I've got a common Marlin 1894S in 44 mag that was bought new in early 1998 and it's got the ballard rifling, 20", with the 38" twist. A old timer told me his used to foul pretty often until he shot a couple hundred jkt bullets through it and smoothed it out some (long revolver barrel, I think). I've mostly shot cast with mine but have shot enough jkt too. It's smooth enough now that I can shoot hard cast better than the jkt in it. Like the others have said, shooting it will wear it in fine. BM

Bill