Another brilliant dissertation from your operating theater, Doctor. Your videos are beautiful and of museum quality, it is truly a pleasure to view your work. I enjoyed seeing your apothacary cabinet with all your components in the handy drawers.
Good afternoon Mark, and greetings from U.S.A. I appreciate your benevolent assessment of the production. The little cabinet worked out well at the range and I enjoyed the period look in the video. Happy shooting this Fall.....Doc
Defenitely a work of art! A pleassure to watch. Also liked your little cabinet. Gotta love the little surprises at the end of your videos. Nice trophy bull gopher!
Hi John, There is illogically something about the engraving that does make them shoot better. !?!? The cabinet was from a New York city watchmaker down on Maiden Lane where all the watch and gun dealers were back in the day. Trophy gun, trophy box, trophy Gopher, life is good. ...Doc
Hi Doc!! Another great video with one of my favorites, Ballard!! I have a couple number 5 Pacific's and Perfection rifles. The 38-55 Perfection was real accurate. I ended up using .382 diameter bullets on mine. I have never seen one up close and personal that was engraved by the master. How neat is that!! It seems yours is a tack driver as well as being beautiful. I bet you had a grin on your face all day long after shooting it, I know I would have. Thank you for sharing this fine rifle to all of us! Take care.
Hi Dave, I suspected that you would have a Ballard, I further surmised that it would be a Pacific model. You, Kind Sir have exceeded my wild imaginings. I never owned a Pacific or Perfection but do know they are significant, mechanically, stylistically, and historically. Be safe and happy fall shooting......Doc
Hola Doc , espero que usted y su familia se encuentren todos bien. Un ejemplar mágico y muy bien cuidado como es costumbre en usted. La precisión es muy buena y no solo por el arma,sino por las cuidadosas recargas que siempre hace. Un saludo desde Toledo Espańa.
Hola Alberto, Gracias por los buenos deseos y las amables palabras. Espero que a usted también le vaya bien. Para ser un arma muy antigua, disparaba bien. Estoy satisfecho con ella. Saludos cordiales, Doctor
Besides the rifle and cartridges, I really like that box for ammunition components storage. What kind of wood is it made of and what are the pull knobs made of ? Always nice having morning coffee with you Doc. I am hoping to go to the range this week to test fire my repro NW Trade Gun, 20 gauge, flintlock with 42" barrel. Am waiting for the Canadian cold air and wind to disappear here in Maryland.
Hello Robert, The box is an old watchmakers parts chest. It is made mostly of Popular with tiny finger joints holding the drawers together, very well executed. The knobs seam to be some kind of composite with embedded wood screw, but nicely done. Best of luck at the range, always fun to shoot a flintlock ! This coming week is supposed to be "Native American" summer weather so hope you can get out there......Doc
@@dr.durellshepard398 I worked at the National Museum of the American Indian(NMAI), Smithsonian 2000-2004. All the indigenous people I worked with referred to themselves as Indians. However, when we would get 18 yro interns from the Rez, they referred to themselves as "Native Americans". It made the mature people chuckle.
Thank you, I was shooting reduced loads at 50 yards, nothing earth shattering, but they were stable. Actually the box was full of antique watch parts. I emptied the top row to use for that shoot, which worked out handlily. Best regards ...Doc
"Netop" Old Scout ! Always good to hear from you. The paper patched were developed to fix the problem of lead in the barrel. You could push a bullet farther and faster without the fear of leading the bore. An early form of a jacked bullet, but this jacket is supposed to drop off the bullet soon after it leaves the muzzle. Mine were falling off at 10 yards down range. Best regards...Doc
As always ,an excellent in depth review of the Ballard rifle, I am not familiar with this action, but it looks to be an excellent action for calibers of this pressure, it appears to have a slight slope on the top front edge of the breechblock to ease a tight cartridge into the chamber, a very nice feature, this is a wonderful example of this action, and still very accurate, I presume because as a target rifle it was looked after in it's former years my someone that understood the importance of correct cleaning. Will you be replacing the Phillips head screws on your otherwise excellent accoutrements box? The Chipmunk looks like he is storing up for the coming winter! Stay safe! Chris B.
Good morning Chris. I always marveled at the engraving on this Ballard. It is another facet of that time of superior craftsmanship before we had the technology to produce similar work that was just good enough for the untrained eye, but was sterile. A real person accomplished this work putting graver to the metal surface. You Sir have a critical eye to spot those tiny Phillips screws ! LOL Upon closer examination I believe the lid is a replacement. Originally the box was for a watchmaker and the bottom drawers are still filled with old watch parts. It was very handy for the cartridges and looks period in the video. We enjoy feeding the chipmunks in the garden, but they do damage the tomatoes while they are still green. Best regards.....Doc
@@dr.durellshepard398 Yes indeed, the engraving produced by these long gone craftsman are to be marvelled at, when we consider the conditions under which these were produced, CNC engraving is a marvel, but it is ,I think, too perfect, I have a friend that produces CNC engraving on modern top grade guns, but they are always finished off by a hand engraver, engraving on top grade guns is of course still hand done, but at a premium cost. Just being able to find "proper" slotted screws is a problem now, and I am sure that many modern enthusiasts know of no other type of screw than the Phillipe head,(maybe the next generation will think the Torques head is normal), the box admirably suits the purpose to which you have put it, there are many old instrument boxes with dovetail joints that I have re purposed and given another lease of life, they are too well made to dispose of. No doubt your Chipmunks will soon be hibernating, now that they have eaten most of your Tomatoes. Stay safe! Chris B.
