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Hot Topic (More than 10 Replies) Cody Ballard rifle barrels (Read 1114 times)
ssdave
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Re: Cody Ballard rifle barrels
Reply #15 - Oct 12th, 2025 at 11:48pm
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Steve Durren was hired in Michigan to assemble Ballard rifles.  He stayed with them for a year or so, before going back to Johnson Sporting Goods, where he retired from a year or so ago.  Any rifles completed in Michigan were done by him.  I'd expect them to be of the highest quality.  I don't believe they ever produced parts again, I think Steve just completed rifles from parts on hand.  He may supply some information if he's sees this thread.
  
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KFW
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Re: Cody Ballard rifle barrels
Reply #16 - Oct 13th, 2025 at 6:16am
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waterman wrote on Oct 12th, 2025 at 3:39pm:
Did the Michigan move ever result in completed rifles or parts?

I had a chance to look at a Michigan made and so stamped Ballard at Quigley last year.
  
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gunlaker
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Re: Cody Ballard rifle barrels
Reply #17 - Oct 13th, 2025 at 9:34am
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If Steven Durren built them in Michigan they would definitely be of the highest quality.  He build a highwall for me and it is as good as it gets.  I asked him to build a reproduction of an original left handed Special Single Shot that I own and even the wood matches the original XXX wood somehow!

Chris.
  
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RSW
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Re: Cody Ballard rifle barrels
Reply #18 - Oct 13th, 2025 at 1:14pm
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Below is my "Cody" Ballard that was completed in the Michigan shop. I assume that Steve Durren did the work. I have been VERY pleased with the workmanship and accuracy. The rifle was started in the Cody shop and went to MI as a barreled action. It's a .38-55 with Green Mountain barrel. My apology for the soft focus of the images but digital cameras have improved a bunch since I shot those photos.
This rifle has since been re-stocked with a Zischang style stock but that's a whole 'nuther story.
  

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

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Re: Cody Ballard rifle barrels
Reply #19 - Oct 14th, 2025 at 5:23pm
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When Wyoming Armory started I heard both Steve Garbe and Keith Kilby were both still there. Not sure about anyone else, and last I heard Keith was still there after Wyoming Armory sold to Cinnabar Ranch owner.

This is my Cody Ballard built in 2000 in the Schoyen style.
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gunlaker
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Re: Cody Ballard rifle barrels
Reply #20 - Oct 14th, 2025 at 6:10pm
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Those sure are spectacular Ballards!

Chris.
  
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Skalkaho
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Re: Cody Ballard rifle barrels
Reply #21 - Oct 18th, 2025 at 12:20pm
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my 38-55's   love that marble cake Claro Walnut and English Walnut....
« Last Edit: Oct 18th, 2025 at 12:27pm by Skalkaho »  

May the Bullet Gods be with you.......
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TDW
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Re: Cody Ballard rifle barrels
Reply #22 - Oct 18th, 2025 at 12:45pm
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I am not sure about Keith Kilby, but Steve Garbe has moved on, and returned to Livingston, Montana. He still has his hand in several BPCR related businesses, and is active with the local silhouette club. Jim Rasch, who did stock work for Ballard in Cody, has gone back to Big Timber Montana, to work for Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing Co, where he is to this day.
Tom Winters
  

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kootne
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Re: Cody Ballard rifle barrels
Reply #23 - yesterday at 10:50am
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TDW wrote on Oct 18th, 2025 at 12:45pm:
I am not sure about Keith Kilby, but Steve Garbe has moved on, and returned to Livingston, Montana. He still has his hand in several BPCR related businesses, and is active with the local silhouette club. Jim Rasch, who did stock work for Ballard in Cody, has gone back to Big Timber Montana, to work for Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing Co, where he is to this day.
Tom Winters


Tom, next time you see Steve and Jim, tell them hello from me.
Thanks
Dennis Heckman

  

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John Rigby
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Re: Cody Ballard rifle barrels
Reply #24 - yesterday at 6:51pm
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That was probably Steve Durren in Michigan.  Cody would use what ever barrel the customer wanted.  I had 3 made with RKS barrels.
  

John Rigby
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