Make: J.M. Marlin Arms
Model: No. 2 Ballard Sporting Rifle
Serial Number: 14863 (serial matching barrel)
Year of Manufacture: 1876-1880 / ATF Classification: Antique
Caliber/Gauge: .38 Long
Action Type: Single shot, falling block
Barrel Length: 30"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a large blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable elevation Rocky Mountain rear sight.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished furniture is two piece smooth wood with a straight comb, straight wrist grip, simple forend, and a smooth crescent metal buttplate. The buttplate shows moderate wear, with patina and oxidation. The furniture shows scattered blemishes that have been sanded and finished over. The LOP measures 13.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are several cracks running from the rear of the receiver and a repaired chip. The furniture rates in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued and case color
Finish Originality: Nonoriginal, DuraBlue is applied to the barrel
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn. There is heavy pitting and erosion throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 3/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of the DuraBlue on the barrel, the original finish is almost entirely gone. The finish shows patina, edge wear, oxidation spots, and other typical blemishes. It has a cast frame. The screw heads are lightly tooled and retain turnable slots. The markings are worn, and some are incomplete. Overall, this rifle rates in Fair to Good condition as an Antique.
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly, as it is quite loose and will not lock up tight with the hammer cocked. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Ballard No. 2 Sporting Rifle was one of the more common sporting configurations of the celebrated Ballard single-shot action and was produced by J.M. Marlin and later the Marlin Firearms Company. The No. 2 as having been manufactured in .32 and .38 rimfire or centerfire and .44 centerfire chamberings, with 26", 28", and 30" barrels and Rocky Mountain-type open sights. The .32 and .38 versions employed John Marlin’s reversible firing-pin system, allowing the appropriate rimfire or centerfire cartridge to be used depending upon firing-pin orientation. This example is chambered in .38 Long and retains a serial-matching 30" barrel. Its J.M. Marlin-era manufacture places it among the earlier Marlin-produced Ballards, before the company name transitioned to Marlin Firearms Co. around the time of incorporation in 1881.
This rifle retains about 10% of the later DuraBlue finish applied to the barrel, with essentially none of its original metal finish remaining. The metal surfaces display extensive patina, oxidation, edge wear, and other age-related blemishes. The refinished wood furniture shows old blemishes that have been sanded and finished over, several cracks extending rearward from the receiver, and a repaired chip, rating in Good condition. The bore is dark with worn rifling and heavy pitting and erosion throughout, rating 3/10. The screw heads are lightly tooled with serviceable slots, while the markings are worn and some are incomplete. Of particular importance, the action is loose and does not lock tightly with the hammer cocked. This remains an identifiable antique J.M. Marlin Ballard No. 2 Sporting Rifle with its matching-numbered barrel. Overall, this rifle rates in Fair to Good condition as an Antique. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!
