Bullard Rifle - Simply the Best Levergun Ever Made

[@sqwatchman53]

I have 3, 1 small frame, 1 large frame and a single shot. As a descendent of James bullard it warms my heart to watch this video.

[@kennethbullard2678]

I have 1 small frame.

[@MattRios-jn1qx]

My family's name is Bullard and family members always inventing things ( me too). I wish we could write because our families must be related.

[@Ben_not_10]

I think this is the only video on KZbin of a Bullard rifle shooting. Thank you for keeping the story and memory alive of a long forgotten piece of Americana

[@grahamwilson1358]

they are out there buy one lol

[@Ben_not_10]

@ lol I don’t got Bullard money.

[@patriciajrs46]

Amazing that an old rifle like that is still around and still working. It's sad that these don't have parts you can get now days. Thank you for showing us this rifle.

[@joelowery6919]

I've been told they are the smoothest lever rifles ever produced and only seen them in pictures. Thanks for letting me see the mechanism and seeing it shoot!

[@Docsjeff]

I’ve been in the retail firearms business for 40 years and have never seen or even heard about this repeater. Learn something new every day. Thank You

[@patriciajrs46]

Awesome.

[@Nobody-Nowhere-USA]

Rack and pinion , no ring gear. I’ve always thought their single shot rifles were one of the very best but have not had my hands on their levers, absolutely extraordinary! Great video!

[@capodivino]

ONE of the Best Rifles ever made in the World without DOUBT!!!!!!

[@Mark72672]

She's a beauty, Mark. Looks like a mighty fine shooter indeed. Innovative design with the bolt not having to cock the hammer on a lever gun. I'd never seen one before.

[@billywird]

I am not necessarily a gun enthusiast but do like viewing different mechanical devices of which this rifle is unique, and the smoothness of this rifle is an attribute to its craftsmanship.

[@raymondbarton3931]

Got to love those older weapons .

[@jasyamaha]

Thanks for shining the light on this beautiful leaver action. I haven't looked into them or heard of them until one of our twice yearly auctions here in Victoria Australia last week. 4 examples came up for auction and I took notes to do some further research. All sold for... in AUD... condition g, g, g, f to g Large frame #394 C.1886 40-75 $7,000 Small frame #1791 C.1870 38-45 $5,500 Large frame #845 C.1887 45-85 $6,500 Large frame #585 C.1885 40-75 $4,200

[@troyandskyelar9588]

Thanks for posting these results, was curious what they would go for. What did the engraved marlin 1881 go for?

[@jasyamaha]

@troyandskyelar9588 that's a beautiful rifle, C.1896, 45-70, 28" octagonal barrel, sale price $3,200 AUD

[@patriciajrs46]

Wow!

[@Bayan1905]

I saw a Bullard about 20 years ago in a museum, it was a wonderful looking rifle. I've never seen another one since or even recall seeing one online for sale.

[@johnmollet2637]

What a neat old rifle, thanks for sharing it with us Mark! Have a great day!

[@k1j2f30]

You always manage to get your hands on the nicest firearms, Mark. Turns me a little green! Lol

[@steveperreira5850]

Excellent demonstration. I’ve got an 1894. Probably everybody does that watches this channel.

[@oasis6444]

Hi, I had never heard of this levergun before. Thx again for this very interesting video 👍👍

[@dr.durellshepard398]

Thank you Sir, for showcasing this engineering marvel. I have the good fortune of possessing a single shot chambered in .32-40 Bullard. And yes, the action is unbelievably effortless and smooth. Except for the carrier mechanism the action is very similar. Thanks again for what you do. Best Regards...Doc

[@CameronMcCreary]

I remember handling a Bullard and inspecting one at a gunshow in the 1970s and yes it felt like it was higher quality. Thanks Mark for showing us the insides to the action. I think that l would most likely have to make a form tool set for machining the gear section; that way the form would be done at one time.

[@samhill3496]

Great vid. Only saw a couple of those in my 68 yrs. Top notch iron.

[@rotwang2000]

That's a real beauty. Leverguns, may they never go out of style or production.

[@randycrager4074]

First closeup and I could tell that the workmanship on the Bullard is far superior than other level action rifles. I honestly have never seen one of had heard of Bullard! Thank you!

