picking a revolver for a texas ranger in 1880

[mg357]

dear smith and wesson forum a while back i posted a thread about choosing a revolver for a texas ranger in 1880 after doing lots of careful research i found that the rangers liked colt revolvers. after more research decided on the following 2 a colt peacemaker with 4 3/4 barrel or a colt 1851 navy cartridge conversion revolver i can not decide which one to pick. any and all help in making this decision would be greatly appreciated sincerely mg357 a very proud member of the smith and wesson forum

 

[keith44spl]

Sir,
I believe the Ranger service has always been progressive in their choice of weapons.
Therefore, I'd think the Colt Model P SAA would be period correct.

Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[opoefc]

Get the Colt SAA. They were 44-40 or 45 cal. The 51 Navy Conversion was to the .38 Colt centerfire caliber, a pip squeek round no Ranger would be caught dead with ! Ed #15

 

[jimmyj]

Colt SA .44/40-use the same ammo as His Winchester M1873 .44/40

 

[gerald mcdonald]

Could have been nearly any revolver available at the time. Rangers had to supply their own weapons and horse and werent paid very well in general. So a 51 or 60 conversion, a Smith top break or D/A or even a Merwin & Hulbert. The Colt P would be a reliable choice but it could have been anything of the day. I vaguely remember of one carrying a Tranter at some point.