Bullard Small Frame Interchangeable Barrel .32-40 Single Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $3100
LSB#: 210906MB28
Make: Bullard
Model: Small Frame Interchangeable Barrel Model
Serial Number: 4040
Year of Manufacture: 1887-1890 Antique
Caliber: .32-40
Action Type: Rotating Block Single Shot Rifle
Markings: The top of the chamber is marked “32 / 40” and “BULLARD REPEATING ARMS COMPANY / SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. JULY 6. 1886.”. The bottom “32 / 40” and “4040”. The bottom of the barrel lug is marked “4040”. The top of the receiver behind the hammer is marked “4040”.
Barrel Length: 28 1/4” Half Round, Half Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a windage adjustable globe with an interchangeable reticle leaf. The installed leaf is a small dot atop a post (no additional included). The rear sight is an elevation adjustable peep aperture. The left side of the elevator graduates from 0 to 175 in increments of 25.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered wood with a schnabel topped forearm, S-bottom pistol grip, straight grip, and a hard rubber checkered buttplate that depicts a hunting scene. There are scattered draglines, compressions, and dings throughout the wood. The wood has darkened with age and handling. There is a crack in the left side of the wrist. The checkering is generally sharp. The LOP measures 12 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows wear along the edges and has generally strong checkering. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is defined. There is some light erosion throughout the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows scattered erosion and light pitting on the receiver with some on the barrel as well. The barrel shows an even patina with some blue remaining towards the front of the barrel. There is a small amount of case coloring remaining in protected areas. There are nicks and dings throughout the metal. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as Antique.
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 & Accessories: Included is a Bullard repeating arms catalog.
Our Assessment: As stated in Flayderman’s Guide, “James H. Bullard had earlier distinguished himself as a master mechanic for Smith & Wesson, and is best known for his lever action repeating rifles. Bullard single shots are noted for the speed and smoothness of their operation. They are easily distinguished by their very thin receivers and several parts of their mechanism are interchangeable with the lever action rifles. They are also quite noted for excellent quality and workmanship.” This example is in very good condition with a solid bore and a feather light trigger. Don’t sleep on this one. Drop a bid. Please see our photos and good luck!