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ndnchf
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What do you think of this .32-40 Ballard?
Aug 30th, 2024 at 12:22pm
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I've never owned a scoped rifle. But at 66, my fading eyesight is making it more diffucult to see my sights. Rather than adding a scope to an existing rifle, I thinking about buying a ready to shoot rifle. I've always wanted a .32-40 single shot. Looking at original rifles or possibly a new CPA or high wall. This would be for informal target shooting out to 200 yards.

I saw this rifle. It seems a bit pricey, but looks very nice. Would this scope be appropriate for my intended use?  I'd appreciate your thoughts and opinions on it.

Thanks 
Steve

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watchthewind
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Re: What do you think of this .32-40 Ballard?
Reply #1 - Aug 30th, 2024 at 12:26pm
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What is your intended use, benchrest or offhand?
  

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bpjack
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Re: What do you think of this .32-40 Ballard?
Reply #2 - Aug 30th, 2024 at 12:36pm
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Pricey is an understatement!   Competitive high walls or Ballards can be had (ready to shoot or rebarreled) for close to $2000 or less without a scope.  I have a couple that were just over $1500. 

Just my opinion 

Jack
  

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ndnchf
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Re: What do you think of this .32-40 Ballard?
Reply #3 - Aug 30th, 2024 at 12:43pm
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Intended use is just informal target shooting from the bench. My club's range goes out to 200. So that would be max.
  
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watchthewind
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Re: What do you think of this .32-40 Ballard?
Reply #4 - Aug 30th, 2024 at 12:48pm
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ndnchf wrote on Aug 30th, 2024 at 12:43pm:
Intended use is just informal target shooting from the bench. My club's range goes out to 200. So that would be max.

In my humble opinion.... I suggest a rifle that loans itself to being shot off of a rest. A flat or beavertail forearm and a butt stock with a flat/shotgun type butt plate (no hooks no crescent). There are plenty of options available in this configuration. 
Scott
  

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jhm
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Re: What do you think of this .32-40 Ballard?
Reply #5 - Aug 30th, 2024 at 1:00pm
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Unless you just want the history that goes with such a purchase and it certainly has that I would go with a more suited rifle for your wants and or needs. As stated there are lots of single shots out there that can be purchased 
both repro and original and good quality repro or original scopes that can be added for far less money than the stated price. The choice is yours and yes you would be the only kid on the block with one but I think you can do better and be more satisfied. Heaven forbid if you bought it and that precious scope got damaged or even worse something bad happened to the gun. My two cents...



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marlinguy
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Ballards may be weaker,
but they sure are neater!

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Re: What do you think of this .32-40 Ballard?
Reply #6 - Aug 30th, 2024 at 3:11pm
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The seller's description of the rifle have no provenance proven, so to me it's just a good story. Have to take the rifle as it is and don't pay extra for a good story.
The #4 rifle is a great forged action, but I'd need to know that receiver, breech block halves, stocks, buttplate and forearm all are matching serial numbers. Even then it's overpriced. 
The rifle is a $2000 to $2500 rifle, and the Mogg scope is probably the same value, so maybe $3500-$4000 together. The porting done to the barrel certainly doesn't increase value, and for many it will detract value. And that is not a "heavy barrel" as described, or it wont have the tulip on the barrel where it meets the receiver!
I gave much less than that for my #6 Schuetzen with factory engraving, and a .32-40 Schoyen barrel last year from Ron Peterson. I think you can find a nice .32-40 Ballard without a scope for $1500-$2500, and a decent target scope for around $500-$700. Saving yourself a lot of money.
  

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ndnchf
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Re: What do you think of this .32-40 Ballard?
Reply #7 - Aug 30th, 2024 at 4:10pm
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Thank you all for you advice and insight. It is a nice rifle, but not THAT nice.  Honestly, I'd really rather find a rifle from a trusted forum member. Im in no big hurry, but will keep looking.

Thanks - Steve
  
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rkba2nd
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Re: What do you think of this .32-40 Ballard?
Reply #8 - Aug 30th, 2024 at 9:12pm
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This rifle was listed by Joe Salter on Guns International less than two years ago if memory serves.
  

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