Bullard Rifle - Simply the Best Levergun Ever Made

We take a look at one of the most innovative and high-quality rifles of the 19th Century, the Bullard lever action rifle. Produced in small numbers in the 1880's, these rifles never became popular due to their high cost and hard-to-find proprietary ammo. Today, they're highly prized among firearms collectors.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@johnmollet2637]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@kevincorcoran844]

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

[@jeffryrichardson9105]

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

[@theinstructor2687]

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

[@stevenkennedy4130]

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

[@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.

[@mikechampion1614]

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

[@davidsonneman1121]

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

[@Justin69ford]

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

[@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! 😁👍🇺🇸

[@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.

[@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!

[@raymondbarton3931]

Got to love those older weapons .

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@markminer7390]

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

[@pipertoplay]

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

[@ofreen]

Thanks for another great video and the laugh at the end. Looking forward to future videos on the rifle.

[@oasis6444]

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

[@samhill3496]

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

[@JoseyWales44s]

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

[@phb7]

I do love your channel. So interesting. And done in such fantastic country side Paul

[@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.

[@jfakoggl]

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

[@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!

[@jessewise4274]

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

[@BlueBeeMCMLXI]

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

[@haroldj.kennedy7300]

This was a great presentation, thank you!

[@Hazmatt4700]

Glorious episode and amazing backdrop on that wide shot.

[@henryrodgers1752]

A gun collectors show in El Paso many years ago had Bullard single shot rifles but I didn’t know he made lever guns. Clever gear mechanism and strong, with that drop block. Fascinating stuff. Thank you for posting. New subscriber, by the way.

[@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.

[@BJTBR1]

Great video, great channel. Just found your channel and was surprised to see that you're in Oregon too. Thanks for providing such great information on vintage firearms.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@omf2007]

Awesome video! Thank you!

[@roadking99jokerst60]

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

[@nomanmcshmoo8640]

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

[@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!

[@sixgunssince]

Excellent video on a rare rifle of the Old West. Thank you. I have seen pictures of a few, never seen one in person. Well done.

[@RhodeIslandWildlife]

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

[@TheSgtGrizzly]

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

[@palerider7171]

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

[@galenhisler396]

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

[@henerygreen578]

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

[@jeffe.9904]

Mark Beautiful Rifle, Thanks for sharing!!

[@jimreed6875]

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

[@ralphbernieri3362]

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

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

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

[@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.

[@francisbusa1074]

Never heard tell of the Bullard. What a beautiful piece of work! Just subbed.

[@beckfreak2000]

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

[@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).

[@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.

[@TUCOtheratt]

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

[@patrickcolahan7499]

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

[@tacman2893]

Now that was cool! Thanks! 👍👍

[@grahampark534]

magnificent rifle, thankyou 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.

[@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.

[@gogart3]

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

[@williamkerr3350]

Great show thanks

[@doodletime1649]

Really Enjoy your Channel. Thanks love that Gun Big Boy Lever Action

[@leonardfleet50]

Very interesting, a great rifle!, thanks for making this video.

[@brucebarton3277]

Read much and seen some pictures; thanks for the video! Fantastic rifle.

[@highvelocity6529]

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

[@spkay31]

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

[@tomsanders6267]

Excellent video of a fascinating 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!! 👍👍🤣🤣

[@SS-rz1oc]

Awesome show Thanks

[@eddiesanders3041]

Thank you for sharing.

[@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.

[@flea-kh7om]

Now that is a beauty for sure. I love a nice long barreled rifle and that is really accurate. Looking forward to seeing more shooting from you and your Bullard.

[@douglasclark5897]

great video Sir. Earned a subscribe right there.

[@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.

[@jackmeskill2539]

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

[@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

[@johnfugate3432]

Found that interesting never seen or heard of that rifle thanks for the video

[@stephenmonk9443]

What a wonderful piece of engineering!