[@inadequatefoodstuffs]

I always wondered why a gear system wasn't ever implemented on early lever guns. Very cool to see it on display in this video

[@oldiron3735]

Wow, what a privilege to be able to shoot a high condition Bullard! Ive got about a half dozen old Bullard cartridges but Ive never shot a Bullard rifle before. Interestingly enough my old Whitney Kennedy rifle has to be loaded with the action open although it does have a side loading gate. Great video!

[@jeffryrichardson9105]

Absolutely beautiful piece of history!👍🏽😀❤️🇺🇸

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

Wow what a cool rifle. I have never seen one before. Congratulations on adding it to your collection. Can't wait to see more of this rifle on your channel.

[@Leverguns50]

That’s a wonderful old rifle

[@MarlinWilliams-ts5ul]

I wonder what one of those cost back in the day? A lot I'll bet.

[@RichyRichToo]

What a joy it is to watch your video. I enjoyed your witticisms that are tied within your comments on this rifle. I’ve never seen this particular lever action before, until I came across your video. Thank you for taking the time to share it. * Happy shooting! 😁👍🇺🇸

[@dlmsarge8329]

Thanks for a great presentation of a fascinating old rifle! As a retired Cowboy Action shooter I appreciate learning about some of the more obscure guns of this time period.

[@fredford7642]

1880's technology manufacturing created great difficulties to manufacture a firearm of this type, but today, companies like Pedersoli, or Uberti could produce a piece like this in the wink of an eye, with ease and financially viable.

[@thomastommy1192]

Awesome beautiful Rifel. It is sad that some companies don't make a lever action just like that in today's world. I would love to own one. Thumbs up to your video and choice for the video this time. Stay well & safe.

[@theinstructor2687]

What a beautiful rifle! I always immensely enjoy your videos. Please keep 'em coming.

[@nomanmcshmoo8640]

Just watching you run that from the standing position; you can SEEEEEE how smooth it is!!! I am jelly!!!!!!!!

[@stevenkennedy4130]

A working work of art! Thanks for the share!!

[@michaelprue9024]

First time I’ve run into your channel. First time I’ve ever heard of a Bullard lever gun. Gotta say I’m pleasantly surprised by both. That rifle sure is a nice one.

[@ricktaylor5744]

That is a real Jim dandy rifle I have not seen one before. Thank you for sharing that fine level action rifle with us!

[@davidsonneman1121]

That's a brilliant piece of engineering. Thanks for showing us this one Mark

[@ironduke2660]

That's pretty cool, never heard of a Bullard rifle, wonder how many got picked out of old closets, from someone who hadnt a clue what it was.

[@mikechampion1614]

Knew these rifles were made. But learning the fine details and history is a real treat. Thank You Good Sir

[@daveclemons1225]

Awesome Video Mark! I watched it twice. I have handled one of the Bullards before, but never had the chance to look inside or fire one! Glad you made the video, and took the side cover off. Wow, how neat! Thank you for making this video, and keep up the great work your doing! Dave

[@TheBamaChad-W4CHD]

Beautiful firearm! The Lamborghini of lever guns huh. Can't believe your channel hasn't been recommended to me before now? Definitely got my sub.

[@TUCOtheratt]

Thanks for sharing the experience of shooting this interesting antique rifle. I had not heard of Bullard rifles before.

[@williams3631]

Without a doubt, great craftsmanship deserves great recognition. You're a very lucky man to get your hands on that beauty (I'm jealous).

[@henerygreen578]

thank you i love the old stuff.........

[@flintrichards945]

Thanks for making a video on the Bullard I have never seen one shot before I’ve seen pictures of them and never you never knew about the working mechanics on it that is a very interesting rifle.

[@pipertoplay]

I always enjoy watching your videos, please keep them coming !!!!!

[@brivas3343]

Thank you for this. I've never seen a review on a Bullard before. Also didn't know it could be "ghost loaded". Absolutely love the Bullard ever since I first found out about them many many years ago.

[@stephenmonk9443]

What a wonderful piece of engineering!

[@travisbell9014]

I would love to see some reproductions of that beautiful rifle. Im sure it would be expensive to produce but I would buy it.

[@CSSVirginia]

The closest thing I know of is Brownings BLR and Henry's long ranger. They use a similar system with the rack and pinion.

[@kevincorcoran844]

I enjoyed seeing how happy this rifle made you. Great content, thank you for what you do.

