Ballard Carbine

[JimW]

What Ballard is legal for competition? The last small arms list I saw had only the repo model by Larry Romano as approved. Thank you

[Bruce Cobb 1723V]

Almost any original military configured Ballard .... 44 / 46 / 56-56 rifle or carbine.
Larry was the only production builder from scratch.
Hundreds are individually approved by the SAC as centerfire using 44special / magnum / 45 colt 44-40 etc cases

[JimW]

Thank you! I guess I need to find a book on them so I dont end up with something that wont "Card".

[Carolina Reb]

Ballard, The Great American Single Shot Rifle, by Dutcher, is the best, but it's out of print and very pricey these days. McAulay's books on CW rifles and carbines cover the early Ballards as well. Talk to John Holland on the Small Arms committee about what to look for. If you get one that's been rechambered to a modern cartridge, like 45 Colt or 44 Special, NEVER!!!!! fire factory ammo or smokeless reloads in a Ballard. The frames are wrought iron and will come apart with high pressure ammo. Black powder ONLY!

[JimW]

Ballard, The Great American Single Shot Rifle, by Dutcher, is the best, but it's out of print and very pricey these days. McAulay's books on CW rifles and carbines cover the early Ballards as well. Talk to John Holland on the Small Arms committee about what to look for. If you get one that's been rechambered to a modern cartridge, like 45 Colt or 44 Special, NEVER!!!!! fire factory ammo or smokeless reloads in a Ballard. The frames are wrought iron and will come apart with high pressure ammo. Black powder ONLY!

Thank you! Just saw a copy on Amazon for $469.00 - I'll keep my eyes open for a better deal!

[Kevin Tinny]

Hello:

Carolina Reb's suggestion about counseling, FIRST, with SAC, is wise.
I have been down this road and crashed.

Also, the Dutcher book is mostly about POST CW guns. An alternative would be to look at one to avoid buying an expensive book that may not help you.

John Holland and his Committee can prevent errors that might cause SAC approval issues. Smiles.
Kevin Tinny

[Jack C., 69th NY]

Over the years, I have brought back to life about 2 dozen Ballard military rifles and carbines. The very first thing that you must check before purchasing the rifle or carbine is to check the receiver. The weak spot on the Ballards is the two 90 degree corners in the top, rear of the receiver. Nearly invisible, hairline cracks are a possibility. Some cracks are very visible. Run your fingernail over the area, check with a magnifying glass. Repairs are not easy, perhaps impossible. Just be aware!

My favorite is the Half-stock Ballard carbine in .44 caliber. Bob Hoyt has made 3 barrels for me. Basically, the new 30" barrel and a new forearm makes you a half-stock carbine. There is some preference for the 44-40 or 44WCF. It seals off the gas better than the straight 44 magnum. The choice is yours.

If you do have a Ballard with a cracked receiver, Al Bumford makes a receiver out of modern steel, that will never crack. I am not a metallurgist and do not know the differences in "steels" but this is what I have been told by many skirmishers who do know. These modern receivers would have to be fitted up and drilled by a competent gunsmith.

Dutcher's book is THE BIBLE. $495.00 is a sick price. The books do surface for a lot less. I found one for a lot less, it just takes a lot of looking online and at shows.

Good luck! Ask a lot of questions.

Jack Conway

[Bruce Cobb 1723V]

Google 1st ... it can be your friend or foe.... Ask questions before buying to those here who have answered you so far . ASK QUESTIONS before you buy.

[JimW]

I know to ask around first - stuck myself with one of those NJ H&Ps that cant be modified. If it wont "card", its useless.