Lynn, I don't know what it is about why the new Cody Ballards weren't more successful. They were beautiful and well built rifles along with the high wall. They are just like the originals. Of all the small companies that have come and gone trying to make "new" old rifles, I'd say that only Shiloh has been able to withstand the test of time. I think a lot of it has to do with the lore of the rifle. Sharps was considered the buffalo rifle and after the "Quigley Down Under" movie, the start of the Quigley match and BPCR, they just took off. Also, the Bryan family found a way to make the rifle economically so they could sell it and make a profit. I doubt if any of the other small companies ever showed profitability. They were done more out of a labor of love.
As far as why I like the original better than a clone, is sort of like comparing the sound of a car door closing on a cheap car vs. an expensive car. They just don't have the same feel.
