I've been trying to figure out when the 1895SS became just plain 1895, when Marlin switched from MicroGroove to Ballard rifling, and if the model designation corresponds to that change.

From looking through old Gun Digest, Shooters Bible, and Gun Traders Guides (of which I don't have consectuive years of publication) and a spotty collection of Marlin catalogs, my best guess is that both the rifling type and name change occurred in 2001 (2000 models 1895SS w/MicroGroove; 2001's were 1895 w/Ballard) and that rifling and model designation are related.

Can someone please tell me if I'm correct and, if not, what the real deal is? Thanks. -WSJ