A Ballad about a Ballard

[rbertalotto]

I just finished restoring a Marlin Ballard single shot rifle.


Wrote an article about it here:


http://rvbprecision.com/


Hope you like it!


http://images15.fotki.com/v588/photos/2/36012/12796603/DSC_6315-vi.jpg

[Hang Fire]

Good work, as it was already worked over in the past, IMO nothing was lost by restoring it to your wants.

I love my 1878 (closest can date it) JM Marlin Ballard #5 Pacific in .45-70, the #5 Pacific was sold as a hunting rifle. I truly lucked out with this one, was used but not abused and the bore is immaculate. Have left all as was found except for Lyman high globe front sight (have the original blade) to reduce heat mirages here in AZ desert. Accuracy is simply amazing with 405 grain PB boolit and 65 grains of 2f.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y92/TANSTAAFL-2/P1010288.jpg (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/TANSTAAFL-2/media/P1010288.jpg.html)

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y92/TANSTAAFL-2/P1010287.jpg (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/TANSTAAFL-2/media/P1010287.jpg.html)

[missionary5155]

Good morning
Nice Ballards !
Mine is a 1870 vintage Marlin Ballard that started out as 38 Long then was over stamped 38-50. Has the typical Ballard crack in the stock. I use mine mainly for crawling about drain ditches ad wood edges on fields popping groundhogs. Shoots the Ideal 37583 (40-1) nicely with a shortened 38-55 case of 3f. Right now I am 5500 miles from it as it sits in storage waiting my return.
Mike in Peru

PS.. Just read the "Ballad". Well written and fine pictures to boot.

[rbertalotto]

Nice Ballards folks....BTW, I added some info on the trigger work that I had omitted.

[Hang Fire]

All records of Marlin Ballards were lost. To narrow down date for mine, I have and used John T. Dutcher's, "Ballard The Great American Single Shot Rifle" by using known dates of mfg. for certain serial numbers. And my SN came out between those for 1877 and 1879. It could be possible rifle was made in late 1877 or early 1879.

For those interested in Ballard rifle the BTGASSR is well worth the money as it is chock full of useful information and photos. I paid $75.00 in 2011, so price may have gone up.

[mack1]

This article is in the jan issue of " The Single Shot Exchange" read it yesterday very nice.