I can't help but notice that we all like to see pics of pretty guns. Not just revolvers and not just Smith and Wesson. But really, there are lots of OTHER beautiful guns out there. And Even though this is a Smith and Wesson forum I see no shame in admitting that I love the sight of a beautiful gun, whoever made it.

Can I get an amen?

I'm sure that all of the Texans in here are aware of it but for the general information of those from other states there is a place in Waco, Texas, "Deep in the Heart O' Texas" That would be of serious interest to anyone who love looking a pretty guns, especially those with historical significance. I'm talking about the Texas Ranger Museum or Texas Ranger Hall of Fame on I-35 in Waco, Texas.

There are several rooms with many display cases and wall displays of fire arms of all types that were owned and used by famous persons in Texas as well as US history from both sides of the law. Texas Rangers, County Sheriffs from past and current times. Historical scenes depicted showing the development or State government and history.

Last time I was there they even had a nice display of weapons used by the Clyde Barrow gang and many photos of them and some of their exploits including the car they were in when the finally ran out of luck.

Some of the hand guns are amazing. Many of them are gold and silver inlayed (It seems that the Texas Rangers were a vain lot) and there are lots of very rare guns in there. I've really never seen any collection to compare.

One word of caution though. don't go there if you only have a few hours to spend. I mean it. If you are seriously interested you might want to get a motel room and take a couple of days to see it all. It isn't that big square foot wise but it is Jam packed with interesting displays and case after display case of guns contributed by LEOs from by gone days or their families as well as some modern contributors as well. If you aren't careful you could easily over looks something and you want to see it all, trust me on this.

Anyone traveling through central Texas that doesn't check this place out is missing a wonderful opportunity. http://www.texasranger.org/

+1. I was there last year. Awesome place and for history buffs a definite "must visit".

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War Eagle!!!

Have been there multiple times and enjoy it immensely each visit.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

I was surprised to learn that my gr-gr grandfather was a Ranger in 1851, serving with John Henry Brown in Bell County. They were afraid of a repeat of the Riggs massacre.

I ought to go one day...when I have the courage to do so.
DPS and the Rangers have a very special place in my heart and have since I was a small boy.
It downright sucks to have color vision problems.

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The Last Standing Knight

I was there about 6 weeks ago and Waklin' Jack is right, be well rested Before you go !! I have a bad knee that I had been on several hours Before I went to the museum. BIG Mistake! I plan to go back (It's only about 350 miles) and get to Waco in the early evening, have dinner, (any suggestions from the locals?) get a room, have breakfast, Then, get there early, rested, full and ready to go.

I was very disappointed that I couldn't stay to keep looking while I was still there but my knee was screaming at me in pain. The guns, holsters, saddle's....Everything, is in a word.... Great!!!
It seems like All of these guys were bigger than life! Of Course, they were cops back when they Could be cops. I think that anyone on this forum would realise that it was worth the trip, reguardless of where you are driving from.

Art

It is on my list, if I ever get that far south. I spent several hours in the Buckhorn Saloon in San Antonio a couple of years ago that had a small Ranger museum. It was great, but I would imagine only a small part of the TR museum in Waco. There were several Gillespie Rangers, but I do not think I am related to any of them, sorry to say.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

They only display a small amount of guns that they have. They also rotate the guns on display so return visitors see different items.

Yes sir! I completely forgot to mention that. Thanks!!

I stopped in there last year and only had about an hour to see things. I need to go back! Great museum.

Jerry

Just down the road from me. I’ve visited many times and seem to see something new on each visit. Lots of Texas history on display. The museum store sells some of the best cilantro-lime salsa I’ve tasted. I seem to always end up with several jars when I leave.

I was here in the late 80s, before 'Waco'. Spent two days there, and didn't see enough. I really want to go back. Amusing trivia: they had a slide show in the auditorium; lots of pictures of grim looking characters wearing vests, big hats and stars, carrying Colts and Winchesters. One photo, however showed some idividualist in one corner carying a stocked broomhandle. I really wanted to get a copy of that picture but could never manage it!

This April I plan to go to the J.M Davis Gun Museum in Ardmore OK. Any advice from someone who has been there? Do they permit photography?

Sometime (in the summer) to the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, WY.

Here is a youtube video of The Texas Ranger's Museum with shots of the firearms. Hope it is ok to post here mods.

Texas Ranger Museum - YouTube

586L-Frame

The OP and others are correct. It is certainly worth your time if you are anywhere nearby.

Gun collectors of all stripes should thank an old friend of mine who was the original founder and curator of the Texas Ranger Museum...Gaines de Graffenried. When I first moved to Waco in the mid '50's Gaines invited me into his home and his gun room (many of which went to the Museum). I still remember him showing me walls covered with firearms from around the world, trunks filled with Colt Patersons, Walkers, Dragoons, etc. And a Gatling gun on field carriage. There is a book, privately published by another collector, Roger N. Conger, Texas Collector: Gaines de Graffenried, that is worth putting into your library if you can find it.

Back on topic, adjacent to the Ranger Museum, there is a beautiful, very old, large cemetery with many early Texas historical graves, that is worth your time. And I can't fail to mention that just down the road is my alma mater, Baylor University, the oldest university in Texas (chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas). It is on the Brazos River and one of the prettiest campuses around. Perhaps you can visit the University, the Cemetery, and the Museum when you take your children or grandchildren for a visit. There is much history there that youngsters need to know.

Bob (sorry for the drift)

Two years ago, I decided that I wanted to go to San Antonio to see the Alamo since so many of the defenders there were from Tennessee. On the way I stopped at Waco to see the Texas Ranger Museum. We actually met a couple of rangers and spent a good deal of time talking with them. We really had a great time there and everyone we met in Texas was friendly. I plan to go back again around Christmas to see the museum again and go back to the River Walk in San Antonio.

Bettis, no need to apologize. That was ALL very interesting. Thanks.

Lots of history there in Company F

Always make time for a stop.



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Not to Hi-Jack, Walkin' Jack's thread here, but

below is a link to jest a small samplin' of the museum's prizes....

http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/...pictorial.html


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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

[QUOTE=Cyrano;137031921]I was here in the late 80s, before 'Waco'.

This April I plan to go to the J.M Davis Gun Museum in Ardmore OK. Any advice from someone who has been there? Do they permit photography?
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The J.M. Davis Gun Museum is in Claremore Ok. Near Tulsa. (Will Rogers Museum is there too.)
It has LOTS of guns, so it's not a quick walk through. Very eaisly an all day trip for a gun nut, and yes, they do allow photos.

You Will have a good time there. Also at The Will Rogers Museum which is only about a mile away.

Art

I'm planning two days at the Davis Museum.