Found my "holy grail"!
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- marlinman93
- Advanced Levergunner
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- Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2007 3:40 pm
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Found my "holy grail"!
Took my Winnie 1885 in .30-30 out for a test run this weekend, and while at a friend's place I was presented with a Ballard that a mutual friend wanted to sell. I was a bit interested, as I am by any Ballard, but more so with this one due to the original midrange sights, and double set triggers. Then the real clincher came out....a box of .32-20 Western ammo!
Now I like the .32-20, and the ammo was neat, but when the guy told me the .32-20 ammo was for the Ballard I almost fainted! I've only read in old catalogs, etc. that Ballard #2 Hunters were offered in .32-20, but never, ever seen one, or knew of anyone else who had. Sure enough, I opened the action and dropped a .32-20 right into the chamber!
We spent the next few minutes tossing lead downrange until eventually I had to ask if it was for sale. The owner told me that was why he brought it; that our mutual friend had told him I might be interested!
So, after long ago giving up on ever seeing one, I'm now the proud owner of a matching numbers Ballard #2 in .32-20WCF, with DST, and some nice sights. Even has the correct centerfire only firing pin, as a .32-20 should have! Not a pristine gun, but I wouldn't have cared if it was a rusty hulk. It's far from that, and shoots great, so I'm pretty darn happy overall!
Now I like the .32-20, and the ammo was neat, but when the guy told me the .32-20 ammo was for the Ballard I almost fainted! I've only read in old catalogs, etc. that Ballard #2 Hunters were offered in .32-20, but never, ever seen one, or knew of anyone else who had. Sure enough, I opened the action and dropped a .32-20 right into the chamber!
We spent the next few minutes tossing lead downrange until eventually I had to ask if it was for sale. The owner told me that was why he brought it; that our mutual friend had told him I might be interested!
So, after long ago giving up on ever seeing one, I'm now the proud owner of a matching numbers Ballard #2 in .32-20WCF, with DST, and some nice sights. Even has the correct centerfire only firing pin, as a .32-20 should have! Not a pristine gun, but I wouldn't have cared if it was a rusty hulk. It's far from that, and shoots great, so I'm pretty darn happy overall!
Pre WWI Marlins and Singleshot rifles!
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
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Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Good going Val! Beautiful piece of history there in one of the funnest calibers. Congratulations!
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
That is quite the Ballard, congratulations!
Now what is the next holy grail
Now what is the next holy grail
ScottS
"No arsenal, no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women."
-- Ronald Reagan
"No arsenal, no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women."
-- Ronald Reagan
- kimwcook
- Advanced Levergunner
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Re: Found my "holy grail"!
I'm happy for you. It's not everyday someone comes across a real prize.
Old Law Dawg
-
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Re: Found my "holy grail"!
That's a beauty! Congratulations on Your find, I'm glad You found one after searching so long.
-
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Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Congratulations! I think you recently mentioned hoping to find one, but not ever really expecting to. I think this one found you!
Enjoy!
Mike
Enjoy!
Mike
Riamh Nar Dhruid O Spairn Lann
- motto on the Irish Regiments' flags
- motto on the Irish Regiments' flags
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Very nice and quite the proud owner I see. Now, I have a very stupid question. I have always been around a lot of firearms, old and new. But to my knowledge, I have never seen an old single shot center fire rifle (1885, Ballard or anything) at any of our shops or gun shows. I am in Florida and have always wondered about that. Why?? All of the old photos I have seen show only DB shotguns and long barreled ones at that. If anyone is into those old shotguns, we have racks of them around here. I know Florida was (and is) thick country and have wondered if that was the deciding factor.
Again - nice find!
Again - nice find!
http://www.pumprifle.org/
Bruce Hamlin's Pump Rifle Forum
Bruce Hamlin's Pump Rifle Forum
- marlinman93
- Advanced Levergunner
- Posts: 6500
- Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2007 3:40 pm
- Location: Oregon
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
I think you may have answered your own question Bruce. The singleshot was more suited to open western country, and often even if purchased back East, they migrated out West with travelers. They aren't extremely common anywhere these days, but it hasn't been all that many years ago when I found them much easier than today.Bruce wrote:Very nice and quite the proud owner I see. Now, I have a very stupid question. I have always been around a lot of firearms, old and new. But to my knowledge, I have never seen an old single shot center fire rifle (1885, Ballard or anything) at any of our shops or gun shows. I am in Florida and have always wondered about that. Why?? All of the old photos I have seen show only DB shotguns and long barreled ones at that. If anyone is into those old shotguns, we have racks of them around here. I know Florida was (and is) thick country and have wondered if that was the deciding factor.
Again - nice find!
As Mike mentioned, this one really found me, and not long after I figured I'd never find it!
By the way, the Win. 1885 in .30-30 really shot extremely well with almost any ammo I tried, but was overshadowed by this purchase unfortunately! The Hi Wall will be my deer rifle this fall for Oregon Mulies!
