Thread: Marlin Ballard restoration

Well here I go again

Just finally got my Marlin Ballard Perfection no.4 38-55 rifle
Circa 1880
It's been a long search for a very rare rifle in NZ
But to me this is the pick of the Marlin Ballard single trigger hunting rifles because it has the forged Norway steel frame
So can safely be shot with care and could take game again

The pros are
Its totally complete with every original part correct and no additional holes or modifictaions
Complete number matching rifle . Ballards have serial numbers on 7 different major parts
Its a 38-55
The walnut butt stock is exceptional
It has a shotgun butt plate which is much nicer to shoot and despite being hard rubber it isn't cracked

The cons
The fore end hanger screw ia not correct
The hammer picot hole is slogged out and split through the back which has thrown out the half cock firing pin protrusion
The fore end has a small chip and an old repair done with pink panelbeaters bog