I think the only way to be sure if a Ballard frame is cast or forged is to remove the breachblock and examine the inside of the frame. A cast frame will have a rough pebbley looking surface and be hollow under the barrel shank area. A forged frame will show a smoother machined appearance and will be solid under the barrel shank area.

It is my understanding that a two line frame marking is usually found on forged frames and a three line frame marking is usually found on a cast frame but this is not true in all cases.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Powderman

I just got offered a real nice Ballard with the trhree line adress in 38 XL all original except the forearm is an old replacement and the barrel is in half way decent shape for $375.00 Almost all of the metal has a cnice patina on it with little or no original finish left. Should I grab it or pass?
Sounds like a deal to me but I'm not sure.


MikeW

No set triggers ZI wish it did. My other Ballard with the forged reciver has set triggers and they are sure nice.
Thats the one I have the picture of showing. I just purchased it for $1500.00.
Mikw W

It's a cast reciever not forged. But it is an all original rifle except for the forearm. Being a cast reciver I'm not sure it's worth the money, but then again with price's always going up who knows.
Mike W

So, you think it's definatly worth the money then? You have been at this longer than I have, I'm sorta new to Ballards.
Mike

OK, I finaly got the hint. I call and get it. Some one said I could use .357 mag shells in it so it will be cheap to reload for.
Mike W

Where oh where do people find these kind of deals? I've never in my life been offered a deal that sweet!