The good news for me is that I have a Ballard that appears to be a Second contract Kentucky Military Rifle.  My father had it at least 80 years ago.  The bad news is someone "sporterized" it many years ago.  The barrel is now 26" long, the front sight is made from an old silver coin, and the fore stock is cut back to about 12 inches with all of the barrel bands gone.  I like to shoot the guns I own, but if this were original I would not touch it.  In the current condition I'm thinking about trying to fit one of Lee Shavers .22 inserts, or lining the barrel for a black powder cartridge (which one?)  My question is does it have any collector's worth as it is, or is it fair game for modification?

Thanks for your opinions,
Alan

Somebody will collect it, if you sell it to them cheap enough.   

I'd convert it to a shooter, and enjoy it.  Or, look for a trashed out one that has the parts to restore yours to a collector.  I don't think it's doing anyone a whole lot of good as it is now.

dave

I agree with the others; it's collector value is gone now. But they do make a good shooter in a low pressure cartridge, and a .22LR would be my choice. I'd have a new barrel made up and installed on it. Whether you replace the wood, or go any farther would be your choice, but a new barrel would be the easiest, and best solution to get a nice shooter out of it.

aross007 wrote on Jun 13^th, 2014 at 12:03am:


Alan the extractor would have to be modified to extract a fired .22 round but it isn't difficult to do, the original design of this early extractor needn't be modified at all, as a target or vermin rifle its only a seconds work to operate the manual extractor, I find that manual operation of anything is easier than relying on a mechanically operated device, anyway it would add to the appeal of the finished rifle if was just a little different to all the other Ballard's on the firing line. If nothing more it's a conversation starter.  Just my 2$'s worth, it used to be 2 cents worth but inflation is everywhere today.

Harry

Now if you were to pass this by someone in the North-South Skirmish Association, he or she, might consider having R.A. Hoyt of Fairfield, PA extending the barrel back to 30", relining and chambering to 45 Long Colt. Having Richard Schoenberger install a fully functional and tested center fire conversion unit to the block. Obtaining a full length forearm from S&S Firearms in Glendale, NY. And, if you are very patient, you can order the three barrel bands from the Rifle Shoppe. (S&S does have some reproduction bands in stock) When you are done, this has been restored to the original, three band configuration as used by the Kentucky forces. These single shot rifles are a fast growing segment of the N-SSA competitions, both in individual and team matches. Moderate black powder loads are advised. I use 22 to 25 grains of ff Swiss and have had no problems. Just make sure that the receiver does not have any defects or cracks in the area behind the hammer, on the two 90 degree angles of the receiver. If there are any visible cracks, your only alternative  will most likely be 22LR. Just my 2 cents worth.

Chuckster wrote on Jun 14^th, 2014 at 9:06am:


Chuck,
I take your point about restoration, but on a rifle approximately 150 years old finding original parts will not be easy, secondly such a restoration cannot be done cheaply, gunsmiths especially good ones don't come cheap, the barrel bands suggested are replicas and the woodwork will be new, so it's not going to be  more original after restoration than it is now. Finally the calibre cartridge suggested (45 Long Colt) wasn't around for some 8 years after the Civil War. I know it's available and the original ammo isn't, but that makes the restoration somewhat pointless, you may as well use the money it would have cost to restore, to make a copy at home, provided the owner has the necessary machinery and skills. Lining the barrel would appear to be the most economical way to get a shootable rifle out of what currently remains.

Harry

     Is the bore shot?  If it's not, I'd keep it in 46 Rimfire.  If I recall correctly, the 46 takes a .458 bullet.  It would require a gas check mold opened up to fit the heel inside the case.  Modify the case (I'm not sure, but I think 444 Marlin) like is done for 32 long and extra long rimfires. 1 1/2 f or 2f gunpowder only, of course.  Now that might just get someones attention at the range.

Call Dave Crossno (405-396-8786), get one of his excellent .22 liners, and enjoy shooting the rifle.