Manufactured c. 1881 to the early 1890s, these Marlin Ballard rifles were highly prized by competitive target shooters around the turn of the century, with this example showing the upgrades and modifications desired by just such a shooter. The most notable modification is the no. 3 weight Winchester barrel chambered in .22 LR. The left side of the action has the standard Marlin and Ballard markings and the serial number is on the bottom. The barrel has the standard Winchester markings. The barrel is fitted with a windgauge front sight, two scope blocks/bases at the rear, and there is a Vernier peep sight mounted on the upper tang. The scope blocks are currently fitted with a Lyman Junior Targetspot scope. It is mounted with a custom-made forearm with cork palm rest (some absent pieces of cork) and a checkered Schuetzen type buttstock with a straight grip, cheek piece, and a nickeled Swiss pattern buttplate. Includes a J. Unertl 20 power scope with bases and a hardwood scope carry case.

Fine as period upgraded, retaining 50% of the factory blue finish on the Winchester barrel with some scattered patches of light pitting. The receiver shows faint case color patterns, the balance a grey patina, and some scattered patches of light pitting. The wood is fine with some scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Both of the scopes are very good with clear optics.