New Ballard

[JohnnieDavis]

Hi all, new to the forum, just wondering what exactly I have. the barrel mics out to .358 dia. the barrel is 26 1/2" long.

thanks

JD

http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f287/ ... 091305.jpg
http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f287/ ... 91305a.jpg

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

JD;

Looks like a Ballard #2 Sporting rifle. With that bore diameter, it probably is a ,38 caliber, which by changing the firing pin (turning it around) can fire either rim or center fire ammunition.

[JohnnieDavis]

ok that's what i thought, i've been told it's rare to see the peep sight on the rifle, any suggestions as to value?

thanks

JD

[marlinman93]

The tang sight is unusual on a #2, but not unusual for Ballards. The bore on your gun will likely slug to .375", as that would be std. for a .38 Long. The #2 Sporters are tough to pin down. As Ballards go, they are usually the most reasonably priced, and they go as low as $300-$400 on up to around $850, for average brown guns, with solid wood and good bores. I saw one sell here last Sat. for $425, and it was a decent gun, with good bore in .38 Long. I thought it was underpriced, and would have grabbed it quickly if I had been faster!
The tang sight on your gun is the late style thick base used from the mid 1880's to early 1890's on Ballards. It's worth an extra $300 or so alone!