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Unique Antique Marlin Ballard Rifle in .22 Rimfire w/ Vintage Custom Heavy Target Barrel and Stock ** Cool 1-Of-A-Kind pre-1881 Marlin Ballard **
Guns International #: 101163486 Seller's Inventory #: BP19-1
Category: Antique Rifles - Target - Marlin Rifles - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Company: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Member Since: 4/27/15
State: Kentucky
Zip: 40503
Country: United States
Phone: (859) 276-1419
Fax: (859) 278-0838
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 190
Total Number of Listings: 14880
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Visa,Master Card, Discover,Check
Description:
This is a really neat and unique antique J.M. Marlin pre-1881 Ballard Model that was customized at some point likely in the 1940's or 50's. This J.M. Marlin Ballard rifle started life prior to 1881 likely as lever-action single-shot rifle called the "Ballard No.2 Sporting Rifle" chambered in any one of a number of calibers that were offered. It likely remained in that configuration until the barrel became too pitted to fire accurately or the ammunition became too hard to find or expensive, (given the relatively nice condition of the receiver the expense/scarcity of ammo was most likely the catalyst) and at that point it was customized into the .22 rimfire target configuration it is in today. As you can see in the pictures, it has a heavy target-style round barrel that is 26.75" inches long, a globe front sight with a rear tang-mounted adjustable peep sight, and a heavy custom Walnut forearm and straight-gripped and high-combed buttstock. The straight wrist is checkered, and the buttplate is a custom aluminum piece that is stippled with the initials "R.W" in the center. The length of pull is 13.75" inches to the end of the buttplate, and with the heavy barrel and stock set the gun weighs-in at a hefty 11 pounds and 12 ounces! The condition of this custom antique Ballard is very good overall and excellent mechanically. The custom barrel shows a nice even patina on the blue finish with some light handling marks and some very minor spots that show evidence of prior surface rust that was removed. The bore is in spectacular condition, it is bright and clean with strong rifling and there is no pitting, erosion, or imperfections visible. The receiver on this Ballard still shows some traces of the original Marlin factory case colors with the balance showing an attractive gray/silver tone. The custom stock set is in great shape overall. Both the forearm and buttstock are nice solid pieces of American Walnut. The buttstock may actually be an original part, we are not sure either way. It shows a darker tone than the forearm and it is checkered in the factory style at the wrist. The buttstock shows a couple of small spots of old wood putty repairs on the keel just ahead of where the lever makes contact with the wood and on the lower edge of the cheekpiece. Neither of these detract much from the nice attractive look of this custom rifle. The Walnut forearm is a solid piece of wood with some nice figure in it that is artfully shaped. It shows some very minor handling marks but nothing that stands out, and is completely free of cracks or repairs. The forearm definitely is a target style forearm that adds some heft to the rifle and is affixed to the barrel at two points with bushed screws. Everything on this custom Ballard works perfectly. The action is in superb condition. It works smoothly by hand but is precise and locks into battery perfectly with no play. The hammer locks positively into both the safety position and full-cock, and the custom-stippled trigger is excellent, breaking with a light pull with no grittiness or slop. The sights on this rifle are excellent vintage top-of-the-line models. The front globe sight has a interchangeable insert that is currently a tapered post with a bead, and the rear receiver-mounted peep is adjustable for both windage and elevation (both adjustments are precise click/detent-style and work perfectly). If you have been looking for a unique custom antique rifle for your collection this Marlin Ballard would certainly be an excellent choice. It is truly a one-of-a-kind vintage custom, and would definitely be a "head turner" at the range or on display in your collection.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Marlin (Custom Barrel & Stock)
Model: Vintage Customized Ballard
Serial Number: 6072
Caliber Info: .22 Rimfire
Barrels: 26.75" Inches Heavy Target Barrel
LOP: 13.75" Inches
Weight: 11 lbs 12 ounces
Manufacture Date: pre-1881