Beautiful Custom Ball & Williams Custom 1864 Ballard .22LR 31" Single Shot RifleOur Assessment: Taken from Bill West, "By 1863, the Ballard was well known and in popular demand. The name was pleasing, and military trials had indicated that the gun was as sure fire as the rimfire cartridges. Merwin & Bray's enthusiasm for the gun gave it wide publicity." The rifles were made for military contracts and also insporting configurations. They could be had for both hunting and target shooting. The target rifles were marketed to competitors in "Match Shooting", a sport which was extremely popular from about 1871 to 1917. The Ballard rifles challenged the Sharps, Remington, Maynard and Winchester rifles, and were well liked. This one has been restored and is dressed in sporting rifle trim. The metal finish has been restored and is now a rich blue and vibrant case color. The stocks are wonderfully figured checkered walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, cheekpiece, and a Schuetzen buttplate. Not only is it good looking, but it has been modified to fire a round you can actually find and shoot! This a beautiful rifle that will add to any collection and be fun to shoot with ammo that is easily found and affordable! New life breathed into an old classic. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: Ball & Williams
Model: Custom 1864 Ballard
Serial Number: 16211
Year of Manufacture: 1864-1866
Caliber: .22LR Relined
Action Type: Single-Shot Falling Block Rifle
Barrel Length: 31"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe sight with an aperture insert, it is dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a folding aperture peep sight. The top of the barrel is installed with a pair of target bases.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The custom stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a straight grip, fluted straight comb, cheekpiece, and Schuetzen buttplate. There are a few little marks and light compressions, mostly on the belly. There are some light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The smooth metal buttplate has a few little marks under the finish and a few spots of light finish wear. The tang is off-center. Overall, the stocks rate in excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Colored with Fire Blued Accents
Finish Originality: Professionally Restored
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In my opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are a few marks on the top of the receiver and pools of preservative lacquer. There is a patch of oxidation on the frame on the bottom at the front. The barrel has some scattered spots of minor oxidation. The left side of the barrel has a patch of pitting and scabbing about midway between the muzzle and forend. There are some machining marks on the face of the muzzle. The bright muzzle has some spots of dark discoloration from previous oxidation. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
CA LEGAL: ANTIQUE
RIFLE