Home Forums Lever Action Central Marlin 336 Lever Actions M1895 45-70 production dates

JStor, how many grooves does the rifling have in your rifle?

It looks like 10 with a 22 inch barrel.

Interesting. I believe you have a Douglas barrel without Microgroove. The Marlin 1895 45-70 Microgroove barrels had 12 grooves. The current Ballard rifling has six grooves.

That is interesting. Thanks for the information. The rifle has a Williams Foolproof installed, and the only thing I ever shot with it was a bear. It has the slight crescent butt with plastic butt plate. I will take another look at the rifling when I have time and verify what I counted. Thanks again.

Well , mine is Ser. No . B003882 . I know it is not micro groove but I'm thinking 4 lands . It is at the smith's now so I can't confirm that but we were talking about it yesterday and I thought I counted 4 .

Just joining this group today because of this post I came across while trying to figure out the date of my 45-70 as well, which I now know is a 1972 model. Going by the formula of subtracting the first two digits of the serial number from 100 wasn't making sense because I always thought the first number was a B but then just figured it was a worn #3 die in the stamping process or something so assumed it was a 3 but then that wasn't making sense either because that would have made it a 1970 which after reading your post makes that impossible. So BO it is!👍

Just joining this group today because of this post I came across while trying to figure out the date of my 45-70 as well, which I now know is a 1972 model. Going by the formula of subtracting the first two digits of the serial number from 100 wasn't making sense because I always thought the first number was a B but then just figured it was a worn #3 die in the stamping process or something so assumed it was a 3 but then that wasn't making sense either because that would have made it a 1970 which after reading your post makes that impossible. So BO it is!👍

Would you happen to know what sights were used for the 1972 45-70? Mine rear sight is a Lymon and looks original to the gun and was on it when my dad purchased it in the late 70's. I would send you a picture but this is my first day being a member to this site and I have no clue on how I would do that! Lol if you have FB you can Instant message me also. My name is Dan Fenlason and the picture I have set for my profile is a silver squarebody chevy with an American flag in front of it. Thanks!

I'm looking at B003858 in my hands. Pretty cool coincidence...

Micro-groove barrels are marked as such on the barrel

I just accidentally tripped on this thread, but found the information absolutely invaluable. I have a B0000XX that I bought used in 79 or 80. The owner threw in 50-60 pieces of brass and I still have the owners manual somewhere around here. One of the most fun rifles I've ever owned!

I have B003041. I got it in a pawn shop about 5 years ago for $400. It’s well used but not abused and a fun rifle.