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View attachment 1107512 View attachment 1107516 View attachment 1107512 1952 39A. Very nice condition. Has a weaver 330 scope. Anyone know when the Ballard rifling ended and micro groove began? Got this for $750. I'm pretty happy.
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Mr. Olsen , Congratulations on you new 39a . I also have a J- prefix 1952 model. It has slowly become my favorite squirrel rifle. Marlin received the patent for the micro-groove process in 1953. However because the had so many pre-produced barrels the microgroove stamped barrels didn’t really show up til 1954. If you run across an L-prefix 1954 with Ballard rifling’s you have yourself a fairly rare find.
Over the years I have found that my Ballard rifled Marlins tend to group better with round nosed lead 22 offerings. For reasons I don’t know the copper plated or copper washed bullets while the still do well tend to have groups that open up ( a bit ). I have also noticed that squared edges bullets like Federal Auto-Match do not cycle as smoothly in my older Marlins, nor does any Winchester offerings. Also stay away from CCI stingers.
My 1951 peanut , 1952, the 1950 ( all Ballard rifling) all three seem to perform group size and cycling wise with Aguila super extra lead nosed sub sonic. That being said the also like CCI, Blazer, RWS subsonic, Fiochi, Norma tac-22 (black box), and Aguila super extra copper washed.
The hammer modification was done most like because someone didn’t like hammer spurs (me either) . As for period correct scopes that will be a little tricky. If you find one that is guaranteed to function correctly then the seller will most likely want top $$ for it. ( I learned that lesson the hard way) Also for that time period Weaver, Bushnell, and Redfield are going to be your easiest to find offerings, and your least expensive.
I hope you have as many great memories with your Ballard Marlin as I have mine, but be warned grandson’s quickly start laying claim to them ……… sorry for rambling hope some of this helps , Tentwing
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