"The serial number under the barrel should match the numbers on the side of the tangs" - this incorrect info, the serial number of the gun is stamped on the barrel in front of the receiver under the forearm. It is also stamped on the back of the forearm, the front of the buttstock, and on the buttplate. The numbers stamped on the left side of the tangs are assembly numbers, not serial numbers.

Crown-C, I've come to the realization that collecting old single shots can be quite challenging. Serial  # sequences make no sense, you often can't acurrately date ss rifles by serial numbers. Ballard #s are all over the place, certain models, like some Remingtons, have their own serial number ranges, there are very few factory records available, Marlin made so many custom Ballards that it's often hard figuring out exactly what many of their models really are. Something that has been very helpful to me is the availability of very high quality reference books; John Dutcher's book on Ballards, Roy Marcot's book on Remington Rolling Blocks and I have high expectations for the forthcoming book from Tom Rowe on Hepburns. Hats off to these gentlemen for all their efforts and hard work in researching these guns and making their knowledge available to us.

I certainly agree with both of you guys. I have been a student of Ballards for a number of years, have all the books and just about when I think I know something about them I am proven wrong or find a variance. John Dutchers book is outstanding, along with Gerald Kelvers and Grant. Each new book brings out additional or more correct information. I now believe I know just enough to be dangerous! Can't wait for Tom Rowes book on Hepburns. There really isn't a great amount of literature on them. I'm also looking forward to Toms' Pope book. I appreciate you guys having the experience, knowledge and willingness to share to help keep us relative newcomers on track.  Richard

Will be interested in answers to this. Put an .075" pin in my Hepburn. Had trouble with it sticking. Required a stronger retraction spring and some nose reshaping to get it to work properly. Sort of strange primer impression but works.
Chuck

I had a problem with my Hepburn WLR primers backing out , preventing the lowering of block, and opening. (Suspect pin was sticking and pulling them back) ( probably original larger pin?)

I got suggestions from 2 sources to use CCI primers,which are harder, I could only get CCI Mag primers, but they work like a charm and solved my problem

Phil

Just got this picture of the engraving (Dale Woody) from Millard Hixson, who is doing the wood on my Hepburn. Finish the wood and the case-color/bluing and is ready to go. Hope to have by summer.

SSShooter,

Dale does nice engraving work. The minimal scroll work should be just what you wanted.
What sights are you going to use? I did manage to pick up original sights at the Tulsa show awhile back for mine. They did not come cheap, but they look great and the rifle shoots well with them.
Give us some photos again when it is all finished. Thanks---  Richard

Getting close(r). Wood and bluing on the barrel/screws and buttplate are finished. Just waiting on the case-coloring and final assembly. Will likely have the wood checkered next winter. Right now I just want to shoot the gun.