One Ranger

American Handgunner, March-April, 2006 by Matt Wellington

One Ranger

By H. Joaquin Jackson and David Marion Wilkinson

Recently, I found myself mired in a reading rut. To broaden my literary horizon, I picked up One Ranger by etired Texas Ranger H. Joaquin Jackson and David Wilkinson. This autobiography grabbed me because of its cover--a leathery giant standing in the setting sun, eyes shielded by a faded Resistol, clutching his trusty Winchester. How could you resist that?

It turns out, the book was simple and straightforward, just like its subject. The writing is meat and potatoes, well seasoned, but without heavy sauce. Think "Chuck Wagon Cooking" and you'll get the drift. Like its west-Texas setting, the prose has a sparse beauty, unassuming and humble. Jackson, born into the dust-bowl of Depression-era Texas, became a Ranger in April 1966. He bridged the gap between the old-school 19th century lawmen and today's modern Texas investigators. Each chapter is a milestone story, covering a significant period in Jackson's career and illustrating sweeping changes that overtook the Rangers during his time in the saddle. It's easy to read in stages, a chapter each night after a hard day's work, though the pace will sweep you along if you devote the time. I'd devote the time if I were you.

A Gun-Guy

Shooters will discover Jackson, "had an affinity for firearms ... when I became a man, we became professional colleagues, working together for thirty [sic] years. We get along very well." Chapter Six, "The Things I Carried," details the specific guns he favored. Despite the accuracy of the DPS-issued S&W Model 19, he settled on a modified Colt Commander as his everyday gun, backed up by the 1957-vintage customized Winchester 1894 pictured. As technology progressed, his trunk accumulated a dizzying array of shotguns, rifles and automatic weapons. Firearms appear in most other chapters as well, and Jackson handles each appearance with a knowledgeable hand.

He pulls no punches, too. Probably just like in real life. We see the inner struggle between stern lawman and loving father as he grieves over his son's murder conviction. He details his triumphs and reprimands his proudest and worst moments. The autobiography becomes a primer on character and perseverance. All that and guns too? What more could you want?

University of Texas Press, hardcover, 25 B/W photos, 279pp., $24.95, get it at your local bookstore.