Any James Bullard rifle owners on here -CGN

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Willy Tincup

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I'm looking to correspond with other owners of James Bullard lever or single shot rifles. Calibres, barrel style, delux or regular wood etc.
Please PM.
Thanks.......wTc
 
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I've been trying to find more info on his rifles as well. With not much luck... Tagged for interest though & good luck!
 
Being an antique single-shot fan years ago, amongst other reference material I had G. Scott Jamieson's book on Bullard rifles and looked for an example for years.
The only one I actually ever saw 'in the flesh' was hanging high on display behind the counter in Del Selin's shop in Vernon B.C. and not for sale. That was at least about 35 or so years ago and I can't now remember if it was a single-shot or repeater
Apparently rarer in Canada than hen's teeth or Trudeau's ethics.
 
Only about 2800 repeaters ever made. Two frame sizes; large frame were 40 cal and larger while small frame models were 32 and 38 cal. Made in many different calibres including 6 specific Bullard cals. Not sure how many single shot rifles were made. My single shot in 40-70 Bullard cal [ actually the same dimensions as 40-65 Win] is the smoothest operating lever action I have ever handled,and has a rack and pinion style action.
James Bullard worked as a Supertendant for Smith & Wesson at one time, He quit that job and started his own Company. He was a mechanical genius and prolific inventor.
After a few short years of making Bullard rifles he left the plant operations to his brother and left to try and invent a steam engine. Bad idea.
The single shot model also had 2 frame styles; a solid frame and one with interchangable barrels.
 
Hi Here is one I stocked and barreled in 45-90. It now has a home in Manitoba. Very nice rifles. I think there is a repeater on Icollector auction right now.

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Beautifull work Rw.......as is all the firearms work that you do. Do you have any more info about what site the gun auction is on? I'd like to follow it just for the pricing info.........could not find it from doing a search.
Thank you for the pictures and input.
 
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I have an old Bullard repeater that have had for years, it is a bit of a beater but interesting. Silky smooth action. 24" barrel and caliber stamp 45 which presume is 45-60 as have never shot. PC030001.jpg PC030002.jpg PC030003.jpg
 

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Thanks Leeta. That is the very same butt plate that is on my rifle. Sorry about no pictures of mine but my computer photo program went on holidays and forgot to inform me.
The 45 could be one of several; 45-60, 45-70 Gov't, 45-75, or 45-85 Bullard which would add a premium to the value of your rifle.
That old girl looks pretty solid so you need to remedy this 'never shot it' crap. They are good strong actions so you need to figure out the calibre and let her go bang.
I'll be waiting on the shooting report. :) They all have that silky smooth action and are well known for it.
Whos next?
 
Thanks Danceswithempties.
Checked Joe S sight and could not find anything Bullard related.

If you google 'What is the value of a James Bullard single shot rifle' ...you should find several diferent articles related to Bullards.
 
Willy Tincup said:
Thanks Danceswithempties.
Checked Joe S sight and could not find anything Bullard related.

If you google 'What is the value of a James Bullard single shot rifle' ...you should find several diferent articles related to Bullards.
Click to expand...

It was their U.S. site & my dyslexia got in the way LOL! they were 38-45 Bullard manufactured by Winchester.

www.joesalter.com/search_results?keyword=38-45
 
Dancer:
Nope, cutting down 38-55 isn't gonna work, According to Donnelly Cartridge book the rim and base of the 38-45 Bullard are fair bit larger than the 38-55. He says to use 303 brass and trim the rim to .526, expand the neck then trim to .184. The Bullard bullet diam is .373.
 
Did anybody on here have the winning bid on the Bullard Repeating rifle at Switzer's auction today? I know it wasn't me LOL!:bangHead:
 
My connection got glitchy... Lost out on a couple of rifles. It seems like me and another person were the only two bidding. I would have been bowing out of that lot shortly anyhow, as I was eyeing up that Winchester 1873 as well... & didn't win that one either LOL! I will admit because of that rifle & this thread I'll be doing a lot more reading on Bullard rifles. Finally got my 1st W.K. rifle though; and that's been over a decade on the bucket list. So can't complain too much.
 
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