The 444Marlin is a bit more than a short range gun. If its a pre-safety, I think they can do with a barrel lop as they are slightly nose heavy. I'm setting mine up to be used more next year ... either the 300gr Speer Uni-Cor or new 280gr Woodleigh ... I'll lop the barrel to 19" ... paint the action and stock for weather durability ... fit a Skinner rear peep and replace the front sight with a blade sight.
I've owned both 45/70 and 444Marlin and oddly find the later more versatile and interesting.
Cheers...
Con
