Customized Marlin Ballard 6 1/ 2 Rigby in .38-55 Win. 30” Single Shot Rifle
SOLD FOR: $2,370.67
LSB#: LSB250824LT020
Make: Ballard / Unknown Maker
Model: 6 1 /2 Rigby Single Shot
Serial Number: B44
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .38-55 Win.
Action Type: Single shot rolling block with extractor
Markings: The side of the receiver is marked “BALLARD’S PATENT NOV 5 1861”. The top of the barrel is marked with the caliber “.38-55”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “B44”. THERE ARE NO MAKERS MARKINGS ON THE RIFLE!!! This leads us to believe that it is a new custom rifle rather than an old Ballard that was re-worked.
Barrel Length: 30” Half Octagon, Half Round Heavy Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an MVA Globe style peep sight sight with a spirit level, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a modern replica of a Vernier adjustable tang peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece checkered high grade walnut set with a Schnabel forend, checkered pistol grip, straight fluted comb, and a checkered steel buttplate. The grain of the wood is a beautiful burly walnut. There are minimal handling marks throughout and the stocks are in Excellent condition. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore on the barrel is bright and the rifling is strong throughout. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its blued and case coloring. The case coloring on the receiver and lever are vivid. The bluing on the barrel is strong but freckled in a few spots. We believe that this rifle is a modern replica rather than a re-worked original Ballard. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent to Fine 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 & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: In 1861, Charles H. Ballard began offering the new Ballard rifle chambered in the .38 rimfire cartridge. As the Civil War ramped up, the firm soon sought military contracts. The little gun made a dandy cavalry carbine and was easily up-calibered to .44 Henry rimfire, .46 rimfire or .56-56 Spencer rimfire. The Ballard served ably during the Civil War—most famously with the state of Kentucky. Some 24,000 early Ballards were made by a dizzying array of companies before the patents fell into the hands of New York retailer Shoverling & Daly in 1875. They put them into the capable hands of John M. Marlin who reworked the action into what became one of the best single-shot rifles of the 19th century—chambered in cartridges from the .22 Short and .22 Long rimfires up to the .45-100 centerfire. Ballard rimfire actions are cast iron, and the centerfire ones forged steel.
J. M. Marlin gave his rifles exceptional barrels renowned for accuracy. Both the single and set triggers are superior, and lock time is very fast. While all the actions work the same way, no major parts freely interchange. The manual of arms couldn’t be simpler, but never open the breech with the hammer cocked or you will damage the trigger and sear. Hammer down, open the breechblock, start a cartridge into the chamber and raise the breechblock. The breechblock will seat the cartridge into the chamber the same way each time and is one of the reasons Ballards are so accurate. Manufactured from 1880 to 1882, these No. 6 1/2 Rigby rifles were one of the top of the line, most refined target rifles offered by Marlin before the turn of the century. These rifles were not only highly tuned, accurate target rifles, but also extensively embellished works of firearms art. This is an excellent reproduction of the Ballard 6 1/ 2 Rigby rifle that you can enjoy for your long range Black Powder Silhouette matches.
Please see our detailed photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!!!
BF
