Texas Ranger Pistols

[Burnston]

I came back to visit the home state, and while here, traveled to Waco to stop by the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, as I usually do at least once a year. While there is endless history and firearms to hold one's attention, two pistols in particular caught my eye.
I. The first was labelled as a "Colt Bisley Flattop Target Revolver," owned by Texas Ranger Walter A. Russell.
II. The second is a "doctored" Colt .45 revolver featuring a ribbed barrel and modified front sight, owned by the "Lone Wolf" himself, (Manuel Gonzalez.) 

Though I am under-educated in such matters, the "Target Bisley" grip frame bore a resemblance to the Keith No. 5s that several of you own and periodically post about. The SAA with the ribbed barrel also brought several of ya'll's prized single actions to mind. Five years ago, before becoming acquainted with several of you gentleman and your fine firearms, I would have passed by such details without giving them a second thought. 

I do not know the history behind these pistols besides who owned and used them. I trust that perhaps some of you do, and if so, I hope you'll feel inclined to share some of that history. I'd be especially interested to know if there were any association between Russell and Keith, as his pistol seems to suggest. 

I. Russell's


II. Gonzalez' 

[cmh]

Two very neat revolvers.... Thanks for sharing them 😉

[sportster]

Well thanks for getting me to go down that rabbit hole. Just spent the better part of an hour reading about the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame.

Here is some info on the owner of pistol number 2.
www.texasranger.org/texas-ranger-museum/hall-of-fame/manuel-t-gonzaullas/

[kings6]

I was in Waco last year but spent most of my time at the Fixer Upper complex since it was a birthday trip for the wife. I kick myself for not going to the museum. It was within walking distance from our hotel!

[bula]

Ya got me, clicked thinking I'd see Patterson's and Walker's. Did enjoy though, thanks. 

[Burnston]

Jun 17, 2018 13:08:19 GMT -5 sportster said:

Well thanks for getting me to go down that rabbit hole. Just spent the better part of an hour reading about the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame.

Here is some info on the owner of pistol number 2.
www.texasranger.org/texas-ranger-museum/hall-of-fame/manuel-t-gonzaullas/

You ought to go when you get a chance. $9 well worth it. I go every year and still have a great time each visit. 

Thanks for the link. I'm pretty familiar with Gonzalez, but am completely ignorant of his pistol and the modifications (if any) made to it. Still searching for a source on that. 

[ezekiel38]

Those two models shown, deal with long range accuracy and velocity and the ever living "snubby" revolver in a man sized caliber. Nothing new under the sun, thanks for the enjoyable enlightenment.

Tom

[warhawk]

I used to love it when I had to work in Waco but still had enough time to visit the Rangers hall of fame.