Ballard No. 3 Gallery Rifle
Marlin Firearms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1876
Also known as: Marlin Ballard No. 3 Gallery, Ballard Gallery Rifle
Overview
The Ballard No. 3 Gallery Rifle is a single-shot falling-block rifle chambered in .22 rimfire, built by Marlin Firearms on the Ballard action originally designed by Charles H. Ballard. Introduced in 1876, it featured an octagon barrel, a manually operated external extractor and an exposed hammer, and was marketed for indoor gallery and target shooting. Its crisp single-stage trigger and accurate barrel made it a favorite of late nineteenth century parlor and gallery marksmen.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2950 g (104.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1016 mm (40.00") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech Loaded
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Hammer
- Features: Octagon Barrel, Manual External Extractor, Single Shot, Open Sights, Pistol Grip Stock
Variants
- Ballard No. 3F Gallery Rifle - Feather Weight
Service history
Operators
- Civilian target and gallery shooters
Production
Production years: 1876-1891
Produced by Marlin Firearms; the No. 3 Gallery was among the final Ballard models offered as the company wound down Ballard production.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Charles H. Ballard
Discontinued: 1891
Notes
One of the lower-cost Ballard models, intended for short-range .22 rimfire gallery and small-bore target use. The closely related No. 3F was a lighter 'Feather Weight' version.
Background
Charles H. Ballard patented his single-shot falling-block action in 1861, and after the patents passed to New York retailer Schoverling & Daly in 1875, John Marlin refined the design into one of the finest single-shot rifles of the nineteenth century. Gallery shooting in indoor halls was a popular pastime of the era, and inexpensive .22 rimfire rifles like the No. 3 Gallery were built for exactly that sport.