Marlin Ballard ID

Ballards

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187goosecrew
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Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Mar 03, 2013 10:44 pm

Marlin Ballard ID

Post by 187goosecrew »

I just came into possession of this rifle. All It say's is Marlin fire arms, Ballard's patent nov 5 1861
its a bull barrel .22 lever, with double triggers. Theres been some modification for a sight on the receiver.
Its stamped #27632
Thats about all I know. Hoping someone can give me some other info on this rifle. None of the pictures online look anything like this...

Thanks in advance,
Todd.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q19/ ... 18_267.jpg
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q19/ ... 52_875.jpg
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q19/ ... 28_239.jpg
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q19/ ... 26_539.jpg

Sry...tried to post pics in thread but for some reason it wouldnt allow IMG's
Regnier (gunrunner)
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Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2002 2:33 am
Location: The Sunflower State

Re: Marlin Ballard ID

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

187goosescrew;

The reason you cannot find the model of your Ballard rifle is because it is a customized gun. Somewhere in the life of this old Ballard, it was totally changed to the current configuration by some gunsmith. The only thing original about your rifle is the receiver and set triggers. The lever has been customized (or a new one made) to conform to the new, custom pistol grip stock. The barrel is new to the gun as is the forearm and sights. You would need to remove the forearm and look at the front of the receiver to help narrow down what model this Ballard was originallly. Some models had pins for locating the rear of the foream.
With the Marlin Fire-Arms Company marking, we know that your Ballard was made after 1881. Some of the early custom Ballard rifles will be signed (stamped) with the name of the gunsmith that did the work. Look under the forearm, and maybe, even the muzzle end of the barrel, around the bore.
Due to the increasing cost of ammunition, there will be no warning shot!

The growing federal deficit = generational slavery to the national debt.

If the world was perfect.......it wouldn't be.
187goosecrew
Beginner
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Mar 03, 2013 10:44 pm

Re: Marlin Ballard ID

Post by 187goosecrew »

Thanks for the reply...
There are 2 pins on the front of the receiver but unfortunatly there are no other stamps or markings in the places you suggested to look at..Is there anyway to put a value on this piece?
Regnier (gunrunner)
Distinguished Expert
Posts: 4667
Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2002 2:33 am
Location: The Sunflower State

Re: Marlin Ballard ID

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

187goosecrew;

Your Ballard rifle started out as a Number 5 Pacific hunting rifle. To bad it was customized as the Pacific is one of the more desirable models of Ballards sought by collectors.
Very hard to place a value on a custom gun if it cannot be attributed to one of the better gunsmiths that customized single shot rifles. I do not follow the prices of customized Ballard rifles, only the originals. Some of the customized Ballards by some of the better gunsmiths like George Schoyen, H. M. pope or A. W. Peterson will bring a preimum as their work was considered the best of the best. Many single shot collectors desire to have one of their custom rifles in their collections.
Due to the increasing cost of ammunition, there will be no warning shot!

The growing federal deficit = generational slavery to the national debt.

If the world was perfect.......it wouldn't be.
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