Have the Marlin 30-30's always been rifled Micro-Groove?

[Smoke-um if you got-um]

Would anybody happen to know when the Micro- Groove rifling began and/or/if the pre Micro- Groove rifling ended specifically for the Marlin 30-30's ?

[doubs43]

This link will answer your question as to the date that Microgroove rifling was introduced:

http://www.leverguns.com/articles/fryxell/microgrove-barrels.htm

It seems that some 30-30 rifles still use Microgroove rifling while the stainless models use Ballard rifling.

[Smoke-um if you got-um]

Thank you much. That link answered my question completely. My new stainless did not appear to have the same rifling as my old blue one, which prompted the question. Thanks again. Mike

[NHlever]

There are two different micro groove barrel specifications that Marlin has used over the years. The early micro groove barrels were .305 bore size, and had 16 grooves, the newer ones are the more common .301-.302 bore size with 12 grooves. You can see why there is a difference of opinion in how they handle cast boolits. Some of the new Marlins with "Ballard Rifling" actually have the same groove depth as current micro groove barrels. I was a bit disappointed that the new Lyman manual perpetuated the myth that all micro groove barrels needed hard boolits driven not faster than 1600 fps. As many here can confirm, that is simply not true. On the other hand the old micro groove barrels that had rifling only .00075 deep, and .305 bores did need as much bearing surface, and diameter as possible to shoot well. In my .35 Remington Marlin, I use the same max load of AA-2015 behind both the 200 gr jacketed RN, and the RCBS 35-200 FN. The point of impact is the same at 100 yards, and they both shoot very well indeed. Of course that rifle has the newer, and deeper 12 groove micro groove rifling.

[excess650]

Its interesting to hear that Marlin was still using MG on the 30-30s. My 336CB 30-30 has "Ballard rifling". 1894C of the same period had also switched from MG to Ballard Rifling.

[northmn]

One of my sources stated that microgroove was produced on select rifles in 1953 and by 1956 was a standard item. Those that do not shoot cast bullets were said to have an abrupt leade or a rough bore. The leade has recently been changed to accomodate better cast performance. Brian Pierce, THE LEGACY OF LEVERGUNS< on a history of Marlins. I have a 336 Cowboy 30-30 with Ballard rifling that is about the biggest no-brainer with cast bullet shooting I have seen.

DP

[NHlever]

This link will answer your question as to the date that Microgroove rifling was introduced:

http://www.leverguns.com/articles/fryxell/microgrove-barrels.htm

It seems that some 30-30 rifles still use Microgroove rifling while the stainless models use Ballard rifling.

Thanks for posting that link. It seems pretty clear. I don't have a clue where my head was when I said the early micro groove rifling was .00075 deep. After all the dimensions I gave (.305 bore, and .308 groove) come out a lot closer to the .0015 that Glen was quoting. :D

[Patrick L]

Nothing to add here except I have my Dad's early 50's 336 with cut rifling and it too is a no brainer with cast. It is not even drilled & tapped for a scope mount so I don't really know how well it could shoot. I put a Williams receiver sight on it, and if I told you how small some of the 100 yard groups it has shot with both plainbase and gascheck boolits are, you would call me a liar.

My father in law also has a pre micro groove Marlin .30-30, his the full 24" rifle (my Dad's is a standard carbine.) I need to borrow that and see what it will do with cast. I expect it will do quite well.

[PatMarlin]

One of the many test projects I want to get to. I've got 1949 ballard and 1970 micro in 30-30. I know my 1970 shoots cast well. Some fool D&T'd the 49' so I can mount a scope on it.

[pls1911]

I have several 40's and 50s Marlins, and they're a natural with cast bullets.
I refuse to put holes in a pristine reciever, so I picked up a '49 with a vintage Redfield scope already mounted. It's a peach out of the Northeast and appears to have spent it's life mostly in a dark dry closet. I hope to shoot it next week, and expect it to be as good as every other Marlin.

[Jon K]

Contrary to the article in leverguns.com, I have a 32-20 1894CL DU Commemorative circa '97 or '98 with Ballard rifling.

Jon

[northmn]

My Marlin CB is probably made in the 90's. Marlin made a few special rifles in Ballard rifling and still do. They ahve recently made 45-70's and 444's with Ballard rifling as standard and do so with their CB models. The primary 336 line in 30-30 or 35 Rem is microgrooved.

DP

[coford]

I have a 1959 Marlin 30-30 with Ballard rifling. I bought the rifle from the original owner (he still had the receipt) and it was never worked on or returned to the factory. So ALL Marlin 336's did not have micro-groove when the article stated. My receiver top is checkered and without mount holes and the wood is very nice - as if this was a deluxe grade - maybe that is why????????????????????????

[Gaterskiner]

It's not A 1959 then! What is the serial # prefix? They started D&T ing them in 1955.

Microgroove rifling started 55-56

[PatMarlin]

First model 1950 35 Remington Ballard Rifling (stock refinished by BEN):

http://www.patmarlins.com/1950Marlin6.jpg


1950 ad on the first 35 Rem-

"The Worlds Greatest Brush Gun"

http://www.patmarlins.com/FirstMarlin35ad.jpg



http://www.patmarlins.com/1950Marlin4.jpg