Bullard rifles are considered very rare on the collector market today as they were produced only from 1886 to 1890. They competed for sales directly against the Winchester, Marlin and Whitney lever actions rifles also produced during this time. This fierce competition really stymied their sales creating a very limited production of Bullard rifles (approximately 10,000 to 12,000). This rifle employs a very long receiver/action that houses a brass cartridge lifting mechanism, (very similar to the Winchester 1876 rifles) to accommodate the larger and longer cartridges. It has a 6 1/4 inch straight cylindrical bolt (similar to the 1873 and 1876 Winchester rifles). This bolt has a unique two tooth gear mechanism at the rear that engages a similar two tooth geared mechanism on the front of the breechblock. This geared mechanism is operated by the loading lever and basically acts as the locking lug for the rifle bolt which gave it far more strength to withstand higher pressure of the larger cartridges. The left side of the receiver has a small side plate that allows access to the mechanism inside and the loading gate for the tubular magazine is located on the under side of the receiver. The rifle features a full magazine and is equipped with a Lyman bead front sight, rifle style ladder rear sight and the upper tang has been drilled and tapped for a tang sight. The left side of the receiver is marked "BULLARD REPEATING ARMS COMPANY/SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. AUG. 16. 1881." marking and the right side is marked "Model 1886". The top front of the receiver is marked "Cal/45." The serial number is on the rear of the frame just behind the hammer slot and also found inside the top and bottom tangs at the tips and on the face of the buttstock inside the action. Straight grain smooth American walnut straight grip stock featuring an iron end cap and checkered hard rubber Bullard buttplate.

Excellent. The barrel and magazine tube retain 98% strong original bright blue and the receiver retains 80% original blue with losses flaked, not worn, to a medium patina. The lever retains 70% strong vivid original case colors with the hammer retaining 80% brilliant colors. Stock has a small hairline crack in left side of wrist and a couple more by the buttplate, otherwise wood is sound and retains a smooth hand rubbed patina. Markings are all clear. Mechanically excellent.