[@webbtrekker534]

Have to admit that I had never heard of the Bullard. I'm 78 years old and grew up with guns and owned my first gun at age 7. (a 1898 Winchester single shot .22 shorty) Had a .30 caliber 1876? model Winchester and 12 gauge Union shotgun (single shot) but the Bullard is a "new one" on me. Sounds lovely to me must be that bigger caliber shell. Thanks for the instruction.

[@markminer7390]

Thank you for letting us see the 'works' on the inside. What a piece of art!

[@JoseyWales44s]

Great presentation on a rifle that, previously, I knew very little about.

[@copper-tc6un]

I've been competing in Cowboy Action Shooting for twenty years. Most competitors use 1873 (and 1866) Winchester clones by Uberti. There's replacement links that are configured to reduce the travel needed to cycle the action, resulting in a very fast cycling rate. There's also a lot of us who use 1894 Marlins, which have naturally smooth and quick actions. I've never seen a Bullard, but I would wager that Pietta, and Chiappa, who supply most of the colt clone rifles and pistols would be Extremely interested in the Bullard design, to the point that they'd be amenable to considering reproducing the design. I'm going to send this video to Alesandro Pietta, whom I shoot with, who's family owns Pietta Firearms in Italy. Thanks for showing us that awesome Bullard rifle!

[@Justin69ford]

Thank you for sharing the things you do! Awesome channel!

[@ericchilver9113]

Hello from Australia, found your channel today, my goodness that’s awesome country out there, amazing backdrop of land. That rifle is an masterpiece of American know how. 🇦🇺🇺🇸👍

[@beckfreak2000]

Amazing ! very unusual action .Quality weapon . Nice video !

[@richardharrold4357]

Well partner never heard of this rifle. The designer fixed my worst gripe with levers, cycling a round. Great talk. Thanks.

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

That was exciting and a beautiful mechanism. You're a very kind man to share the experience, sir. Best of health. - Ev

[@jimreed6875]

I did not know that rifle existed. I'm glad I watched this video.

[@jessewise4274]

I can’t believe I forgot about your channel. You do an amazing job at make relaxed and informative videos.

[@Hazmatt4700]

Glorious episode and amazing backdrop on that wide shot.

[@oregonoutback7779]

What a beautiful old rifle !! The design and engineering really got my old brain to spinning. What if someone (???) were to manufacture replicas of this rifle for the cowboy action folks? I really like the inner working, brilliant design.

[@lamatrisefontain98]

Loved the bear joke, keep ‘em coming.

[@highvelocity6529]

The rifle is absolutely great . It's accuracy with open sight is like a magic ! Congratulations 👏👏👏

[@anthonygalliart1789]

First time viewing your channel ... Very nice presentation of a rare gem. I have always loved lever guns and anything Old West. Thanks & God bless

[@chrischiampo7647]

Amazing Rifles and The Bear Joke 😂😂😂👍🏼 Bullard Is Top Notch Quality For Sure Mark

[@swampwhiteoak1]

Wow, informative, educational, instructive, and entertaining! That is a beautiful work of functional sculpture! I love the way that rifle shoots! Thanks for sharing that beautiful rifle!

[@theknifedude1881]

Thank you for the information. Don’t know if I have ever heard of the Bullard lever action rifle. I know I have never seen inside one before. Thanks again.

[@AlOudball]

Howdy Mark THANKS A LOT for demonstrating this fascinating rifle! An “elevator” or “carrier” action for 45-70 sure seems to dispel lots of myths! It would be wonderful to see all the action components laid out!! 🥴! Thanks again!

[@FindersKeepers88]

Good, thx & congrats for landing ownership of such a fine rifle.

[@RhodeIslandWildlife]

Thanks, would like to see more of the whole rifle, barrel transition, muzzle and front sights. Big fan of lever guns!

[@davidgay2792]

I love shooting the 40-65 in both a remington rolling block and an 1886 winchester My friend likes the single shot bullards in 32-40 and also make wildcats for some of his rifles.

[@brosunshine5572]

This old geezer always reckoned that anything that moved smoother than a Winchester 1892 or 1886 action would have to be pure 'poetry in motion' but after seeing and hearing this beautiful Bullard rifle performing it's magic in your hands, I'm left feeling envious because it's yours and not mine - but thank you for the rare privilege of being able to see it for myself. ps. My envy faded faster than the steam from a just used teaspoon when I realised that this Bullard rifle could not be in better hands. ...peace

[@gnsmk357]

First time at this site. Very well done Sir. Am a retired military collector now the mission will be to find and take care of one of these great guns. Thank you and great video.

