A rifle for a Texas Ranger, 1885ish?

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Howdy pards,

So what would such a man carry in his rifle scabbard?
If you know of pictures, share them, por favor.

Adios,

[Delmonico]

I have seen many photo's but don't have links just some here and there in books.  But the answer is easy, issue rifle was a 50-70 Sharps Carbine, one of the earlier percussion ones converted, US Army Surplus.  Most spent there first wages on a 1873 rifle or carbine.  Good read is "Six Years With the Texas Rangers" by James Gillett.  I think it is still in print, I'd think you could find a copy down your way somewhere.

[Standpat Steve]

Howdy Hext,

In Eugene Cunningham's "Triggernometry" there is a chapter on John R. Hughes, and a picture of Company D of the Texas Rangers. They all look to have Winchester 1873's-either carbine or rifle. The Texas Rangers have a museum, so I would guess they have a web site also. R. L. Wilson's "Winchester an American Legend" shows another picture of Co. D with all their 1873's. Since the powerful 1886 had not come yet, I think it makes sense that the 1873 would be favored. In 1885 what would be a better choice? Later in the Wilson book are pictures of Rangers with Winchester 1894's, but that doesn't help you in your chosen time period.

I glanced through the chapter and a reference was made to "a fine specially-made .45-90 from Gillett." This was a long gun loaned from Gillett to Jim Stroud. It could have been a single shot of course.

[Delmonico]

I believe Gillett's 45-90 was an 1886, but he left the rangers in 81 and served 12 month's as Marshall of El Paso.  He was a rancher by the time the 1886 and the 45-90 apeared in 1886 and it could have been even later he obtained it. 

[Griff]

I can't seem to recall exactly where I heard this, but another popular rifle for the Rangers in this time period was the 1876 Win.

[Cheyenne]

In 1872 they were issued a converted Sharp's 50-70 carbine. Most spent their own money to get a repeater, the 1873 being the one most often seen in photo's and by the 1880's, more than likely a standard, though the 1866 was still in production then also, so it would not be too far out of the realm for one to have had a '66.

[Griff]

Here's some factual information, yet still lacks some details.

[Ranger RB]

My Great Grandfather was in Company D (1874-1882). I have a copy of his discharge papers. You can research this at the Texas Department of Public safety web site. They were at one time issued model 73 carbines. Upon discharge they could keep them or buy them. RB chose to buy his so his final pay reciept includes a charge of  $30 for "winchester carbine"

[Deadeye Don]

My Great Grandfather was in Company D (1874-1882). I have a copy of his discharge papers. You can research this at the Texas Department of Public safety web site. They were at one time issued model 73 carbines. Upon discharge they could keep them or buy them. RB chose to buy his so his final pay reciept includes a charge of  $30 for "winchester carbine"

That is a fantastic piece of history you have there.  What ever happened to your grandfathers 73?

[Ranger RB]

Not Sure.  I regularly shoot an original '73 carbine (c. 1880) as my main match rifle.

[Wymore Wrangler]

here's a link to the Texas Rangers website...  lots of good info here...

http://www.texasranger.org/