@@453421abcdefg12345 After much consideration, the only redeeming factor I could come up with on using a Philips head on a gun is......all screws can run North - South - and East and West at the same time !
Hi Graham, Sorry for any confusion but the rim fires were just hiding in that draw, nothing to do with that gun. Thanks so much for the kind comment. Regards...Doc
Hi John, Excellent question, I wondered that myself but I could find no reference to hours spent or pricing schedule for that time period. I suspect that design and layout would be 30-40% of total time charged. There was a letter of someone complaining that he charged too much, but he was a master and always busy.
Good morning "Just". The box is an old watchmakers box and the bottom drawers are filled with old watch parts, but to a guy with a gun, every box is an ammo box !
Another brilliant dissertation from your operating theater, Doctor. Your videos are beautiful and of museum quality, it is truly a pleasure to view your work. I enjoyed seeing your apothacary cabinet with all your components in the handy drawers.
Good afternoon Mark, and greetings from U.S.A. I appreciate your benevolent assessment of the production. The little cabinet worked out well at the range and I enjoyed the period look in the video. Happy shooting this Fall.....Doc
An outstanding rifle Doc. One to be proud of for sure. Thanks for the history lesson. I always learn something.
Thank you Mike, I appreciate the kind comments. I enjoyed your 8 bore !
I did as well but my shoulder disagrees.
Thanks Doc, I always enjoy these presentations.
Thank you Mark, I'm pleased that you enjoyed the Ballard. ...Doc
What an Incredible Find Doc The Engraving is Amazing and The Rifle is Very Accurate 😀😮😀 Thanks Doc For Showing This Fine Rifle 👍🏼
Hi Chris, I never get tired of examining that engraving, what skill and perseverance Mr. Nimschke had. Regards...Doc
Thank you for the history. I wasn't that familiar with the Ballard Rifle, but now I think I would like to get one.
You're welcome Sir, my pleasure. My distorted perspective says that everyone should have a Ballard, Regards...Doc
Defenitely a work of art! A pleassure to watch. Also liked your little cabinet. Gotta love the little surprises at the end of your videos. Nice trophy bull gopher!
Hi John, There is illogically something about the engraving that does make them shoot better. !?!? The cabinet was from a New York city watchmaker down on Maiden Lane where all the watch and gun dealers were back in the day. Trophy gun, trophy box, trophy Gopher, life is good. ...Doc
Another Great Vid Doc. They are Always Entertaining & Informative! 👍
Thanks so much Jeffe, We do think in similar terms. ....Doc
Hi Doc!! Another great video with one of my favorites, Ballard!! I have a couple number 5 Pacific's and Perfection rifles. The 38-55 Perfection was real accurate. I ended up using .382 diameter bullets on mine. I have never seen one up close and personal that was engraved by the master. How neat is that!! It seems yours is a tack driver as well as being beautiful. I bet you had a grin on your face all day long after shooting it, I know I would have. Thank you for sharing this fine rifle to all of us! Take care.
Hi Dave, I suspected that you would have a Ballard, I further surmised that it would be a Pacific model. You, Kind Sir have exceeded my wild imaginings. I never owned a Pacific or Perfection but do know they are significant, mechanically, stylistically, and historically. Be safe and happy fall shooting......Doc
Magnífico! El arma y toda la historia del artesano y su taller de gravado. Saludos Doc. 🇺🇾
Hola Juan, muchas gracias. Me gusta mucho el rifle en sí, pero también la historia. También aprecio la artesanía. Mis mejores deseos desde EE. UU.
Hola Doc , espero que usted y su familia se encuentren todos bien. Un ejemplar mágico y muy bien cuidado como es costumbre en usted. La precisión es muy buena y no solo por el arma,sino por las cuidadosas recargas que siempre hace. Un saludo desde Toledo Espańa.
Hola Alberto, Gracias por los buenos deseos y las amables palabras. Espero que a usted también le vaya bien. Para ser un arma muy antigua, disparaba bien. Estoy satisfecho con ella. Saludos cordiales, Doctor
Awesome Box!
Thank you Dennis, It was an old watchmakers parts box but served well in its new application. ...Doc
The gun itself is a work of art...
Hi Johnny, Yes Sir, all art is not framed !
Besides the rifle and cartridges, I really like that box for ammunition components storage. What kind of wood is it made of and what are the pull knobs made of ? Always nice having morning coffee with you Doc. I am hoping to go to the range this week to test fire my repro NW Trade Gun, 20 gauge, flintlock with 42" barrel. Am waiting for the Canadian cold air and wind to disappear here in Maryland.
