I have had my grand-father's old rifle for many years, and finally decided to try to get a little information on this piece. I just registered with this site after reading some of the links. I would appreciate any general info relating to this piece. It is a rim-fire with 30" octagon bbl. With ramp sight on bbl. .412 bore (measured with calipers)
Receivever stamp:
J M MARLIN NEW HAVEN-CONN USA
BALLARD PATENT NOV 5 1861
Sr# 5380
Thanks to all, Mike
pre 1881 rimfire
Moderators: Regnier (gunrunner), JohnK, Sure-Shot
Re: pre 1881 rimfire
Mike,
Are you sure it is a rimfire? Most rimfire Ballards have a three line address on the receiver that include "Patented, February 5, 1875". The bore measurement is puzzling me as well. The #2 model was chambered in .32,.38,.44 Ballard and rarely .44-40 wcf and .32-20 wcf. None of these would fit the bore measurement you show. If it has just the 2 line address and is not rimfire, I would say it is a #4 Perfection model. This model will have the caliber stamped on the top barrel flat just forward of the receiver. The Marlin Ballards were made in models 0-10 with sub models in between like 1 1/2 and 1 3/4 Far west model. I would suggest that you post some pics or a link to some pics. I would also suggest finding a copy of John Dutcher's book, Ballard, The Great American Single Shot Rifle. The book is full of info and pics from the most noted authority on Ballards.
John
Are you sure it is a rimfire? Most rimfire Ballards have a three line address on the receiver that include "Patented, February 5, 1875". The bore measurement is puzzling me as well. The #2 model was chambered in .32,.38,.44 Ballard and rarely .44-40 wcf and .32-20 wcf. None of these would fit the bore measurement you show. If it has just the 2 line address and is not rimfire, I would say it is a #4 Perfection model. This model will have the caliber stamped on the top barrel flat just forward of the receiver. The Marlin Ballards were made in models 0-10 with sub models in between like 1 1/2 and 1 3/4 Far west model. I would suggest that you post some pics or a link to some pics. I would also suggest finding a copy of John Dutcher's book, Ballard, The Great American Single Shot Rifle. The book is full of info and pics from the most noted authority on Ballards.
John