ADVICE: MacQueen Ranger or Similiar Looking Alternative [First Pipe]

[chapel]

TL;DR, I'm looking for an experienced pipe smoker's detailed opinion on a MacQueen Ranger that they have bought recently, or advice on a pipe of similar appearance to the Vauen Aragorn/MacQueen Ranger at a decent price.
First let me say, I KNOW it's kitsch, I KNOW it's a niche pipe. But I really like the rustic all-wood look, and LOVE the shape. I wish more than anything I could afford a Vauen, but I simply can't, even if this wasn't my first pipe. Maybe one day.
Anyway, I am looking to buy my first-ever pipe. I've been looking and looking, researching enough to drive my girlfriend nuts.
I've been looking particularly at Bjarne or Johs pipes (Churchwardens, Brandys, Dublins, Bulldogs, I can't decide!), but I can't find one that quite fits the look I want at the moment. I keep coming back to that damn MacQueen Ranger!
So here's the point. I've done my research, most of the reviews I find are not only 50/50 (smokes great!/smokes too damn hot, almost burnt my fingertips off, and it gurgles!), but they were all 2-3 years old. I am looking for an experienced pipe smoker, their complete, detailed, honest review of a Ranger, especially if they've bought it recently,
OR
An alternative pipe of very similar shape and rustic appearance that is a genuinely better pipe, for a comparable price.

 

[thesmokindragon]

MQs have bad ratings, the Vaun you mention is a little pricey,

if that is price range you might be able to have one of the masters

make you a hand-made with the looks/specs you are looking for.
I will look around the net to see if I can find a similar look for

you with better quality. If it is going to be your "1st" pipe,

make sure you get a good one

 

[chapel]

MQs have bad ratings, the Vaun you mention is a little pricey,

if that is price range you might be able to have one of the masters

make you a hand-made with the looks/specs you are looking for.
I will look around the net to see if I can find a similar look for

you with better quality. If it is going to be your "1st" pipe,

make sure you get a good one

The reason I can't get the Vauen is the price :D I'm looking to keep it as close to (or under) $60 as possible.
Otherwise, I'm going to get a Bjarne Viking Classic or a Johs.
Thank you for looking though! Can't wait to hear what you find, if you can find one with a better reputation with similar looks and price that would blow my mind.

 

[thesmokindragon]

Both Bjarne Viking Classic or a Johs are fine for price range...but

I will still take a look / now that I have your budget

 

[skysail]

I just got the Viking classic and I really like it.

 

[frennchy11]

I just bought my first new pipe about a month ago. Look into buying some estates would be my advise. That way you dont have to worry about breaking them in and you can buy them pretty cheap! If you do decide to go the new route, I would recommend a shape that you could see yourself smoking very often. I have a MacQueen Wizard and personally the only two things that I find wrong with it are that the bowl is a bit small, (Not a bad thing for a quick smoke) and that I never smoke it! It can be a bit hard to smoke a churchwarden everyday mainly because I am a clencher and I cant clench with the wizard. This is just my advise!
@skysail I just got a new Viking and its a great smoker as well! Bout' an hour and a half smoke though! 8O

 

[pipelotus]

Woa there partner!
You do have another option.
http://www.lunapipes.com/fantasy/index.htm
Luna Pipes has a LOTR line of churchwardens, that should about match your price. I've seen nothing but good reviews for LUNA. I've seen good reviews for McQueen pipes, but their customer service is the stuff of legend. (and not in a good way, not to badmouth them.) Vaun's are just.. well.. they just don't strike me as the kind of price a new piper should spend. You don't even know if you will like the hobby. I would instead reccomend a Missouri Meerschaum cob, or some other pipe that smokes well and just see if you like the act of smoking. If you get this big, expensive Vaun and you never smoke it and keep it as a mantle piece whats the point?
Also. Churchwardens are not something I would suggest for a newbie's first pipe. The shape itself just doesn't lend to everyday smoking. (if thats what you want it for.)
Hope some of that helped.

 

[numbersix]

Welcome to the forum. I cannot comment on McQueen's, never bought one before. Have you done a search of these forums? I know McQueens have been discussed before.
Also, check SmokingPipes.com for their estates. Very reliable and good photos, you just might find something you like that comes close.
Good luck!

 

[thesmokindragon]

Have not found an all wood looking one yet in that price range; but based on that Vauen pipe at about 13.39" and dublin looking-type bowl....
Here is a Sav I found in all black/with dublin type bowl (rusticated)& 10.4" in length for $59.00 can't go wrong ;-)if you like the look/design

 

[frennchy11]

^That is a great looking pipe!

 

[thesmokindragon]

I thought so too, P&C also has a ton of Sav Churchwardens, all under $60.00 anyone looking should check them out...this isn't helping my PAD, but glad to help out ;-)

 

[photoman13]

I haven't heard anything bad about the macqueen pipes quality. It has always been how long it takes to get the pipe.

 

[thesmokindragon]

Great, now I have some major PAD going on...I knew a search would do this to me :-(

and dual stem to boot....come on! :twisted:

 

[photoman13]

That is perrty. I guess you will have to sell some more cob creations! Have you got your website up yet?

 

[thesmokindragon]

Not yet, time pressed between F/T gig & making custom cobs...but I do have to try and carve out some "Time"
perhaps a nice clay-churchwarden would work as well, only $39. @ P&C ;-)

 

[baronsamedi]

Clays deliver a nice cool smoke, too. Just keep your hands off that bowl when it's lit!

 

[chapel]

First I wanted to say thank you to everyone who posted Wow, didn't expect so much response!
Well, I've pretty much given up on the rusticated LotR look for the time being. In that vein though, I'm about to start a new thread, looking for advice on (or alternative cheaper sources, or maybe even get lucky and find an estate or someone selling) some Bjarne and Johs pipes.
A little preview, my current most-wanted pipe, sitting right out of my price range at $72. A Johs Partially Rusticated Bulldog.

It's very Art Deco, a nice all around shape... but with all the Bjarne Viking Classics for sale on PipesandCigars for $40-60 (which were, in all likelihood, made by Johs), I can't justify the extra $30 on my first pipe.
EDIT: I'm also liking this look (though I think the bowl may be a little too "fat" for me) at $80, another Johs.

 

[bigvan]

I don't think Johs made any of the Bjarne Vikings. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but before Bjarne Nielsen died, Johs made the majority of the Brarne pipes (the the hand-made ones with the BJ imprint). Vikings were the low end line and have always been machine made. When Nielsen died a few years ago, the company stopped making pipes by hand but kept the Viking line. Johs left the company and started his own.
I've never smoked a Johs, but I have several Bjarne hand made pipes and they are MILES ahead of their low-end Viking cousins. So I would imagine a Johs is well worth an extra $30.

 

[winterland]

The pipes in your pic are nice. Nothing like a Churchwarden though.

Another vote for Luna Pipes. Handmade with quality at a cheap price. Shoot him an email. Very responsive.

I should be in advertising. Ha!

lunapipes

 

[gageploungin]

I have a 14" hobbit style white ash and I love it