Custom Ballard Heavy Barrel Target Rifle 40-70 Sharps Necked Antique

Serial #22159, .40-70 Sharps Necked, 34 ¾ inch heavy octagon barrel with an excellent bore.  This is a custom built Ballard falling block action rifle beautifully fitted with a highly figured Circassian walnut stock and forearm.  The rifle is built around an original Marlin Ballard Action with double set triggers that has been expertly case hardened and is equipped with a Hoke Long Range Vernier rear peep and hooded front target sights.  In excellent condition the barrel shows 70-75% blue gray finish that is thinning with scattered spots of freckling and is drilled and tapped for a scope mount.  The action shows vibrant case-colors with isolated areas of underlying roughness and has partially visible original markings “MARLIN ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CT. U.S.A. / BALLARD'S PATENT NOV 5. 1861”.  The stock and forearm rate excellent with a few light handling marks and tiny contusions.  The action functions properly with a tight lock up and very light trigger pull when set.  A beautifully done Ballard target rifle.  Antique