during their history?

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

I was wondering the same thing, hopefully he sees your comment.

[@dougdukes1039]

The 1886 was popular with many Rangers. There are several pictures showing the 86. The caliber is a little less known. The 45-70 was available to them in them from the military so records may NOT exist. The 86's I am aware of that can be traced to a Ranger of the time are in 40-82. Hope that helps some.

[@scottscheuerman6170]

The 95 Winchester was also a popular rifle with the rangers around the turn of the century lots of old pictures of them with their rifles

[@sivaratnamasabaratnam8946]

​@@dougdukes1039By the time Krag & other bolt models arrived the Army issued straight magazine! Lever action became more civilian utility

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

Yeah 3rd viewer. Great video by the way. And I have been waiting for this one. being a descendant of a Texas confederate general. Also from three different Texas Rangers through this time

[@charlesirby9222]

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

[@stephenrice4554]

Wonderful piece of history , thank you 👍🇬🇧

[@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!!!!

[@1248dl]

Very informative treatment. Thanks, Mike.

[@Nostrildomus]

Feels Texas Epic . . .

[@peterstaehlin]

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

[@barry9413]

Excellent presentation, Sir.

[@bosse641]

Very interesting.

[@terryschiller2625]

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

[@TripleAAA53]

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

[@dougmoore5252]

Well done Sir! Enjoyable and well researched.

[@williamhoppe4500]

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

[@falcon5215]

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

[@mrunderhood]

I remember around 1959 watching Texas Rangers riding through Dallas with their tooled leather belts, holster with Colt SAA resting in it. Dressed in tan colored uniforms sporting tan Stetson s. They were like knights to me then. Thanks Mike for another great video.

[@charliesliger815]

Try making a video on what the Arizona rangers used for a sidearm

[@duelist1954]

I'll put it on the list

[@Agislife1960]

I understand the stand off power of something like the trap door rifle with the 45-70 cartridge, I use to have a Marlin guide gun in 45-70 and I had no problems hitting a 4'X4' piece of plywood at 325 yards, but during a closer engagement I think I would prefer a repeating rifle

[@robertreisner8132]

I greatly enjoy your video's. From Alaska.

[@PPISAFETY]

This was incredibly interesting. Great job, Mike!

[@samwell707]

Thank you mister

[@williamhanley2566]

Very informative,well delivered. Thank you

[@douglasturner6153]

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

[@JohnSmith-dt6ls]

Great job Mike!! been following you for years and love your history lessons the most.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@jeffshootsstuff]

Been looking forward to this video.

[@olskool3967]

very nice mike, thank you for that history lesson,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@wademitchell7378]

Thanks for making these videos.

[@donbasta2475]

Excellent history of the Rangers. Thanks

[@duelist1954]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gunnutmike]

Part two was great too!

[@commonsensepreparednesschannel]

Captain King got rich blockade running and raiding during the Civil War, it's ironic that he financially supported the Rangers against bandits and raiders.

[@jimb7710]

Great story about the Rangers and their firearms. Thank you

[@100dfrost]

Excellent video, thank-you sir.

[@davidhughes8661]

Great video very interesting