Anyone know about Savage MZ Henry Ball limited edition

[TNRifleman]

Is this thing of any value? My uncle gave it to me and said he hasn't shot it for years because last time be shot it, the barrel bulged and he's not sure why. I don't see a bulge but know nothing about smokeless mz's. He told me the stock is bedded as well. Anyone have any info on this. It says Henry Ball limited edition 100 of 500

 

[jlanecr500]

Can't really give a value but it could be rebarreled and make a nice SML

 

[TNRifleman]

Can't really give a value but it could be rebarreled and make a nice SML

That's kinda what I was thinking for someone who wanted to do that. I have no interest, just don't know what to ask for it.

 

[jlanecr500]

That's kinda what I was thinking for someone who wanted to do that. I have no interest, just don't know what to ask for it.

I would go $500 as is with the bulged barrel. It will cost another $500 to $600 for a barrel and upgraded ignition system.

Does the boltface look like a 223 bolt face or does it have a 209 primer slot in it ?

 

[TNRifleman]

I would go $500 as is with the bulged barrel. It will cost another $500 to $600 for a barrel and upgraded ignition system.

Does the boltface look like a 223 bolt face or does it have a 209 primer slot in it ?

209 primer slot

 

[jlanecr500]

It's an MLII with accutrigger.

 

[Antler Daddy]

If my memory is correct, Ball was a Gunsmith that invented the plug. That one has the second bolt on bottom.

The value is in the signed barrel and if not budged, I saw some sell for over 1200.

 

[Deer Whisperer]

I own the 2nd from the last one of that series. Health problems caused him to stop in the 300's so there are even 500 as planned.
Most of the value is in the barrel. I would love to have it for spare parts, but would be too expensive.

 

[jlanecr500]

A bulge can be as minute as .005". Give it a good cleaning and push a bullet w sabot down the barrel. If it is bulged, there will be a loose spot within 2 inches of the aft end of the barrel nut. You'll feel loading resistance decrease dramatically.

 

[Deer Whisperer]

Ok, I just checked mine. I have number 165, so I think he only made 166 or 167.
Henry Ball designed the mz and sold the design to Savage. Henry and Randy Wakeman worked together and took those Savage ml and customized them.
Early in the process, they announced that Henry needed surgery and they were only going to make a few more before they took a break for surgery and rehab. I placed my order as soon as I heard about it. As far as I know, the run never continued so I believe there are no more than 166 or 167 Henry Ball editions out there. I could be wrong.

 

[Jcalder]

Ok, I just checked mine. I have number 165, so I think he only made 166 or 167.
Henry Ball designed the mz and sold the design to Savage. Henry and Randy Wakeman worked together and took those Savage ml and customized them.
Early in the process, they announced that Henry needed surgery and they were only going to make a few more before they took a break for surgery and rehab. I placed my order as soon as I heard about it. As far as I know, the run never continued so I believe there are no more than 166 or 167 Henry Ball editions out there. I could be wrong.

I wonder if reaching out to Randy Wakeman could help as far as the true number of them out there. Probably not so much as value tho

 

[Antler Daddy]

I tried to buy two different Ball's on the smokeless site. One sold for like 550 and I just missed having it by like two minutes.

The smokeless rifles have had so many changes since the first Savage ml-1.

 

[TNRifleman]

I own the 2nd from the last one of that series. Health problems caused him to stop in the 300's so there are even 500 as planned.
Most of the value is in the barrel. I would love to have it for spare parts, but would be too expensive.

Where are you located?

 

[Deer Whisperer]

Where are you located?

Murfreesboro

 

[TNRifleman]

Murfreesboro

Well crap. If you lived over here I would make you a deal you couldn't refuse.

 

[TNRifleman]

If anyone can pick it up in Collierville/East Shelby county, I will sell it as is for $250. Sounds like it would make someone a good project.

 

[Deer Whisperer]

Well crap. If you lived over here I would make you a deal you couldn't refuse.

If I could arrange a ride for it, I would take you up on it.

 

[Wiley]

Regular muzzleloaders can be mailed person to person. Can a smokeless?

 

[TNRifleman]

Regular muzzleloaders can be mailed person to person. Can a smokeless?

I don't trust shipping right. Ow and the shipping would be over $50 or so before insurance.

 

[TNRifleman]

If I could arrange a ride for it, I would take you up on it.

Sounds good. Just let me know.