Marlin Ballard Pacific No. 5 .40-63 30″ Single Shot Rifle 1882-1890 Antique

SOLD FOR: $2625

LSB#: 210906MB33

Make: Marlin Ballard

Model: Ballard Pacific No. 5

Serial Number: 30552

Year of Manufacture: 1882-1890 Antique

Caliber: .40-63

Action Type: Single-Shot Falling Block Rifle with Double Set Triggers

Markings: The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The top of the barrel is marked “40-63”. The left side of the receiver is marked “MARLIN FIREARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CT. U.S.A. / BALLARD’S. PATENT. NOV 5. 1861.”

Barrel Length: 30” Octagonal

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a globe sight with a post reticle atop a ramped riser that is slotted in a base and dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight has been replaced with a blank dovetail. The top of the receiver has two drilled, tapped, and filled holes for installation of a peep sight (not included).

Stock Configuration and Condition: The custom stocks are two-piece checkered wood with schnabel tipped forearm that has a white inlay and a hole with the included cleaning rod, pistol grip with an S-shaped bottom and triangle inlay, straight comb, cheekpiece, and a crescent steel buttplate. The wood has been refinished. There are numerous tiny draglines and compressions on the buttstock and just a few on the forearm. The checkering is generally well defined with a minor interruption on the right side of the pistol grip. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 1/4” & 13 1/4” from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate, which shows thinning along the edges and erosion at the heel. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued w/ Case Colored Lever

Finish Originality: Refinished with cold blue touch up on the receiver and barrel.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with defined rifling. There are a couple of faint patches of erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its current metal finish. There are some scattered saint scratches and dings in the metal. Most of the case coloring on the lever has gone mute but some can still be seen. There is a light patina under the cold bluing on the barrel. There is light erosion on the lever. The screwheads show light use with serviceable slots. Two of the screws on the top of the receiver are not original to the receiver. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition as Antique and refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Included is an Antique loading box with lead bullets and an assortment of 30-40 Krag brass.

Our Assessment: The most famous Marlin-Ballard model of the Old West—the No. 5 Pacific Rifle —was nearly indistinguishable from its Montana cousin. The slightly lighter Pacific first appeared in 1882 and was in production until 1890, when a reorganized Marlin FireArms dropped the Ballard line. This rifle is in about Fine condition as Antique with a feather-light set trigger. Please see our photos and happy bidding!

Marlin Ballard Pacific No. 5 .40-63 30" Single Shot Rifle 1882-1890 Antique
Marlin Ballard Pacific No. 5 .40-63 30″ Single Shot Rifle 1882-1890 Antique