Good Marlin Ballard rifle in 32/40 calibre
Ballard's single-shot rifles were available in several sporting models and in various calibres. This No. 5 Pacific Rifle was made c. 1876-1891 and is in the popular obsolete 32/40 calibre which is an excellent bench rest round but was also used in the 19th Century for hunting game as large as Buffalo.
Ballard was a popular name in guns during the late nineteenth century. Manufactured by Marlin Firearms Co., of New Haven, Connecticut, their basic configurations offered such a large variety of sights, stocks, levers, barrels, etc., that they came close to being custom" guns. Introduced around 1885, single-shot Ballards could be used for hunting, target shooting, or self-protection. It was quite common for shooters to hold both a target and hunting barrel for the same receiver.
The Ballard single-shot rifle was based on U.S. patent 33,631 that was granted to C. H. Ballard of Worcester, Massachusetts on November 5, 1861 so essentially this target rifle was based on an earlier military rifle that was used during the American Civil War.
In 1873 all patent rights, equipment, parts inventories, and properties were purchased by New York arms dealers Schoverling and Daly, who handled sales and distribution of Ballard rifles after reaching an agreement with John Marlin to continue production. This partnership would prove to be highly successful for all parties involved.
In 1881, the Marlin Firearms Company was incorporated, and production of Ballard rifles continuing under the Marlin banner until they were eventually discontinued circa 1891 due to the rising popularity of repeating rifles. Ballard rifles enjoyed great popularity during the heyday of the Schuetzen rifle. According to one expert, the Ballard possessed one of the fastest hammer movements ever invented, and these rifles earned a solid reputation for accuracy.
Ballards were also well-received by target shooting competitors in Germany, Great Britain, and France. This particular rifle features a Scheutzen stock with American walnut butt and forend.
The rifle features an octagonal heavy 7/8 x 29.5 barrel with an excellent bore and good crown. The rifle has an original factory fitted Marbles tang sight and tunnel foresight. There is provision for other sight configurations with a rear dovetail that is currently fitted with the correct blanking piece. There are two very good old repairs on the forend that could be easily hidden if the forend was re-stained but as these are part of the rifles history so I suggest leaving the rifle as is.
Ballard rifles are hugely popular in the USA and seldom encountered in the UK and this one would be suitable for proofing and added to a firearms certificate but is being sold as an antique. I can supply an inert 32/40 cartridge if required or live cartridges to FAC holders.
Code: 50292