Picked up an old JM Marlin marked Ballard today in .40-63 Everlasting. It is the #1 1/2 model, which is the first forged action Ballard built by Marlin, and also the first Marlin Ballard to be completely built from new parts, and not leftovers from Brown Mfg. Co. Most #1 1/2 Ballards were pretty used up, so they rarely show up with much, if any finish, but this one is better than most I've found. It's also got a very nice bore, with deep rifling, and shiny. Only alteration is a hole through the forearm for a old sling someone must have had on it at some point.
I've searched for a 1 1/2 model Ballard for a very long time, and glad to have this one show up at our local gun show today, and get it before anyone who knew what it was saw it!
.40-63 Everlasting Ballard
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- marlinman93
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- Joined: Sun Nov 10, 2002 1:22 pm
- Location: Portland, Oregon
.40-63 Everlasting Ballard
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
Re: .40-63 Everlasting Ballard
Looks like a rare find, congratulations.
Road King
" More guns then I need, but not as many as I want."
" More guns then I need, but not as many as I want."
- marlinman93
- Distinguished Expert
- Posts: 2861
- Joined: Sun Nov 10, 2002 1:22 pm
- Location: Portland, Oregon
Re: .40-63 Everlasting Ballard
Thanks! Pretty exciting to finally find a decent 1 1/2! Now I need to get started reloading. I have a Hepburn in .40-70 Sharps Straight, so a lot of what I have for it will work in the Ballard without much changes.Road King wrote:Looks like a rare find, congratulations.
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!