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The Texas Rangers have a reputation as huge as Texas and as wild as the open frontier they helped tame. They embody the rugged spirit, loyalty, and resourcefulness that defines Texas as much as it defines America. From wide-open territory to independent Republic to America’s twenty-eighth state, the Texas Rangers are true Lone Star heroes. Legendary for their courage and bravery during the chaos of the changing frontier, the Texas Rangers are the oldest statewide law enforcement agency in America. The Rangers trace their roots back to 1823, when Stephen F. Austin, “The Father of Texas”, wanted to provide protection for the first settlers in the region. His “rangers” would aid the small Texas militia already in place to protect settlers from criminals and hostile Indians. With their own horses and rifles, Texas Rangers protected the frontier and its new settlers from danger. They had to be mentally and physically tough enough to handle life on the trail.
In 1874, Governor Richard Coke organized the Frontier Battalion: six companies of Texas Rangers with seventy-five men in each company. The Frontier Battalion is often called the “first permanent Texas Rangers.” These Rangers were lawmen who took matters into their own hands. The lawlessness and danger that followed the Civil War made the presence of the Frontier Battalion extremely necessary. Over the next few years, the Texas Rangers maintained peace along the border. They tracked down murderers and outlaws. They arrested stage and train robbers, cattle thieves, and fence cutters. Their jurisdiction spanned all of Texas. Their beat covered more square miles than some countries.
Working in cooperation with the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, Texas, America Remembers proudly presents the Texas Rangers Frontier Battalion Tribute Rifle, an exciting issue honoring these legendary lawmen of the Texas frontier. For this Tribute, we selected the classic Winchester Model ’73 rifle in caliber .45LC. The rifle features a 24” octagonal barrel, a favorite of collectors. Each rifle is decorated by craftsmen commissioned specifically for this project by America Remembers in elegant 24-karat gold and nickel. Winchester discontinued production of the Model ’73 rifles in the early 1900s but they recently reintroduced this Old West classic, and demand is extremely strong. They are produced in very limited quantity; we have only 100 rifles now and will not receive any additional rifles until the middle of next year.
The right side of the receiver features a group of Texas Rangers settling down for a meal. With their rifles beside them and their horses behind them, Rangers were always prepared to act quickly. To the left is celebrated Texas Ranger Ira Aten, a member of the Frontier Battalion, known for his efforts to curb fence-cutters and cattle rustlers on the frontier. On the right, four Texas Rangers pose for a photograph with their trusted rifles. Elegant scrollwork frames all the artwork on both sides of the receiver.
The left side of the receiver features a legendary image of Company D Rangers, rifles in hand, framed by the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum logo and a Texas Ranger star, under a banner reading, “Texas Rangers Frontier Battalion.” Out of all the Texas Ranger companies, Company D had the highest number of on-duty deaths. To the left of this artwork you’ll find an image of five Frontier Battalion Rangers and a child. Rangers were looked up to—they were models for “doing right because it was right”. Each Ranger can be seen holding a rifle and wearing sturdy ammunition belts, prepared for any danger they might encounter. On the right, you’ll find Captain Bill McDonald, known as one of the “Four Great Captains” of the Texas Rangers. One of the most famous lines attributed to Captain McDonald is: “No man in the wrong can stand up against a fellow that’s in the right and keeps on a-comin’.”
The Rifle That Won the West
When the Frontier Battalion was established in 1874 the finest lever-action rifle available was the Winchester Model 1873 rifle. We felt it was the perfect firearm to honor the unique and celebrated history of these legendary Texas Rangers of the Frontier Battalion. Introduced in 1873, the Winchester Model ’73 was so popular on the Western frontier, it is often referred to as “The Rifle That Won The West.” With its rapid-fire repeating capabilities, it was a favorite for the Texas Rangers.
Don’t Miss This Opportunity to Honor Legendary Lawmen of the Old West
Only 500 of these Tributes will ever be produced. Order now and we will arrange delivery of your working Tribute rifle through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice. As always, you will receive your Texas Rangers Frontier Battalion Tribute Rifle with our 30-day guarantee of satisfaction. If you are not completely satisfied, you may return your Tribute to us in original, unfired condition for a complete and courteous refund.
Individually, they made up some of America’s toughest heroes. Together, they brought peace to an untamed frontier, and became one of the most fabled and respected crime-fighting forces anywhere in the world. The men of the Frontier Battalion established the Texas Rangers’ permanence, making them one of the most storied groups of Texas history. Keep their story alive by ordering your Texas Rangers Frontier Battalion Rifle today — and let them live on in your collection.
*Licensed by the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum™ Waco, Texas. Official Historical Center of the Texas Rangers.
