From memory, Ranger was a "semi-custom" rifle builder that did presentation grade work of excellent quality. Some of the grades were "senator" up to "crown" or "emperor" grade; even as new this was not a cheap rifle. The hole in the stock was probably for a plaque or medallion or quite possibly a nameplate or initials for the original (or intended ) owner. My understanding is that there were rifles sent to dealers as display/sale pieces and personalised rifles were ordered from these samples. I will look in a few 1970's gun books/catalogs and check my memory. BTW, the high comb stock was "all the rage" for gun fashion in the late 60's and early 70's as were uncomfortably sharp angles; modern was the big thing.

 

Try asking this question on the www.doublegunshop.com/BBS They have a forum for custom and classic single barrel rifles and I remember a thread on this maker there some time ago. Several authorities on custom bolt actions there, and generally a very helpful crew.

In spite of the "Roy Weatherby/1950s" stock styling (not fashionable today), this is a rather valuable rifle, I believe. Caliber?

 

Ranger Arms

Greetings,
Many thanks guys for the replies and valuable input. The caliber is a Remington 7mm magnum. No one asked and I forgot to mention in my original post, but the scope is a vintage Weaver V9W. I have always regarded Weaver scopes as "entry level" at best. I have several Leupold scopes on other rifles, but this Weaver seems to be a cut above the Weaver scopes I have seen. In fact it is just as good as the Leupolds in my opinion.
Mike

 

Greetings,
Many thanks guys for the replies and valuable input. The caliber is a Remington 7mm magnum. No one asked and I forgot to mention in my original post, but the scope is a vintage Weaver V9W. I have always regarded Weaver scopes as "entry level" at best. I have several Leupold scopes on other rifles, but this Weaver seems to be a cut above the Weaver scopes I have seen. In fact it is just as good as the Leupolds in my opinion.
Mike

I have the same rifle but built in 1968, however mine is left hand and has a polished bolt handle the stock does not have the diamond inlay. I also have the same scope on mine (FYI, Weaver scopes were equal in quality to Leupold during periods 1950-1970). I also have a spare safety, firing pin, and main spring that are in the original envelope shipped from factory in 1971. Any one interested shoot me an email or PM.

 

Ranger Arms rifle

My father was a dealer for Ranger Arms back in the 70’s and I have collected Ranger Arms rifles for several years now. Ranger arms manufactured guns from 1968 through 1977. There were 3 different grades of Ranger Arms rifles. Statesman Grade= Entry level low end wood no jeweled bolt and no knurled end on the bolt. 2nd was Senators grade= Jeweled bolt mid grade wood no knurling on the bolt. Then there was a governors grade. This was the top end. Top of the line 5A wood with a jeweled & knurled bolt. You could order a presentation grade but to my knowledge there were very few made. Price of a Gov grade at the time with 5A wood was ~$750 depending the checkering and wood you selected. Homer Koons was the designer of the action. It was to go up against Roy Weatherby’s rifle. They were built in a small factory in Gainesville TX. Ranger also sold just actions and barreled actions to gunsmiths around the country. You can always tell if you have a Ranger actually built in the factory because it was stamped "Ranger Arms Gainesville TX" on the barrel. 7MM was a very popular caliber for ranger as was the 300 win mag. Ranger made 2 different length actions a short and a long action. yours is a long action. The larger and smaller calibers are the most collectible. If you want more information or are looking to sell or trade the rifle shot me an e-mail at steveandchris5@comcast.net

 

) Have to try again file won't fit

 

ranger arms rifle

What ever happened to this rifle?

 

I also have a Ranger 7MM left handed. I am trying to get more information myself, particularly, how would one know if they have one of the few presentation grade guns. I have all the makings of a Governor, the stock is flame maple and beautiful. Were the stocks traditionally finished (linseed oil) or were they varnished at the factory?

 

Brownell's had Ranger Texas Magnum actions listed in their catalogs in the late 60's and early 70's.

 

Information Available!

Reference: "Bolt Action Rifles, 4th Edition" by Frank De Haas & Wayne van Zwoll. There detailed information on the "Texas Magnum Rifle" is to be found @ Pages 531-4. This work is a reference everyone seriously interested in centerfire bolt rifles should possess!
The latter point absolutely...
My take.

 

A little info??

Would you be able to give me a little information on this rifle based on the attached photos? I'm not sure what grade it is what is it's value. It was given to me as a gift.

Thanks,
52whizzer

 

Thanks. I did a web search, there is a 4th Edition Expanded published in 2011. Is this the same book or at least does it have the same info? Found the "4th Edition" used but the owner wanted $79 for it.

 

Mike,

I am curious about the emblem (plate on the pistol grip area of the butt stock). The one on your rifle appears to be pewter or tarnished silver. Is the "E" gold and just does not show in the photo? The reason I ask is I bought a Ranger Arms 7MM Rem Mag (left handed) at a shop earlier this year, my emblem (I call it a butt plate, not sure the proper term) is sterling silver with a gold initial. A local jeweler that I trust told me not to touch it because mine is real gold (18kt). I know my rifle is a Governor edition and as luck would have it the emblem has a "G" or at least I think it is a "G" on it.

 

grip cap is the usual description. Butt plate is the plate that protects the end of the butt-stock and goes against your shoulder when mounting the gun.

 

Mike B,

If you can send me a close up of the carving on the grip area and the forearm I believe that this is one of the rifles that I carved in 1967 at Ranger Arms. I was the main stockmaker when this plant started up. The inlay had an ebony dot in the center if that is the hole you are wanting to know about. I probably know more than anyone about the early day operation, but as I am getting old and it is hard to recall to all what happened. I believe that this is the rifle that we had at the Dallas Sports Show for the first public showing of the Ranger Arms rifles in late '67 or first of '68.

The grip caps were a forging die process of German Silver or Nickel Silver. The letter monograms were gold plated. The company that made these closed up early '70's. I believe that Brownell's sold these caps to us.

Homer Koon came to me in 1966 to barrel the first action and I tested the first rifle. In 1967 I moved to Gainesville help start production.

 

Whizzer:

There are others on this forum with lots better information but my endeavor to learn more about my rifle led me to some info that may help you. The bolt is not knurled or jeweled. Accordingly, you have (and I am no expert here) a Statesman.

 

Whizzer,

Yes - it appears your Ranger is the statesman grade. However the stock is certainly higher end. I have had several Rangers of various calibers and grades over the years.

 

Collector:

do you have anyone you would trust to refinish a stock on a Ranger Governor? Mine (SN 1094) is a left handed 7mm RM in flame maple. After 45 years the linseed is showing its age. I want to refinish it to full show grade. Then again, I just bought a new 30-06 and have put the Ranger in the back of the safe. Since you collect I was hoping you may have a contact or advise on the subject.

 

The only one I would recommend refinishing my Ranger stocks would be Dave Wolf in Waco Texas. He Does excellent refinish and repair work. He is not cheap but he is the best.

 

I know this is an old thread but I was wondering if anyone could tell me what a ballpark value on a Governor's model chambered in 243 would be? I just picked one up and was wondering what it might be worth. It is one of the nicest rifles I've ever owned I'll try to post some pictures of it too.

 

Here are a couple pictures - And yes it's a lefty just like me