Pre WWI Marlins and Singleshot rifles!
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Very very nice
I am kinda fond of the 32-20 myself !
By the way what ammunition are you trying in the 30-30 1885 ?
I am kinda fond of the 32-20 myself !
By the way what ammunition are you trying in the 30-30 1885 ?
Parkers , Mannlicher Schoenauer’s , 6.5mm's and my family in the Philippines !
- Brian in FL
- Levergunner 1.0
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- Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2009 5:27 pm
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Congratulations on finding your holy grail. It's a beauty.
I took delivery today of one of my holy grails, a Savage 340 in .30-30. It's a real beauty, and I got it for only $250. After searching for one for years, this one just fell into my lap. It just happens that way sometimes.
I took delivery today of one of my holy grails, a Savage 340 in .30-30. It's a real beauty, and I got it for only $250. After searching for one for years, this one just fell into my lap. It just happens that way sometimes.
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Brian in FL wrote:Congratulations on finding your holy grail. It's a beauty.
I took delivery today of one of my holy grails, a Savage 340 in .30-30. It's a real beauty, and I got it for only $250. After searching for one for years, this one just fell into my lap. It just happens that way sometimes.
I have a 340. Paid $60 for it because the 222 chamber was screwed up. Rechambered it to 223 and it shoots better than I can.
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Congrats Vall!
That sounds like just the ticket for a bit of squirrel population control. What fun...
I am starting to warm up the the 32-20, having previously had no interest. I would have a tough time passing up a nice shooter SS like you found.
Good luck with the 1885 this fall. I'm still sifting through everything trying to figure out my deer slayer(s). I have a Utah mulie tag and will do CA as well. I think my 45-70 roller may be going to Utah.
That sounds like just the ticket for a bit of squirrel population control. What fun...
I am starting to warm up the the 32-20, having previously had no interest. I would have a tough time passing up a nice shooter SS like you found.
Good luck with the 1885 this fall. I'm still sifting through everything trying to figure out my deer slayer(s). I have a Utah mulie tag and will do CA as well. I think my 45-70 roller may be going to Utah.
Chad
- marlinman93
- Advanced Levergunner
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- Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2007 3:40 pm
- Location: Oregon
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Everything I shot in the 1885 was my home grown ammo. Mostly 150 gr. cast lead .311" with 3031 powder. I had a bunch loaded up from my old .30-30 barreled Contender that I knew was lighter at around 1800-1900 fps.6pt-sika wrote:Very very nice
I am kinda fond of the 32-20 myself !
By the way what ammunition are you trying in the 30-30 1885 ?
But I also shoit some factory Rem. 150 yellow/green box stuff. Pretty amazing how the Winnie seemed to just shoot well with all of it, but best results were with the cast load around 1800fps.
Pre WWI Marlins and Singleshot rifles!
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
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- AJMD429
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Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
nice going Vall, I am happy for you.
^
7
^
7
- 2ndovc
- Advanced Levergunner
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- Location: OH, South Shore of Lake Erie
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC!!!!
I love the .32-20 and have a diying need for one in a classy single shot!!
That's a beauty!! Congrats on such a rare find!! I know it has a good home!!
jb
I love the .32-20 and have a diying need for one in a classy single shot!!
That's a beauty!! Congrats on such a rare find!! I know it has a good home!!
jb
jasonB " Another Dirty Yankee"
" Tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"
" Tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?"
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
When I get home in late june let me know I can send you some of the Ranch Dog 311-165's to try if you like !marlinman93 wrote:Everything I shot in the 1885 was my home grown ammo. Mostly 150 gr. cast lead .311" with 3031 powder. I had a bunch loaded up from my old .30-30 barreled Contender that I knew was lighter at around 1800-1900 fps.6pt-sika wrote:Very very nice
I am kinda fond of the 32-20 myself !
By the way what ammunition are you trying in the 30-30 1885 ?
But I also shoit some factory Rem. 150 yellow/green box stuff. Pretty amazing how the Winnie seemed to just shoot well with all of it, but best results were with the cast load around 1800fps.
That bullet with 21 or 22 grains of XMP5744 has shot well in just about all of my lever 30-30's . Oh yeah for best results I us the CCI200 primer .
Parkers , Mannlicher Schoenauer’s , 6.5mm's and my family in the Philippines !
-
- Advanced Levergunner
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Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Lucky !!
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
SWEET!!!!! A friend of mine has a Stevens Favorite in 32-20 and it is a joy to shoot I keep looking for one like it but keep coming up empty handed. Congrats on a great find.
Jeremy
GySgt USMC Ret
To err is human, To forgive is devine, Neither of which is Marine Corps policy
Semper Fidelis
GySgt USMC Ret
To err is human, To forgive is devine, Neither of which is Marine Corps policy
Semper Fidelis
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
JReed wrote:SWEET!!!!! A friend of mine has a Stevens Favorite in 32-20 and it is a joy to shoot I keep looking for one like it but keep coming up empty handed. Congrats on a great find.
