I've been a fan of Marlin lever guns for decades and some of my favorite firearms are my 39M, 1894 and a few 336's in 30-30 and .35 Rem. But until last week with a fortunate stop at a pawn shop while visiting out of town I had never owned a big-bore lever. This .444 immediately caught my eye as soon as I walked in the door and the salesman told me that the price was "not negotiable", but with a bit of persuasion he finally gave in and lowered it a bit. As a result, I was able to pick this jewel up for a VERY good price, especially in today's market. I have a set of dies and some bullets on the way, so hopefully I can find a bit of brass soon as well.

very nice congrats!

I did not see the caliber mentioned. Care to share?

Oops, sorry, I edited the post to say it's a .444.

She's a beauty. Doesn't get much more American than that right there.

You did great with that one!

Big question; keep the Williams peep or ditch it?

I’d keep it myself.

Please come back with your range report. Very impressive long gun.

I own the same Marlin. It’s the original configuration from when the Marlin/Remington collaboration first designed the 444. Lasted from the mid-60’s until 1970 when Marlin did a redesign by shortening the barrel and changing the stock.

These originals are exceptionally well made firearms and very accurate, I load mine with a close to maximum charge of H4198 and a Hornady 265 grain FP. Mounted a period Nikon 2x7 scope. It groups 3 shots at 100 yds into an inch and a quarter with boring regularity. Functions like a Swiss watch.

Very nice! I love my .444

Nice find!

I believe some of those early models were fitted with a shell lifter that allowed an OAL of 2.65”.

Absolutely one of my favorite rifles and calibers....shoot it!

Waiting to get some brass!

Very nice. I had a very similar rifle, 1969 model. I sold it when I had to move across the country. I regret selling as it’s a perfect North Country deer rifle. I’ll own another at some point, fun rifle. I ended up buying a 300 grain mold from Mountain Molds. The .444 with a 300 grainer is quite impressive.

Yes it is.

Loaded with LBT-type bullets, it becomes much more capable of dealing with very large bodied animals than with the lighter 240 grain projectiles, broadening the capability of the cartridge no small amount.

https://mountainmolds.com/44-caliber-cast-bullet-molds/

There’s the Glen Fryxell mold for Marlin micro groove barrels. It has worked well in my experience.

Thank you, Tom.

Nice score! Best kept secret in a tube feed lever gun. Loaded from light to heavy there’s only a couple of animals on the planet that you’re not supposed to try it out on. But even then with Barnes solid 300 gr Buster or a HC 335 gr and hit right there’s a high probability they would succumb. A very underrated, underestimated cartridge, and most who underrate it or underestimate it have never used it or have seen it used on big game.

I have one that’s a centennial model has the little inlay in the stock. Bought it years ago from a small lgs it had $240 on the tag. I offered $200. And walked out the door with it. Had a slight feeding issue (forgot what it was). My smith charged me $40 to repair and clean it. Gun was and is 99% condition. Hard to believe where marlin prices are now. Glad I got this one and a few others years ago

Very nice acquisition !!!!

The 444s are my favorite Marlins. Flat shooting and hard hitting. I have several including a Centennial Model.

Congratulations on a great find!!!

T.S.

Thanks, guys!

Very nice! Jealous!