[KSV Hein]

Im looking for more info on above mentioned gunsmith and rifle factory?

I bought this rifles from a gun collector and want to find out more about the gunsmith and the factory in Gainisville Texas.

Included a picture of both rifles. I paid about $1750.00 for both. In South African Rand it amounts to R14000.00.

A custom build rifle in SA's starting price are about R16000.00 ($2000.00). No scope, bases or rings.

[squirrelblaster]

sorry cant help ya, but those are some nice lookin rifles!!

[Mooseman684]

From the "Blue Book of Gun Values"....
"Ranger Arms Inc. Located in Gainesville Texas until the Early 1970's.
They Manufactured Good Quality Bolt action Rifles in Various calibers and configurations. Although some what Rare in that there were not a large quantity produced, Collectibility to date has been limited with specimens in 90% + Condition typically priced in the 300.00 to 500.00 Range...."
Rich

[samuel]

I found the same thing. sam.

[Mooseman684]

You copycatting me tooo Now ???? LOL
Rich

[samuel]

Quote:       Originally Posted by Mooseman684

You copycatting me tooo Now ???? LOL Rich

Just trying to follow a great example.That is how I learn. sam.

[mrstoneman]

My father was a dealer for Ranger Arms back in 1968 and stayed on through 1978 when Ranger closed its doors. The 2 rifles shown in the pictures look like Governors Grade rifles (Ranger Arms top of the line). Your stocks are laminate maple and walnut rosewood caps. Current prices vary depending on the calibers and shape of the rifles. 300 win mag was the most popular caliber. Currently there is a 300 win mag in the same config on GUNBROKER. The seller is asking $650 for it. It has been 3 weeks now and still has not sold. Rangers are not considered collectable like a Purdy or Colt.

Ranger Arms went out of business in 1978. Van Ellis was the owner with the patent on the trigger mechanism. Ranger Arms produced roughly 4000 custom guns from 1968 -1978.

Do both rifles say Ranger Arms Gainesville TX on the barrels? In all my years I have never heard of Ace Heinmann in regards to Ranger Arms. Can I ask where / how his name was mentioned to you? Homer Koontz was another investor in Ranger. You will also hear his name in regards to Omega rifles.

Are you looking to sell the rifles?

[mrstoneman]

Book value says $500 in 90+ shape each. (Without scope and rings). The 243 intrests me the most.

[vgeisel]

I was also raised in Gainesville and my father was a gunssmith at Rangers Arms. I remember hearing about the rifles they made for the governor (Preston Smith - I think) and John Wayne. They both had the Texas Seal and were top of the line. I believe that John Wayne came to the Dallas area for the presentation - but dad wasn't that impressed because Wayne had already had a few too many drinks. I will show my dad the photo of the two guns and sees if knows more of their early history.

[vgeisel]

What was your dad's name - my dad was a gunsmith. When I talk with him this afternoon - I will see if he remembers him.

Vickie Geisel

Quote:       Originally Posted by mrstoneman

My father was a dealer for Ranger Arms back in 1968 and stayed on through 1978 when Ranger closed its doors. The 2 rifles shown in the pictures look like Governors Grade rifles (Ranger Arms top of the line). Your stocks are laminate maple and walnut rosewood caps. Current prices vary depending on the calibers and shape of the rifles. 300 win mag was the most popular caliber. Currently there is a 300 win mag in the same config on GUNBROKER. The seller is asking $650 for it. It has been 3 weeks now and still has not sold. Rangers are not considered collectable like a Purdy or Colt. Ranger Arms went out of business in 1978. Van Ellis was the owner with the patent on the trigger mechanism. Ranger Arms produced roughly 4000 custom guns from 1968 -1978. Do both rifles say Ranger Arms Gainesville TX on the barrels? In all my years I have never heard of Ace Heinmann in regards to Ranger Arms. Can I ask where / how his name was mentioned to you? Homer Koontz was another investor in Ranger. You will also hear his name in regards to Omega rifles. Are you looking to sell the rifles?