Me either. I got it cheap too. The previous owner had feed issues and sent it back to the factory for repairs. Apparently the owner lost interest after that and posted it for sale. The rifle languished in the classifieds without a single hit for about two weeks so I made a modest offer. The seller accepted. I have since had the action smoothed and the trigger set at a crisp 3 lbs.
The checkering on the buttstock appears to be cut. The theory among the guys at Marlin Owners is that the wood was left over from previous manufacture and just assembled by Remington. In essence, I may have JM wood. LOL
This rifle shares space with seven other 444s. I am a 444 fan. :-)
T.S.
That's pretty cool. I always preferred the 45-70 and 450M. Only since 444 prices skyrocketed have I decided I need one.
