#FRANK HAMER GUNS OLD LUCKY PHOTO FULL#

We like those who were the best in their fields, record-setters and the firsts of human accomplishments. We like pathfinders, innovators and those who left a mark on their own generation, and perhaps still challenge our own. After you have read this, perhaps that miscarriage of fame may begin to change.Д®veryone has their own idea about who should be famous and why Soldiers for winning battles, politicians for winning elections, athletes for winning competitions. Frank Hamer is one of the best examples of larger than life Texas heroes who are known well in small informed circles, in his case enthusiasts of Texas Ranger history, but virtually unknown to the average citizen. Texas history is especially blessed with many notable characters who never captured the eye of the mythmakers of Hollywood, who have picked our heroes.

#FRANK HAMER GUNS OLD LUCKY PHOTO FULL#

History is full of great and worthy men and women who never became famous. We have made famous the beautiful, the controversial and the scandalous, gave fame to those who desired it, and usually overlooked the real heroes of our generation. But strangely, we Americans have rarely edified men who truly deserved our praise and admiration. We have heard of Wyatt Earp, who broke the law repeatedly to kill his enemies, and was prosecuted for it. We have heard of Pancho Villa, a man who brought terror and distruction. Old Lucky is a piece of Texas history and I wish that the present owner would have some good photos made of the gun and share them with those of us who still care.Standing 6' 3', Texas Ranger Frank Hamer was the reality that Western actor John Wayne could only pretend to be.Д®veryone has heard of John Wayne. Old Lucky sold for a reported $165,000 and is now in a private collection. Sadly, upon Charlie IIIвЂ™s death, the collection had to be sold to pay estate taxes. I examined Old Lucky while it was part of the vast collection belonging to Charles Schreiner III, at his home on the YO Ranch. вЂњDaddy wouldnвЂ™t even walk from the living room into the dining room without Old Lucky in his waistband,вЂќ the son once told me. also told me that his father always had the old Colt on him. I suspect that the number is probably closer to a dozen and his son, the late Frank Hamer Jr., agreed with me. One source, highly suspect, claims that Hamer used Old Lucky in over 50 gunfights. Regardless of the other guns he carried, Hamer virtually always carried Old Lucky. 38 Super, as a backup gun to Old Lucky, though he didnвЂ™t fire either handgun during the ambush. In 1934, during the hunt for Bonnie & Clyde, Hamer carried a Colt 1911, in. 44 Special to kill Gee McMeans because his normal gun arm had a bullet in it and he couldnвЂ™t get to Old Lucky.

In Sweetwater, Texas, in 1917, he used a Smith & Wesson. Hamer was also an advocate of carrying a backup gun. However, in later years, he changed these for a set of the factory hard rubber. During most of his career, Hamer stocked his favorite sixgun with a set of carved pearl grips. It is blue, with nearly full-coverage scroll engraving (probably what Colt called вЂњCвЂќ coverage). 45 Colt caliber, with a 4 3/4-inch barrel. However, throughout his long career, Captain Hamer still hung on to the same handgun, Old Lucky. By examining photos of him throughout his career, we see that he had the same attitude about rifles, transitioning from the Winchester Model 94, to the Savage Model 99, and finally to the Remington Model 8 autoloader. As soon as his horseback days were over, Hamer chose to set aside his boots and spurs in favor of shoes and business suits. Texas Ranger captain Frank Hamer (1884-1955) was one of the best examples of the transition from horseback Rangers to Rangers of the modern era.

Frank hamer guns old lucky photo