Marlin 336A FirstYear of Switch from Ballard to Microgroove?

[Big Paulie]

Hey Guys,

   I am looking at a 336A, in 35 Remington, made sometime between 1958 and 1963.  I don't know what type of rifling it has.  Does anybody know what year was the first year that Marlin switched from the ballard rifling to the Micro-groove rifling on the 336 A?

Thanks very much for all information.

Best Regards,

Big Paulie

[leverfan]

According to Rifles of the World, Marlin went to microgroove in 1956 for most of the 336 line.  Different numbers of grooves were experimented with, but they were all microgroove.  The book is a little vague, so I hope someone else chimes in and confirms or contradicts me.[/u]

[Winter Hawk]

Doug Murray has what appears to be a Marlin press release in his book on the Marlin 336.  It states that Marlin announced they had perfected the Micro-Groove barrel on July 29, 1953, after much R&D.  It was first introduced in the 89-C semi-automatic in .22 long rifle.  It was then offered in other .22s.  "In July of 1956 Marlin announced that all Marlin high-power rifles and carbines would have Micro-Groove barrels as standard equipment."

-WH-