Swampthing, I have in sitting next to me a rifle similar to yours. I picked it up about 3 years ago now. I was in the market for a Winchester (new production) 1886 L.W. when I stumbled upon this one in the used rack. Marlin 1895 S/N BOOXXXX, staight stock as they were when they first came out, round barrel/half magazine, front sight dovetailed in the barrel and cresent, or what I would refer to as a semi-crecent butt. The one thing I've been trying to determine is the ballard rifling issue. I have 2 written acounts from writers, Brian Pearce, and Ken Waters stating while they have heard that ballard rifling was used on the first ones, they have not, to date, come across any. I would echo that, as I have not seen any to date either. Mine has Microgroove rifling as does a friend of mines rifle and there is no stamping on the barrel saying so.(could this be where the assumption comes from?). I might add, His has a period scope on his, a Weaver 3X with a post reticile! I added a A.O. ghost ring with their post front sight. I bought it on a closeout for $25.00, I was on a roll that day. I shoot 400 gr. LBT LFN that I cast from wheelweights. So far it has accounted for one Wis. Black bear and one Montana Bison. You've got yourself one hell of a rifle there, I know I do. CRASH87
