Machine Description

Bally's 'Double Action' was released during a pivotal period in pinball history, as the industry was approaching the transition from electro-mechanical to solid-state technology. This four-player machine exemplified the refined engineering and design principles of the mid-1970s electro-mechanical era.

The machine's name 'Double Action' reflected its innovative gameplay mechanic featuring dual-action scoring opportunities, where certain targets and shots could trigger multiple scoring events in sequence. The playfield layout was characteristic of the era, featuring drop targets, pop bumpers, and traditional standup targets arranged in a pattern that rewarded precise shooting skills.

As one of the later electro-mechanical machines produced before the solid-state revolution, Double Action incorporated sophisticated mechanical engineering while maintaining the pure electro-mechanical charm that many collectors still cherish today. The machine's artwork and design aesthetic reflected the bold, colorful style of 1970s pinball art, with dynamic illustrations that emphasized the 'double' theme.

While not as widely remembered as some other machines of its era, Double Action represents an important snapshot of pinball evolution, demonstrating the peak of electro-mechanical engineering just before the industry's transition to electronic controls. The machine's reliability and straightforward gameplay mechanics have made it a respected example of classical pinball design.