Ballard No. 6 Schuetzen
Marlin Firearms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1876
Also known as: Marlin-Ballard No. 6 Schuetzen, Ballard No. 6 Off-Hand, Ballard Schuetzen Off-Hand
Overview
The Ballard No. 6 Schuetzen is a single-shot falling-block target rifle built by Marlin around the Charles H. Ballard action. Introduced in 1876 as the 'Off-Hand Model' for European-style Schuetzen competition, it pairs a heavy half-octagon barrel chambered for the .32-40 with a double-set trigger, vernier peep sights, and a finely figured walnut stock with cheek piece and hook-pattern Schuetzen buttplate. It is regarded as one of the finest American precision target rifles of the 19th century.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6800 g (239.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1170 mm (46.06") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Set Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 435 m/s (1427 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1011 J (746 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 180 m (197 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 730 m (798 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Case Hardened |
Calibers
- .32-40 Winchester · primary — also known as .32-40 Ballard, .32-40 WCF, .32-40
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Double Set Trigger, Half Octagon Barrel, Vernier Peep Sight, Schuetzen Buttplate, Cheek Piece, Pistol Grip Stock
Service history
Operators
- American Schuetzen target shooters · adopted 1876
Production
Production years: 1876-1890
Produced in small numbers as a premium target rifle; total Ballard production across all models was roughly 36,000 by the early 1890s.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Charles H. Ballard
Discontinued: 1890
Notes
Examples typically weigh 14 to 17 pounds depending on barrel weight. Marlin restricted the No. 6 chambering options largely to .32-40 and .38-50 after 1883. Vernier peep sights were commonly graduated to 800 yards.
Background
The Ballard action was designed by Charles H. Ballard and patented in 1861; after the patents passed to Schoverling & Daly, John Mahlon Marlin refined it into one of the best single-shot rifles of the 19th century, and the No. 6 Schuetzen became a favourite of off-hand target shooters.