Ballard No. 8 Union Hill
Marlin Firearms · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1884
Also known as: Marlin Ballard No. 8 Union Hill, Ballard Union Hill No. 8
Overview
The Ballard No. 8 Union Hill is a single-shot falling-block target rifle produced by Marlin Firearms from 1884 to 1890. Built on John M. Marlin's improved Ballard action, it was marketed as a moderately priced offhand and Schuetzen rifle for the working man, offered chiefly in .32-40 and .38-55. It came standard with a part-round, part-octagon barrel, double set triggers, a checkered pistol-grip walnut stock with cheekpiece, a nickel-plated offhand buttplate, an adjustable tang peep sight, and a globe front sight.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4377 g (154.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1170 mm (46.06") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Set |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 439 m/s (1440 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1030 J (760 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32-40 Winchester · primary — also known as .32-40 Ballard, .32-40 WCF, .32-40
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech Loading
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Hammer
- Features: Double Set Triggers, Tang Peep Sight, Globe Front Sight, Checkered Pistol Grip Stock, Cheekpiece, Nickel Plated Buttplate, Part Octagon Barrel, Color Case Hardened Receiver
Base model
Service history
Operators
- American target and offhand shooters · adopted 1884
Production
Production years: 1884-1890
One of the most popular models in the Ballard target line during its production run.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: John Mahlon Marlin
Discontinued: 1890
Notes
Sold for $37.50 in its first year and $34 thereafter; a windgauge front sight and improved mid-range peep sight were available for an extra $3. Numbered alongside the closely related No. 9 Union Hill in Marlin's Ballard target line.
Background
Named for the Union Hill range, the No. 8 and its sibling No. 9 were Marlin's bid to put a genuine match-grade Schuetzen rifle within reach of the ordinary shooter; the .32-40 cartridge introduced for these rifles became a benchmark black-powder target round.