A "Favourite" would be great !
But I still have thoughts of one day getting a nice Stevens 44 1/2 in 32-40
Parkers , Mannlicher Schoenauer’s , 6.5mm's and my family in the Philippines !
- Sixgun
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Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Oh man, I'm jealous now. (no--happy for you!) As many old Ballards etc. I see, I too have never seen one in 32-20. I did see a Lo-Wall in 32-20 out in Colorado last year but the bore was a sewer pipe.
Great, thanks Vall, Now I'm on a quest for a 32-20 SS. Oh BTW, Can I have it? -------Sixgun
Great, thanks Vall, Now I'm on a quest for a 32-20 SS. Oh BTW, Can I have it? -------Sixgun
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Let me amend that not a favorite but a 44 I have been looking at a Favorite for the kids it must be on my brain. I just found a Stevens 44 on GB http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =129184096 of course I dont have that sort of cash.
Jeremy
GySgt USMC Ret
To err is human, To forgive is devine, Neither of which is Marine Corps policy
Semper Fidelis
GySgt USMC Ret
To err is human, To forgive is devine, Neither of which is Marine Corps policy
Semper Fidelis
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Very nice, congrats on your new addition
A perfect day can only be achieved while hunting
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
most Beautiful!!!
Mike Johnson,
"Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Eliot
"Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Eliot
- marlinman93
- Advanced Levergunner
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Re: Found my "holy grail"!
JR,JReed wrote:Let me amend that not a favorite but a 44 I have been looking at a Favorite for the kids it must be on my brain. I just found a Stevens 44 on GB http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =129184096 of course I dont have that sort of cash.
That's way too high for a Stevens 44 in .32-20! I see them for much less in similar condition. Heck, I gave less than that starting price for my factory engraved 44 Stevens in .32-20!
Pre WWI Marlins and Singleshot rifles!
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
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- Ysabel Kid
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Re: Found my "holy grail"!
marlinman93 wrote:JR,JReed wrote:Let me amend that not a favorite but a 44 I have been looking at a Favorite for the kids it must be on my brain. I just found a Stevens 44 on GB http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =129184096 of course I dont have that sort of cash.
That's way too high for a Stevens 44 in .32-20! I see them for much less in similar condition. Heck, I gave less than that starting price for my factory engraved 44 Stevens in .32-20!
Alright now this just ain't kind !
There I thought you were a friend and you go and post one like this making me want one even more
Parkers , Mannlicher Schoenauer’s , 6.5mm's and my family in the Philippines !
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Re: Found my "holy grail"!
+1AJMD429 wrote:
"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not."
- KirkD
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Re: Found my "holy grail"!
What a find! That old 32-20 rifle has a lot of stories to tell, I'm sure.
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
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Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Congratulations on a great find.
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Congratulations! That's a superb find of a scarce classic.
Noah
Noah
Might as well face it, you're addicted to guns . . .
- Pathfinder09
- Levergunner 2.0
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Re: Found my "holy grail"!
B E A U T Y !! Wonderful piece. Another weapon I wish could talk, and tell us the road it has traveled to get to you. I'm sure it is quite a story.
Congrats!
Congrats!
- marlinman93
- Advanced Levergunner
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Re: Found my "holy grail"!
The seller told me he's owned this gun for almost 45 years! Wasn't a family heirloom, as he bought it from a friend back in the 1960's. Said he wanted to sell it, as he has nobody to pass it on to, but wanted it to "have a good home". I told him it would be amongst "friends" and not sit in the safe and just get looked at occasionally! He actually called me Sunday evening and wanted to know if I was still happy with my purchase! That's the first time that's ever happened to me after a gun purchase!
I'm going to be busy reloading ever piece of .32-20 brass I own for the next week, and shoot the heck out of the old girl!
I'm going to be busy reloading ever piece of .32-20 brass I own for the next week, and shoot the heck out of the old girl!
Pre WWI Marlins and Singleshot rifles!
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
http://members.tripod.com/~OregonArmsCollectors/
Re: Found my "holy grail"!
Yes a most unkind thing to do MM. . When I get in the market for another gun I will give you a yell to see if there are any in your area for a decent price.6pt-sika wrote:marlinman93 wrote:JR,JReed wrote:Let me amend that not a favorite but a 44 I have been looking at a Favorite for the kids it must be on my brain. I just found a Stevens 44 on GB http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =129184096 of course I dont have that sort of cash.
That's way too high for a Stevens 44 in .32-20! I see them for much less in similar condition. Heck, I gave less than that starting price for my factory engraved 44 Stevens in .32-20!
Alright now this just ain't kind !
There I thought you were a friend and you go and post one like this making me want one even more
Jeremy
GySgt USMC Ret
To err is human, To forgive is devine, Neither of which is Marine Corps policy
Semper Fidelis
GySgt USMC Ret
To err is human, To forgive is devine, Neither of which is Marine Corps policy
Semper Fidelis
-
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Re: Found my "holy grail"!
What a gun!!