gotta love lever guns

[John Taylor]

Picture is of 1886 Bullard parts. This thing has a carrier like a 76 Winchester, a rolling block sort of like a Remington and a rack and pinion gear to run the bolt back and forth with lots of little parts to make every thing work.also has a sliding dust cover like the 1876 Winchester.
163060 163061

[Ben]

Is that a Ballard ?

[021]

Looks like some cowboy used a set of spurs for replacement parts! 😀

[Blackwater]

Thanks for the pics and description, John. I've never seen one of those in my area. Very interesting gun from a very interesting period of gun development and design. Thanks.

[kungfustyle]

Rack n pinion reloading great stuff.

[Der Gebirgsjager]

Thanks for posting this. Very educational, especially the way you did it with all the individual parts displayed, and then shown assembled. :goodpost:

[.45colt]

The winter issue of I think Guns of the old west mag had a great article about the Bullard Rifle that was presented to William F. "buffalo Bill" Cody. It is now in a museum in Kentucky. they are claimed to be the smoothest lever to operate ever made. I would love to see one in person.

[John Taylor]

Is that a Ballard ?

Bullard, in business from 1881 to 1891. They made a few single shot rifle as well as two sizes of lever actions. Only around 10,000 lever guns and they bring a very high price.

[TXGunNut]

I can't recall ever seeing or even reading about this rifle. Don't even recall seeing one @ Cody last summer. Something familiar about it, tho. Fascinating. What are your plans for this rifle? Do you have enough parts to assemble a working rifle?

[Scharfschuetze]

I wonder if the Bullard gave Browning the idea for their gear driven lever action rifle?

[John Taylor]

If it were mine I would restore it but it belongs to a customer.

[.45colt]

Here is a link to a Large frame Bullard. It would literally be a "blast" to own. http://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/antique-rifles-cartridge/large-frame-bullard-model-1886-rifle.cfm?gun_id=100607753

[Ben]

Bullard, in business from 1881 to 1891. They made a few single shot rifle as well as two sizes of lever actions. Only around 10,000 lever guns and they bring a very high price.


Umm, I'm learning something now.
Thanks,
Ben