Winchester

Texas Ranger Winchester Model 63 Rifle

• .22 lr, Super Speed, and Super X caliber
• Made in 1935
• Most likely a presentation gift to William Lee Barler upon retirement
• Left side of sideplate is engraved with W.L. Barler on a scroll with ivy leaves top and bottom
• Elevator type adjustable Lyman rear peep *special order
• Most of original blue except thinning from carrying by hand and in a saddle scabbard
• Brass bead front sight
• The model 63 was also known as the "Speed King" and the easiest handling, cleaning, and handiest shooting .22 caliber automatic
• Rear loading feeding tube
• Nice walnut stock with some handling marks from use
• Texas rangers were known to carry .22 rifles for shooting game for foo instead of using a larger caliber which they used for protection
• Barler enlisted in the Texas Rangers as a Regular Ranger on April 9, 1915 to company "C", he reenlisted to company "C" on April 12, 1917, then reinlisted and promoted to Captain of company "E" on August 24, 1917, was commissioned Captain Sept. 10, 1918, discharged  March 31, 1919, due to disbandment of company "E", enlisted company "C" Novemer 1, 1921, Resigned January 31, 1922
• He spent 17 years on the border including 3 years in Chihuahua and Coahuilla, Mexico
• Captain W. L. Barler is noted in the famous "Old West Lawmen book Legends of America" June 1915 and August 1916, company E disbanded March 1919, with the Llano News article "Texas Rangers unveil special markers"
• He was a very well known and respected lawman as was proud that his photo was the cover page of the April 10, 1939 issue of LIFE Magazine (The magazine is included with this purchase)
• Also in the LIFE issue is a article on Texas which includes a picture of self appointed Judge named Roy Bean. He administered justice after the Civil War by gun. Pic has him sitting on a beer keg trying a horse thief.
• Very Early 4 digit Serial number 7501XX