Ernie then gave me the history of the Co from MT and how they stuck him and then wanted him to suppy gain-twist barrels when they moved to Cody. Of course he told them no and they unfortuneately found someone who would. Ernie said the barrels were a wreck and to not waste my time trying to get it to shoot. They apparently sold many rifles with the gain-twist barrels. When they started coming back because they would not shoot and wanted replacement barrels apparently the new barrel supplier went to ash also.

So what I thought was going to be a nice medium weight offhand rifle is on its way to John McGlothin in Raton for a new Badger barrel.

I know the seller is not representitive of the character that I have found in all the shooting circles that I have been fortunate to deal with, and especially not the single shot fraternity. He claimed his father was a noted Ballard collector. I am sure he may have been, unfortuneately his son does not have the same values. 

Maybe I should not feel misled and should have done more research before buying this rifle. Live and learn.

Any more history would be appreciated.

I guess I was the only one that didn't already know the history.

Shoothog.
With the gaintwist barrel you can't measure twist by the old method of putting in a patch and measuring the distance for 1 revolution. because the only way to measure the final twist is to measure the angle at the muzzle. 
  I am not sure but I think that in the early days they used some barrels from Gaintwist Co. they were around for a few years and then faded. If I remember correctly they used a 2:1 ratio breech to muzzle. If it is not a Gaintwist Co. Barrel it is probably a Smith. Barrel made with a gain twist can be a little fussy to get going but they will shoot. Follow the previous owners loads or call and see if he can give you a speed that the bullet wants to travel at.

40 Rod

Well it sounds like it's too late to try any other ammo or loads if the gun is already headed off to be rebarreled. I'm not sure I would have given up so quickly, even if Ernie reccommended to do so. 
I agree with rustyrelx that the barrel may have shot better with BP, or a very slow burning smokeless equivalent, and since I'm such a tightwad I'd spend a lot of time and frustration before ever going for a new barrel.

Sorry you've had the trouble Shoothog. I do think you'll enjoy the work John McGlothan does for you. I've known John a lot of years and never had anything but the best from him. Matter of fact, I getting ready to send him another of my crazy TD projects. 

Dick