ASSRA Forum - CC Johnson/Marlin Ballard 22LR

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CC Johnson/Marlin Ballard 22LR (Read 372 times)

Springhilligan Newbie Offline Posts: 3 Joined: Dec 3^rd, 2025	CC Johnson/Marlin Ballard 22LR Dec 4^th, 2025 at 1:32pm	Print Post
	I picked up a really nice Single Shot with a Weaver Optic. The Barrel is stamped CC Johnson, and the Receiver is I believe a Marlin Ballard. I live close to Thackery, Ohio and am intrigued with the story of CC Johnson and his gunsmithing. I work on guns and have a small shop so that enhances my interest as well. SN on bottom of receiver by the forearm is 31510. Does anyone have any information on the gun and maker? I would love to hear from you. Thanks!!


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marlinguy Frequent Elocutionist Offline Ballards may be weaker, but they sure are neater! Posts: 17427 Location: Oregon Joined: Feb 2^nd, 2009	Re: CC Johnson/Marlin Ballard 22LR Reply #1 - Dec 4^th, 2025 at 2:20pm	Print Post
	Your Ballard began life as a Marlin Ballard #3 Gallery rifle as it has a 3 line address on the left side, and no firing pin retainer screw. The serial number would guess makes it around 1886-87 era. Those are great little .22RF rifles. The addition of a CC Johnson (likely Diller) barrel makes the barrel and forearm a custom job, while the action and buttstock are original #3 Ballard. Johnson's barrels have a reputation for being very accurate .22 barrels, and it should shoot well. Here's a great post from his grandson you might enjoy: (You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links)

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Springhilligan Newbie Offline Posts: 3 Joined: Dec 3^rd, 2025	Re: CC Johnson/Marlin Ballard 22LR Reply #2 - Dec 4^th, 2025 at 7:28pm	Print Post
	Thank you for all the great history on the Marlin. It's hard to believe how old it is. Oh the stories she could tell!! thank you again!!!


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marlinguy Frequent Elocutionist Offline Ballards may be weaker, but they sure are neater! Posts: 17427 Location: Oregon Joined: Feb 2^nd, 2009	Re: CC Johnson/Marlin Ballard 22LR Reply #3 - Dec 5^th, 2025 at 11:44am	Print Post
	Springhilligan wrote on Dec 4^th, 2025 at 7:28pm: Thank you for all the great history on the Marlin. It's hard to believe how old it is. Oh the stories she could tell!! thank you again!!! You're welcome. All Ballards are very old since none were sold after 1891.

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Jonathan Newbie Offline Posts: 5 Location: ny Joined: Sep 5^th, 2025	Re: CC Johnson/Marlin Ballard 22LR Reply #4 - yesterday at 12:52pm	Print Post
	I also own a C.C. Johnson Ballard. I'm not sure what model it was originally but it has the loop lever which was altered to take a butt ugly brass set of finger grooves. The buttstock seems to be original in Scheutzen configuration with the heavy nickeled Swiss buttplate and it has double set triggers. A 30" Stevens half round #3 barrel was installed with scope blocks and I believe that a winchester forearm was used because it has the ebony inlay on the end. The 22LR marking on the barrel looks to be original Stevens and next to it are the C.C. Johnson markings. The serial number is 26264 and it has a cast reciever. I bought this from a gun shop that was just opening up and the unknowledgeable owner had it marked as a Stevens single shot 22 for $450. My wrist still hurts from getting my wallet out so fast. Overall the rifle is in very good condition with a bright shiny bore. and it is the most accurate 22 that I have ever owned. I have won a few matches with it and take great joy in beating the kids with a 130+ year old rifle. You've got a good one there.


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marlinguy Frequent Elocutionist Offline Ballards may be weaker, but they sure are neater! Posts: 17427 Location: Oregon Joined: Feb 2^nd, 2009	Re: CC Johnson/Marlin Ballard 22LR Reply #5 - yesterday at 3:48pm	Print Post
	Jonathan wrote yesterday at 12:52pm: I believe that a winchester forearm was used because it has the ebony inlay on the end. The 22LR marking on the barrel looks to be original Stevens and next to it are the C.C. Johnson markings. The serial number is 26264 and it has a cast reciever. 130+ year old rifle. You've got a good one there. Early Ballard rifles with JM Marlin rollstamp also had the V insert in their forearms.

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Springhilligan Newbie Offline Posts: 3 Joined: Dec 3^rd, 2025	Re: CC Johnson/Marlin Ballard 22LR Reply #6 - yesterday at 9:28pm	Print Post
	I bought mine on an online auction so wasn't sure what to expect. They had 1 pic and all it said was CC Johnson rifle. That was enough for me to want it. Feel like I did all right on the price. 400$ seemed great to me. It is now hanging in my gun shop with a NFS tag on it. Its a true peice of history and craftsmanship. Thanks for the responses. Hope I get some more!!


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