I know this model had come up awhile ago, but I have not been able to find the thread.
So, I was hoping to get some fresh info about this model.
Most importantly, what style of rifling was used on these early models ???
Was it significantly different in form from later MFA.Co. Ballards ???
I know they were offered in 45-70, but any .40 calibers ???
Thanks for any replies.

Frank,
I guess I was a bit vague regarding the rifling question.
I was wondering if J.M.Marlin ever used 3 groove rifling like Springfield trapdoors have ????
In ANY caliber at ANY time ???
I own a 3 digit #1 .44 RF/CF, several #2's and 3's, as well as a couple of Pacifics and a #8 and #9.
They all have multi groove rifling; so when I see a Ballard with 3 groove rifling it makes wonder WTH ???

I haven't seen any Marlin Ballard #1.5 with 3 groove rifling, and sure would be interested in seeing that! All I've seen were 6 wide grooves with narrow lands, and my #1.5 is the same. There's an excellent picture of the Ballard rifling on page 137 of John Dutcher's great book on these guns. The Ballard rifling didn't change, and was still in use in modern Marlin repeaters long after the Ballard ceased production by Marlin.
I would guess the .44 that Frank described was most likely either an #0 or #1 Ballard, and not a #1.5 model. The earlier models were assembled from Brown Mfg. parts, and would explain the 3 groove barrel.
My 1.5 is also a .40 caliber, a .40-63 Everlasting to be exact; also known as .40-70 Ballard. They also were made in .40-65 Everlasting, and .45-70
The #1.5 was the first Marlin Ballard made completely of newly manufactured Marlin parts, and the first firged frame Ballard. They came with round top receivers with flat sides, full round barrels, and straight grip stocks. Levers used were either ring type, early S with the tail turned under, or the typical S style used on many later Ballard rifles. They are very tough to find, and I just found the one I own this year, after 20+ years of trying to own one.
(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

My .45-70 is the "normal" six wide groove, narrow land rifling.  Serial is 10159.  Round barrel, rebated octagon top receiver, single trigger, straight grip.  Maybe it is not  factory as the barrel has a tiny stamped "Browning Bros, Ogdon, U.T." and ".45 Govt" on top, but the serial number on the barrel and the fore end match the action number.

The JM Marlin .40-63 1 1/2 example in my possession (SN~6240) has "normal" Ballard rifling. Also has the "octagonal"-top frame. All numbers match.

Grant mentions an August, 1927, American Rifleman article, "The Early Ballard", by LD Satterlee in his first book. Maybe the 3-groove rifling is addressed there?

xtimberman wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2014 at 12:26pm:


Sounds like a very interesting #1.5 you have! From what I've gathered the round top receivers were used well into the 4 digit serial numbers, and many are found with 5 digit numbers. Your number might be one of the lowest serial number octagon top #1.5 I've ever heard of. It's a lower number than some round top receivers I've seen!

marlinguy wrote on Mar 1^st, 2014 at 10:04pm:


I respectfully refer you to the following link:
(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
If not factory original, perhaps someone managed to turn down a trapdoor barrel and used it as a liner ??

Yeah, it's got some rough spots.
I received a photo of the open breech, and that end looks almost like the barrel face had been welded or something.
A person would have to view it up close to be certain of what, if anything has been done to it.