doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Ballard 4 1/2 Mid Range

Another annual Oregon Arms Collectors show was this weekend. I saw numerous guns I loved, but only one I wish I could take home. It belonged to a good friend, and after a weekend of wheeling and dealing we finally came to a trade agreement with less than 10 minutes left in the show today!! Even ended up with some cash back for the guns I traded to him. Yes, it took multiples to get the 4 1/2.
It's a Nimschke engraved #4 1/2 A-1 in .44-75 Ballard caliber. A new caliber for me to go with the new gun. Hopefully some bullets I have for others will fit the bore! Barrel is a 30" half octagon, and bore looks pristine! If it shoots as good as it looks I'll be very happy! Well actually I'm already pretty darn happy!

Great rifle, thanks for sharing the pictures with us. I hope
to hear a range report.

Thanks!

After slugging the bore, it appears it is not a .44 caliber for sure! It slugged at .411" and I decided to try one of my sized and loaded rounds from my .40-63/70 Rigby Ballard in the chamber. It dropped right in, so might be that caliber.
Will need to do a chamber cast to ensure it is the .40-63/70, but if it is I've already got everything needed to load and shoot it! Even ammo loaded with the correct size bullet since my Rigby is the same bore size!

Very cool rifle Vall and a great model Ballard to own.

Nicely done!
Joe

Thank you Joe! The 4 1/2 A-1 is a Ballard I thought I'd never own. My good friend accidentally bought two when his memory failed him, so he has been trying to sell this one for awhile. I offered some Ballards in trade and he graciously accepted.

Doing repairs to the two small missing chips on each side of the horn forearm tip. Once those are completed I'll gather up some loaded ammo for my Rigby and see how the 4 1/2 likes that load.

Very nice, great looking lines and proportions.

Thanks Craig!

Just about finished. Needs a few coats of WOP to bring up the sheen, and then should be OK. Not a perfect match, but better than missing horn!