Anyone own one of these? They are sure pretty, apparently available in any caliber up to 600 including high pressure, many configurations.

do a search - i was looking at one a bit ago and there wasn't anything much said good about them.

Interesting. For what they cost, they should do everyting except wash the dishes.

Ballard LLC has had an interesting history, and their history is quite relevant to their price and quality. IMO their product is superior in many ways, but does occasionally have some issues.

They recently moved from West to East, prompting still another price increase. Their quality is outstanding but nowadays is somewhat(!!) overpriced IMO when compared to some others as well as compared to their old pricing structures.

I've repaired a number of broken Ballard high wall firing pins but I know of no other mechanical issues with them that aren't also present in their competition's product as well.

Steve Durren, a very nice and very knowledgeable single shot smith, was working for them in some sort of higher capacity at one time but I don't know if he's still there.

I classify them as at the same general level as Randall knives: an excellent albeit very overpriced example of medium-quality mass production. You get major braggin' rights for the name and the quality is fine, but for the same price you can get a full custom that's better.

Or worse, depending upon the smith(sardonic grin).

I like Ballard products and parts but not at their prices. FWIW I seldom use Meacham or C.Sharps, very seldom.
Regards, Joe

I have a Ballard Pacific and they are very sweet to shoot and carry. Excellent balance. Mine is in 45-70 but I have not added all the globes and vernier sights to make it a long range marvel. I shot mine at around 100 yards and enjoyed shooting it off crossed sticks. Mine was very plain Jane compared to some I have seen. I never had to time to use it at the Pine creek Quigley type shoot but I am sure with a little work it will handle itself well.
Frank

Butchloc:
I have been involved with the folks at Ballard through the years having them build me 10 rifles, both Ballards and HiWalls. When Steve Garbe, Ron Long, Neil Rice, and Keith Kilby were working the firm, in spite of its litany of owners, they produced a superior product. I have only had a few minor springs break, etc... Other than that they made a great and accurate rifle.


Dutch

Since the new ownership took over a few years back, especially after the move out of Cody, Wyoming I have heard a litany of complaints at the Quigley the past couple of years.
IMHO the new ones compare closely with the Kokesh Era Dakotas. Indifferent quality, and their primary focus seems to be figuring out ways to cut corners and raise the prices at the same time.
I would not say, from the couple I have seen, that their HiWalls are any better than the Cimarron Ubertis.

Rich
DRSS