Manufactured from 1867-1869 with an estimated 2200 produced (almost all sporting rifles). Full octagon barrel equipped with a low blade front sight and a two leaf rear sight and marked "No 44." followed by the serial number near the breech. Also equipped with a folding graduated tang peep. The left side of the casehardened receiver is marked "MERRIMACK ARMS & MFG. CO. / NEWBURYPORT MASS. / BALLARD'S PATENT / NOV 5 1861". Has the dual percussion/cartridge action. Mounted on a smooth forearm with metal cap and straight grip stock with crescent casehardened buttplate.

Very good. The barrel has a pleasant smooth dark patina with gray forming on the high edges. The rest of the metal surfaces have a mottled gray patina and some minor spotting. There is a chip at the toe, otherwise the highly figured wood is fine with numerous minor dings and scratches. Much of the original remains. Ejection knob has been replaced with a screw and the percussion nipple is missing. The hammer has been crudely repaired during period of usage. Mechanically fine.