Rare and Exceptional Bullard Small Frame Lever Action Repeating Rifle

A scarce and highly collectible Bullard small-frame repeating rifle, this example represents one of the most desirable lesser-seen American sporting rifles of the late 19th century. With total Bullard rifle production estimated at no more than 2,800 and only around 500 small-frame examples produced, this rifle offers notable rarity and strong appeal for collectors seeking alternatives to the more commonly encountered Winchester and Marlin rifles.

• Manufactured by James H. Bullard’s Bullard Repeating Arms Company of Springfield, Massachusetts
• Historically significant as Bullard’s attempt to compete in the sporting rifle market dominated by major makers such as Winchester and Marlin
• Documented rarity:
  • According to Gene Weicht in the American Society of Arms Collectors bulletin, total Bullard rifle production was never more than 2,800
  • Only around 500 were made in the small-frame variation, like this example
• Small-frame configuration makes this rifle especially desirable among Bullard collectors
• Caliber marking:
  • Marked “Cal/38” on the top front of the receiver
• Receiver marking on the left side:
  • “BULLARD REPEATING ARMS COMPANY/SPRINGFIELD. MASS. U. S. A. PAT. AUG. 16. 1881”
• Serial number placement:
  • Serial number is located directly behind the hammer
• Sights:
  • German silver blade front sight
  • Elevation-adjustable rear sight
• Finish details:
  • Hammer, lever, and trigger are case-hardened
  • Remaining parts are blued
• Stock and furniture:
  • Nicely figured walnut forearm
  • Short pistol grip walnut stock
  • Iron forend cap
  • Hard rubber Bullard buttplate featuring the distinctive turkey emblem
• Collector appeal:
  • Far scarcer than many contemporary Winchester and Marlin sporting rifles
  • Desirable small-frame variation with limited estimated production
  • Attractive mix of case-hardened and blued finishes
  • Distinctive Bullard markings and turkey emblem buttplate add strong identity and display value
  • An excellent opportunity to acquire a rare and historically important American repeating rifle from a short-lived and highly collectible maker