CIVIL WAR question..Ballard .44 rimfire single shot

[Jim McDougall]

Thanks very much Stu, and I very much agree. Actually when I first got this rifle, I felt it was of course a hunting rifle, however I felt that given the 'climate of war' circumstances of its period, it could easily have become an ersatz weapon of battle as required. As these were actually ordered as noted for Kentucky militia that would support their viability as a combat weapon despite their intended use as a sporting arm.

Obviously speculative optimism is as always, just what it is. While this is clearly a sporting weapon, I did not realize that such a heavy caliber would be used in competition shooting, but here my naivete regarding firearms is revealed.
I thought that competition shooting used smaller caliber, and one Civil War period (by serial #) Smith & Wesson #2 revolver I bought was only affordable because as offered, it had been rechambered from the original .32 cal to a .22 caliber, for target shooting.
I think that was where I got my notion.

Always learning Stu!!! Thank you so much for your insights!!!

all best regards
Jim

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Jim,
Some models were made specifically for long range target work, 1000 yds plus, and as such would need a larger calibre than .22 or .32. The rear peep sight and enclosed post front sight would probably have been for target shooting but of course would be great for anything than required good accuracy. Modern target rifles tend to have a more sophisticated version of the peep and post sight but it is essentially a similar setup. This article may give you better insight. http://cap-n-ball.com/ballard.htm. Attached is a modern Anschutz front and rear sight for target work, more adjustments but basically the same.
My Regards,
Norman.

[Jim McDougall]

Awesome! Thanks Norman, you guys are great. I've never paid much attention to guns, last time I fired was in the service 60yrs ago!!! NO it wasnt the Civil War

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Thanks very much Stu, and I very much agree. Actually when I first got this rifle, I felt it was of course a hunting rifle, however I felt that given the 'climate of war' circumstances of its period, it could easily have become an ersatz weapon of battle as required. As these were actually ordered as noted for Kentucky militia that would support their viability as a combat weapon despite their intended use as a sporting arm.

Obviously speculative optimism is as always, just what it is. While this is clearly a sporting weapon, I did not realize that such a heavy caliber would be used in competition shooting, but here my naivete regarding firearms is revealed.
I thought that competition shooting used smaller caliber, and one Civil War period (by serial #) Smith & Wesson #2 revolver I bought was only affordable because as offered, it had been rechambered from the original .32 cal to a .22 caliber, for target shooting.
I think that was where I got my notion.

Always learning Stu!!! Thank you so much for your insights!!!

all best regards
Jim

Hi Jim, Some info on large caliber target shooting.https://www.google.com/search?q=cali...t=gws-wiz-serp
Stu

[Jim McDougall]

Im thinkin Eastwood, Dirty Harry and .44 MAG

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Im thinkin Eastwood, Dirty Harry and .44 MAG

Dreams are free