Red Willow Marlin-Ballard Long Range A1 32″ .45-100 Single Shot BPCR Rifle
SOLD FOR: $3275
LSB#: 210906MB34
Make: Red Willow
Model: Reproduction Ballard Long Range A1
Serial Number: 005
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1980s
Caliber: .45-100
Action Type: Single-Shot Falling Block Rifle
Markings: The left of the receiver is marked “Ballard A1”, the right “Long Range”, with both engraved in script surrounded by foliate scroll engraving. The left of the receiver is marked “BALLARD’S PATENT, NOV 5, 1861”. The bottom-front of the receiver is marked “005”. The top-rear of the barrel is marked “45-110”, the bottom is marked “B90”.
Barrel Length: 32” Half-round, Half-Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe-style sight with an aperture insert and integral spirit level. The front sight will accept replaceable reticle inserts, but only the installed insert is included. The top-rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a folding tang sight adjustable for elevation.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with schnabel tipped forearm, semi-pistol grip with “S”-shaped bottom, straight comb, and a checkered steel shotgun-style buttplate. The stocks have a few scattered light nicks and scuffs with a few more notable marks near the toe. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear with infrequent minor surface oxidation and well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: Both bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its finish. The balance is mostly in the barrel which shows thinning at edges and scattered minor finish wear, almost appearing to have been intentionally “antiqued”. The receiver retains strong case color with some light handling wear inside the lever. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition, Excellent if the barrel was intentionally worn.
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.
Our Assessment: The Ballard rifle is a single-shot breech loading rifle with a falling block mechanism actuated by a lever. The action provided for a camming action for the breech block, and a center hung hammer for fast lock time. The internal components were also contained in the breech block to protect them from fouling and dirt. The rifle also used a pull-rod system for attaching buttstocks. Ballard rifling was recognized as being superior, especially when firing grease-groove bullets. This example is a high quality modern reproduction from Red Willow in Montana. Chambered for .45-110, this rifle is in Fine-Excellent condition with a great bore, and is a wonderful choice for BPCR competition, hunting, or to the black powder enthusiast, for just having fun at the range. This is a beautiful rifle which ought to shoot as good as it looks. Please see our photos and happy bidding!