i used to have a large collection of original long ranges from several manufacturers.when i couldn't find anymore i didn't have, i started finding matching midranges.the 4 1/2 ballard was almost impossible,couldn't find one of the quality i wanted.if you have an all original you have a rare gun.congratulations and enjoy it.
                  tony <><

You may want to try John Dutcher and see if he has the notes on that gun since it was in his book.

john is a very nice man ,have known him for over 20 years.he loves to talk ballards and his memory of guns he has handled or heard about is unreal.his health is not good.he used to do all the major shows around the country,now he only does the denver collectors show and sometimes tulsa.
           tony <><

ssrifles wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2017 at 9:54am:


I've often spoken with John in Denver, and he loves talking guns; especially Ballards! I never leave Denver without showing John a Ballard (or other singleshot!) that I purchased there. I often take one along just specifically to get John's input on it, as he's generous and more than willing to give time and knowledge on the subject! He's forgotten more than most of us know about Ballards! I spent a lot of time in May talking with him, and I truly wish I could just spend the whole 4 days there with him, learning!
But I don't bother trying to call him on the phone, as it's just not easy for him to hear on the phone, and he doesn't usually return messages left. I'm OK with that, as I understand the situation.

Seems like not too many people have a 4 1/2 Ballard. Not a whole lot of replies here.

very cool Vall I hope it is a 4 1/2.

I'll try to make myself a note to ask John what he might remember about #941 when I see him in Denver in a couple weeks Lynn. I have a couple Ballards I'm taking along to get his observations on also. One is a #7 Longrange, which doesn't have a heel base, and John mentioned "all #7 came with a heel base" so want to see what he thinks on mine, or if he's changed his mind on that statement.