I encountered a picture of a group of Texas Rangers taken around 1900, about 20 men. They were lined up in a frontal formation. Most had lever actions. The majority held their rifles by the buttstock, with the muzzles resting on the ground. A few held the muzzles 2-3 inches off the ground. This is completely new to me. Is anyone familiar with this practice? No badges were evident. The Ranger tag was simply presented to the viewer. Comments?

Smoke wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2024 at 6:00pm:


Nothing like it. The men were a good bit younger, not dressed in their Sunday best like yours, can't remember if they wore hats. Just looked shabby compared to yours. Picture appeared older. It was one in a series of different historical photos in the late 1800s, much before yours. I am searching for the series. I believe it was labeled Part 245, but not positive. The important thing to me was grounding rifles muzzle-down a custom any member had ever heard of. I sure haven't. I will get back to you if I can find the picture again.