Hello Robert, The box is an old watchmakers parts chest. It is made mostly of Popular with tiny finger joints holding the drawers together, very well executed. The knobs seam to be some kind of composite with embedded wood screw, but nicely done. Best of luck at the range, always fun to shoot a flintlock ! This coming week is supposed to be "Native American" summer weather so hope you can get out there......Doc
@@dr.durellshepard398 I worked at the National Museum of the American Indian(NMAI), Smithsonian 2000-2004. All the indigenous people I worked with referred to themselves as Indians. However, when we would get 18 yro interns from the Rez, they referred to themselves as "Native Americans". It made the mature people chuckle.
@@robertrobert7924 Interesting observation.
Beautiful rifle Doc!
Hi Steve, Thanks so much ! And she shot well with both naked and patched bullets too. Regards....Doc
Nothing gets the blood flowing like a JM Marlin rifle
Hi Ron, Glad you caught the show, they are the pinnacle of the Ballard patent progression. Doc
Great video and a fine rifle. Two questions- (maybe I missed it) range? Also, what is in the lower drawers of your shooting box?
Thank you, I was shooting reduced loads at 50 yards, nothing earth shattering, but they were stable. Actually the box was full of antique watch parts. I emptied the top row to use for that shoot, which worked out handlily. Best regards ...Doc
A magnificent rifle magnificently presented. Doc, how do you find these things?
Hi Dan, I'm glad you came along on the adventure, regards ....Doc
Quite the fancy shootin' iron you got there Doc. Any advantage to the paper patched bullets over the lubed and grooved variety? Thanks for sharing! Gp
"Netop" Old Scout ! Always good to hear from you. The paper patched were developed to fix the problem of lead in the barrel. You could push a bullet farther and faster without the fear of leading the bore. An early form of a jacked bullet, but this jacket is supposed to drop off the bullet soon after it leaves the muzzle. Mine were falling off at 10 yards down range. Best regards...Doc
As always ,an excellent in depth review of the Ballard rifle, I am not familiar with this action, but it looks to be an excellent action for calibers of this pressure, it appears to have a slight slope on the top front edge of the breechblock to ease a tight cartridge into the chamber, a very nice feature, this is a wonderful example of this action, and still very accurate, I presume because as a target rifle it was looked after in it's former years my someone that understood the importance of correct cleaning. Will you be replacing the Phillips head screws on your otherwise excellent accoutrements box? The Chipmunk looks like he is storing up for the coming winter! Stay safe! Chris B.
Good morning Chris. I always marveled at the engraving on this Ballard. It is another facet of that time of superior craftsmanship before we had the technology to produce similar work that was just good enough for the untrained eye, but was sterile. A real person accomplished this work putting graver to the metal surface. You Sir have a critical eye to spot those tiny Phillips screws ! LOL Upon closer examination I believe the lid is a replacement. Originally the box was for a watchmaker and the bottom drawers are still filled with old watch parts. It was very handy for the cartridges and looks period in the video. We enjoy feeding the chipmunks in the garden, but they do damage the tomatoes while they are still green. Best regards.....Doc
@@dr.durellshepard398 Yes indeed, the engraving produced by these long gone craftsman are to be marvelled at, when we consider the conditions under which these were produced, CNC engraving is a marvel, but it is ,I think, too perfect, I have a friend that produces CNC engraving on modern top grade guns, but they are always finished off by a hand engraver, engraving on top grade guns is of course still hand done, but at a premium cost. Just being able to find "proper" slotted screws is a problem now, and I am sure that many modern enthusiasts know of no other type of screw than the Phillipe head,(maybe the next generation will think the Torques head is normal), the box admirably suits the purpose to which you have put it, there are many old instrument boxes with dovetail joints that I have re purposed and given another lease of life, they are too well made to dispose of. No doubt your Chipmunks will soon be hibernating, now that they have eaten most of your Tomatoes. Stay safe! Chris B.
@@453421abcdefg12345 After much consideration, the only redeeming factor I could come up with on using a Philips head on a gun is......all screws can run North - South - and East and West at the same time !
Hoping you had chamber insert when you showed 38 rimfire be blessed thakyou much appreciated Gr
Hi Graham, Sorry for any confusion but the rim fires were just hiding in that draw, nothing to do with that gun. Thanks so much for the kind comment. Regards...Doc
@@dr.durellshepard398 I had a littler one in32/40 marked Winchester blessings to you and family
Goy yourself another tack driver Doc . Beautiful old rifle
Thank you Phillip, She is a looker and she can cook too !
I am curious as to how long it took to do the engraving.
Hi John, Excellent question, I wondered that myself but I could find no reference to hours spent or pricing schedule for that time period. I suspect that design and layout would be 30-40% of total time charged. There was a letter of someone complaining that he charged too much, but he was a master and always busy.
Where do you even find these antiques?
Hello Austin, Unfortunately, when I acquired this gun as a young man, from a dealer, it was not an antique.
Sweet "ammo box"
Good morning "Just". The box is an old watchmakers box and the bottom drawers are filled with old watch parts, but to a guy with a gun, every box is an ammo box !