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.

[sqwatchman]

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.

[Ben_not_]

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

[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

[patriciajrs]

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.

[joelowery]

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!

[Mark]

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.

[samhill]

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

[oasis]

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

[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

[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.

[capodivino]

ONE of the Best Rifles ever made in the World without

[johnmollet]

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

[Bayan]

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.

[kjf]

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

[dr.durellshepard]

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

[randycrager]

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!

[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.

[jeffryrichardson]

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

[oldiron]

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!