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mb3240
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Scopes used on Marlin Ballard 32-40
Dec 28th, 2014 at 12:48pm
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Eyes aren't what they used to be so was wondering what type, if any, scope would have been used on a Marlin Ballard 32-40. I would like to keep the design as close as possible to what would have been used.   Also, are scopes allowed at any of the matches?
« Last Edit: Dec 28th, 2014 at 1:22pm by »  
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QuestionableMaynard8130
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Re: Scopes used on Marlin Ballard 23-40
Reply #1 - Dec 28th, 2014 at 1:30pm
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Scopes are allowed in any match designated as "scopes only" or "AS--any sight".   For some matches (depending on organization) there may be restrictions on the type of scope.  Typically a match, class, or organization designated "traditional" means a early style scope (generally straight tube or relatively small diameter objective with outside adjustable mounts--some allow "clickable" mounts some require earlier style click less mounts) 
  In ASSRA matches "any scope" is literally that, sealed modern inside adjustable scopes or older outside adjust target scopes are permitted.  Our "traditional class" designation you are using outside adjust scopes of the early or "classic era---- winchester/lyman a-series scopes, Lyman Targetspots, Unertls, Feckers, Lischerts, etc.  
{the Quarter Bore side match requires early style scopes as best I recall. Their rules, as are the overall ASSRA rules, are posted here on the site}

Unless you are going to compete in an organization and/or matches with more restrictive rules you'll find that your 32-40 MB  outfitted with Lyman Targetspot or a Unertl, Fecker, Lischert target/varmint scope will pretty much fit right in with most of the rest of the rifles on the range. 

 Modern internal adjust target scopes work as well but they tend to be short eye relief and getting them mounted and positioned properly on a single shot action often requires special extended scope mounts.  
A good compromise, between the two, if you can find one is the long discontinued Redfield 3200's the long tube gives a more or less traditional appearance and good eye relief with out some of the mounting issues.

first step is to check the rules of the organization and the matches you are interested in participating in.
« Last Edit: Dec 28th, 2014 at 1:37pm by QuestionableMaynard8130 »  

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marlinguy
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Re: Scopes used on Marlin Ballard 32-40
Reply #2 - Dec 28th, 2014 at 9:29pm
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If you're looking to replicate what might have been on a Ballard rifle when new, then a Malcolm is probably the only choice for guns built before 1890.
But a lot of Ballards got fitted with scopes much later in the 20's and 30's, and often those were either Stevens scopes, Winchester scopes, or early Lyman scopes. There are a few very rare scopes also, but probably have trouble finding them today. 
Two of my old Ballard rifles have Stevens scopes. One with Stevens mounts, and one with Pope mounts. The third has a Winchester A5 scope in Stevens mounts. 
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Could put an old Marlin #1 or #2 scope on it also, but they are only 4x. The #1 is a 3 point rear mount, and the #2 is a 4 point rear mount.
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« Last Edit: Dec 28th, 2014 at 9:37pm by marlinguy »  

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boats
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Re: Scopes used on Marlin Ballard 32-40
Reply #3 - Dec 29th, 2014 at 6:40am
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In a reproduction MVA's B 5 is as close as you are going to get. Exact copy of the Winchester scope.

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Re: Scopes used on Marlin Ballard 32-40
Reply #4 - Dec 29th, 2014 at 7:35am
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boats wrote on Dec 29th, 2014 at 6:40am:
In a reproduction MVA's B 5 is as close as you are going to get. Exact copy of the Winchester scope.
Boats

Big 'up-sides' to the MVA B-5 is the modern glass & coatings which provide a much brighter sight-picture and warranty/repair service should it ever be needed. Be difficult to find a better company to deal with than MVA and getting a vintage scope serviced is a real PITA these days. The 3-4 folks out there that do the work have a long wait-time and limited parts.
  

Glenn - Stevens 044 1/2, Bartlein SS 5R barrel in 22LR
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marlinguy
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Re: Scopes used on Marlin Ballard 32-40
Reply #5 - Dec 29th, 2014 at 11:04am
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Yes, getting any old scope worked on is a huge pain! I have a friend who does it, but wants to remain anonymous, as he's got more work than he wants already. He rebuilt and antiqued an old Tasco full length scope for me, plus a few ols Stevens and Lymans scopes. The full length Tasco is better optics than any old full length scope I've ever looked through! Plus much finer crosshair than the original heavy/crude crosshairs.
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Re: Scopes used on Marlin Ballard 32-40
Reply #6 - Dec 29th, 2014 at 12:13pm
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I looked high and low a long time for a small original scope. Winchester A5's  Unertl Small Games etc. Most cost more than MVA's mid 500 dollar range and more than half had issues. Scope repair being as difficult as it is unless Original is critical go with the MVA.

Note they are not on MVA's web site. They do have them just have to phone.



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Re: Scopes used on Marlin Ballard 32-40
Reply #7 - Dec 29th, 2014 at 4:27pm
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Here is link to the MVA site with the Winchester B5 scopes - (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
Google is your friend.
  
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Re: Scopes used on Marlin Ballard 32-40
Reply #8 - Dec 29th, 2014 at 6:00pm
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Marlinguy - great looking Hepburn. Especially nice with that loonnnggggg scope. Mine is only 28" and is now feeling inadequate. Wink
  

Glenn - Stevens 044 1/2, Bartlein SS 5R barrel in 22LR
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Re: Scopes used on Marlin Ballard 32-40
Reply #9 - Dec 29th, 2014 at 6:12pm
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long-scope envy ?????      VBG
  

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Re: Scopes used on Marlin Ballard 32-40
Reply #10 - Dec 29th, 2014 at 8:21pm
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"long-scope envy ????? "  - not for a 4x.
  
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Re: Scopes used on Marlin Ballard 32-40
Reply #11 - Dec 29th, 2014 at 8:58pm
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just wondering,  say you had a given x power in differing lengths of those NVA scopes, maybe the Win/Lyman 5 and one of the full length tubes.    what would be the difference in them when looking through them?  brightness?  field of view? etc etc, assuming the only variable would be the overall length.
  

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Re: Scopes used on Marlin Ballard 32-40
Reply #12 - Dec 29th, 2014 at 9:14pm
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I have a full length 36" MVA 6pr and a 23" MVA 6pr both are very bright for 3/4" scopes.I saw one of there B5 scopes and it was also bright and clear.Also there customer service is outstanding.Robert. Smiley
  
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Re: Scopes used on Marlin Ballard 32-40
Reply #13 - Dec 30th, 2014 at 8:36am
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Notice no difference in brightness between the 23" & 28" MVA scopes. They are so bright that I use the MVA with its 6x power rather than a higher power STS or Unertl, which seem dim by comparison. Prefer the sharpness/clarity of the MVA. Personal preference.

Have not looked thru their B-5 model, which is available in 3x, 4x & 5x.
  

Glenn - Stevens 044 1/2, Bartlein SS 5R barrel in 22LR
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marlinguy
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Re: Scopes used on Marlin Ballard 32-40
Reply #14 - Dec 30th, 2014 at 12:24pm
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.22Hepburn wrote on Dec 29th, 2014 at 8:21pm:
"long-scope envy ????? "  - not for a 4x.


That reworked long scope is no longer a 4x. It is around 8x now.
  

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