The Toughest Ranger

Stories from the Golden Age

by L. Ron Hubbard

A perfect role for a young Robert Redford, saddle tramp Petey McGuire doesn’t have much to live for. The trail in front of him stretches out long and hot, and there’s no end in sight. He’s been beaten down, beaten up, and kicked around so long, he’d run away from his own shadow if he could. But there’s one fight he can’t run from—the fight against hunger.

Petey needs a job quick, before he drops dead in the dust. But the only way to get one is to act cool and talk tough—in other words, become the exact opposite of Petey McGuire. Putting on a performance worthy of a Shakespearean actor, he succeeds all too well—landing in the saddle with the Arizona Rangers.

Talking tough is one thing, but backing it up is another. Because Petey’s about to discover exactly what it takes—and how much he has to risk—to face the meanest outlaw, win the prettiest girl, and become The Toughest Ranger.

Also includes the Western adventures, Silent Pards, in which an old prospector takes on a couple of wicked enemies with the help of some surprising friends, and The Ranch That No One Would Buy, the story of a young stranger who’s about to pull off a killer of a deception.

“An exciting Western story filled with both action and adventure.” —Mommy’s Favorite Things

Genres: Westerns

145 pages, Paperback

First published June 11, 1938

About the author

L. Ron Hubbard is universally acclaimed as the single most influential author and humanitarian of this modern age. His definitive works on the mind and spirit—comprising over 350 million copies in circulation and more than 40 international bestsellers—have resulted in a legacy benefiting millions and a movement spanning all cultures.

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume collects three of Hubbard's shorter Western stories; The Ranch That No One Would Buy from the October, 1939 issue of Western Yarns, the title story from Western Story Magazine's June, 1938 issue, and Silent Pards from the November, 1938 issue of Western Story Magazine. They're all three among his best Westerns, with more detailed character development than was common in such venues of the time. Silent Pards is the story of a prospector and his dog and his mule, The Toughest Ranger is a nice Horatio Alger-like tale, and The Ranch That No One Would Buy has a nice O. Henry-like twist at the end. It's a handsome volume with nice folded end-papers, original illustrations, a glossary, and binding that's uniform with the other Galaxy editions.

[James Mourgos · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a few stories here, and they’re both fun, all-time western stories if you’re into those kind of things.

I like the first story, the toughest Ranger, about a guy down on his luck, who through the use of his own self determinism gets the girl gets the guns gets the bad guys, it’s pretty fun.

The second story it’s pretty cool to about a guy named Cherokee who discovers gold and gets ripped off twice and yet handles it all by the end of the story, which is kind of neat.

Recommended specially if you’re out in the West I want to read a story before sundown. This is it.

[Kent Kirker · Rating 4 out of 5]

• “The Ranch That No One Would Buy” - 4 Stars

• ”The Toughest Ranger” -5 Stars

• “Silent Pards” - 3 Stars

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the three stories it contained. If you enjoy the dime store novel type of book, then you will want to read The Toughest Ranger. This was a quick, enjoyable read about a kid coming of age in the wild west and becoming a man. I also enjoyed The Ranch that No One Would Buy and Silent Pards. This book is great for readers of any age and especially those that enjoy westerns. A great book to read anywhere, anytime. Do not expect an in-depth story line or fully developed characters, L. Ron Hubbard keeps it simple, while telling a good tale and that is what is fun in reading these stories.

[Adam Bricker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in a great line of pulp from L. Ron Hubbard! Two true Western tales and a quick prospectors tale all in one book! Fun stories of bravado, modesty and danger that all come quickly to life in your imagination. I can't say enough good things. Simple, but well-written, stories that will transport you! Give this book a read!

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book a lot-it had me rooting for the underdog big time! The people in the book were very strong characters and unique in every way. The action had a modern feel to it and edge of your seat suspense. As always it was a great story. Jeff Tucker

[Shandi Dews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of false identity, and having to live up to it. Petey may have claimed to be the toughest man between Kansas and New Orleans, but can he live p to it, as he goes after the states most dangerous outlaw?

It is not hard to see why l. Ron Hubbard is a New York Times bestseller.

[Kaj Samuelsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a total looser to a total dare all winner. And as usual it has a nice twist at the end.