[@klesmer]

Beautiful gun, beautiful country. Currently living in Florida, scenes like this really make me homesick for the west.

[@57WillysCJ]

According to Scott Jamieson the author of two books on Bullard they could be ordered to fit commonly available cartridges or any the customer wanted. They had 7 proprietary ones but they chambered what the customer wanted, they even made some .50-95. They are a sweet rifle. I handled one in a store once. Didn't know how to reproduce the proprietary rounds and neither did the store owner and it was before the internet explosian of information.

[@johns4584]

With such an innovative design (especially for the 1880's) I'm surprised someone hasn't re-created this design and action. Thanks for the great video, I'll be watching future installments of your channel.........

[@blaynegreiner9365]

Seriously!

[@roadking99jokerst60]

I gotta thank YT for putting this neat video in front of me to enjoy. Thanks for posting.

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

It is surely a miracle that old rifle is in such good condition. Thanks for the video keep on keeping on.

[@SiZelotes]

Came across this by chance. What a great guy and awesome firearm. God bless you sir and happy trails, from the UK! ☺️

[@jackmeskill2539]

Beautiful gun, but really superb and captivating presentation by someone I could listen to all day !

[@jfakoggl]

Thank you for introducing me to this beauty. Learned something new today!

[@MuskratOutdoors]

The Whitney Burgess was another great rifle than not many folks have heard of. Winchester is the name everyone thinks of with Old West lever guns, but there was a lot of others that were great too. I've heard of this one, but I don't think I've ever seen one? Interesting way of loading it...I wonder if King's patent had anything to do with that? This was a very interesting video. Thank you for showing it.

[@ROLLINGTHUNDER33A]

Awesome, I can’t wait to watch you hunt with that Rifle!

[@Vile-Flesh]

Very nice. I remember hearing or seeing or reading the Bullard name in firearms and didn't know what it was until now. That is a beautiful rifle.

[@spkay31]

Thanks for sharing that rare lever action rifle with us (who will likely never even see one, let alone fire one!) LOL.

[@adrianotero7963]

Thank you for posting, had never heard of this rifle before, and boy is it massive....

[@thecinnabar8442]

Great rifles! They're very similar in size to the 1876 Winchesters and Large Frame Colt Lightnings.

[@StephenSkinner-y1c]

If there was ever a rifle that could be said to be elegant, it must be the Bullard.

[@ChadwickMoran]

Beautiful rifle and that ending was hilarious 🤣

[@delles1548]

Great rife and review. I agree, for I would hunt with it also. I love my levers, and most everything else, for the levers give me a great Western feeling living here in Colorado.

[@galenhisler396]

That is awesome . I'm glad to hear that you're going to have more shooting with it 🤠

[@palerider7171]

That’s the prettiest rifle I never seen before! Thank for sharing!

[@robr4596]

I've heard about the Bullard Rifle, but haven't seen one until now. Thanks for posting this video! Absolutely great and very informative. Happy Holidays ya'll!

[@Tom-ki3lq]

Wow Mark! I have heard ofthe Bullard and even seen a picture but never saw one much less somebody shooting one. I think that would make a mighty fine deer rifle for this year. Thanks for the great video and adding to my knowledge base. I figure I might know as much as you if I keep hard at the learning for a hundred years or so.

[@dogbone1358]

Fascinating rifle. Very impressive. Wish Pedersoli or Miroku would make a replica. I’d buy one.

[@TheSgtGrizzly]

I’m glad to finally see a videos on one of these beauty’s I’ve only seen a handful of pictures

[@patrickcolahan7499]

Beautiful rifle. Would love to own something that fine. Thanks for sharing.

[@jeffe.9904]

Mark Beautiful Rifle, Thanks for sharing!!

[@davidmcduffie1398]

Thank's for sharing all the info in the Bullard Lever Rifle, I have never seen one either in person, magazines, pictures or videos. Very interesting action. More complicated than the John Browning BLR action ! Thanks again for sharing, enjoyed learning about this Bullard Lever Action Rifle.

[@millcreekrange]

Great Video Mark!! That is a very unique lever action indeed. Very Nice!!! And the the part about the bear, that was classic!! 👍👍🤣🤣

[@ralphbernieri3362]

Sweet rifle-and once again I am envious as hell!