Frankenstain Marlin?

[gunrunner8]

I bought a J.C.Higgins mod 45 lever action rifle in 35Rem last October with 20" barrel, full lenght tube magazine, pistol grip, walnut stock, no checkering, everything appears original in nice condition, #W 180** and this is what buggs me. I found out that year of production is 1963 and this is Marlin 336C, so how come Marlin switched to microgroove barrels in mid 50' but my rifle has 8 deep Ballard style lands and grooves? Either previous owner switched the barrels or Sears Roebuck & Co ordered them that way. What gives? I would like to find more about it; how many were produced? are they up to Marlin high standard? are the tapped holes in receiver will match Marlin scope bases in case I would like to scope it? will refinishing the stock be a good idea in case the rifle is collectible? Thank to you all for any kind of answer to my questions.

 

[Whelen B]

I have an original Marlin 356Win made in the early eighties with "microgroove" stamped on the barrel but the rifling is definitely not - it's deep groove. I believe it's six grooves if I remember rightly. So there may be a few Ballard type 35Rems especially if made for a chain store. Maybe older parts were being used up.

I'm guessing the drilling and tapping will be standard Marlin.

You could also ask over on the marlinowners forum.

 

[MD]

I've got a 1957 Sears Model 45, but to be honest I couldn't tell you what kind of rifling it has. Looks normal to me, certainly not 8 grooves. It's a 336 all over except for the name on the barrel. The scope mounting holes are the same as on a 336.

 

[gunrunner8]

I have an original Marlin 356Win made in the early eighties with "microgroove" stamped on the barrel but the rifling is definitely not - it's deep groove. I believe it's six grooves if I remember rightly. So there may be a few Ballard type 35Rems especially if made for a chain store. Maybe older parts were being used up.

I'm guessing the drilling and tapping will be standard Marlin.

You could also ask over on the marlinowners forum.

Thank you, now that your "microgroove" is a Ballard style barrel, I think that mine might be original one too, older one or not and it might be better one to shoot cast bullets to.. I bought Marlin base and it fits right on. Marlinowners forum realy has a mountain of information, thanks again.