[Jeff Higgins]

Nice Martini there, Tabs. We have a lot of Canadians that used to come down for our mid and long range matches that used the Martini. Hell for stout, very rigid action. They ususally did quite well.

The Ballard action was prefered by many match shooters back in the day. Its central hammer, with its very short throw, made for the fastest lock time of all of the outside hammer single shots. They generally had very nice triggers as well, making them quite well suited to match shooting.

They were not as strong as the typical falling block single shots, so they were kind of limited as far as the larger hunting and long range match calibers. Their real forte was Schuetzen, a fun little game played at 200 or 220 yards. Many were converted to rimfire for the once very popular indoor matches. I don't recall offhand who Eric Johnson was; I'll check some of my references when I get home tonight. Some of these conversions, from the more prominent 'smiths, are quite valuable today.

The ornate stock on your friend's rifle was typical of the Schuetzen game, and its indoor .22 counterpart. The forearm looks a bit unusual, however. It looks more suited to rest shooting than off-hand, but rest shooting was a part of the Schuetzen game as well. Is there a socket on the bottom of the forearm to accept a palm rest like tab's Martini?

The rebated ledge on the side of the action where the barrel screws into it indicates later manufacture. The ledge is most visible in your third picture; the shadow below the octagon flat. It indicates the later, much stronger steel action that Marlin brought as an improvement when they purchased the failing Ballard Rifle Company. Prior to Marlin's purchase, the Ballard used a cast iron action that was notably weak. They tried to make up for it with their "Everlasting" shells; a very thick brass shell with a huge rim. Proprietary to the original Ballard company, I don't think Marlin continued them after their purchase. The later, stronger Ballard actions were chambered for more "normal" cartridges; .32-40, .38-55, .45-70, etc. I think Marlin purchased Ballard some time in the late '70's or early '80's. Again, I'll check my references.

At any rate, that is one hell of a nice rifle. I'm sure it shoots quite well. It is quite safe to shoot with modern rimfire ammo; stick to the standard velocity stuff and it should be very accurate. Nice find.