Remembering the Past: Exploring the Marlin 444

[@MrMulefan]

I was always enamored with levers. I absolutely love my '77 444s. Just an amazing rifle

[@Buddha-of8fk]

My son has hunted with one just like it since he was 12. I let my kids and now grandkids pick out their first deer rifle and that's what he picked. He has a pile of rifles but on the first day he is always carrying his .444 Marlin.

[@glock40armor3]

A ton and a half energy at the muzzle, got several of them, 18 1/2 ported from factory and standard length barrel rifle, two great rifles.

[@cashdog9999]

I inherited one from my dad and acquired two more since then!! Awesome lever gun!

[@timwilliams849]

My dad got me one when I was thirteen, was the most awesome rifle I ever owned

[@REPR100]

I love my 444, had it for over 30 years

[@andybockex]

444 is my favorite lever gun

[@tomhandel9176]

Got a first year 444, straight grip, Monte carlo stock, 2 barrel bands. Great rifle, never felt undergunned with that.

[@Yelladog78]

These are definitely on my radar

[@michaelwalker7961]

Bought one this year 2024, I checked the serial number and it was made in 1977, all original, it's a Model 444s as well. Love it, I am going to put a scope on it.

[@davewinter2688]

71+ year old FUD here. Great educational and entertaining video. My 444 is a 444SS version with first two digits of the serial number being 02 which I guess makes it a 1998 year model based on what I read about subtracting those numbers from 100. Its fit, finish and function are great. Very nice wood. JM marked. I remember when the 444 came out there were a lot of complaints about those 240 grain pistol blowing up on contact especially when they hit bone. Even on heart/lung shots on deer they did a lot of surface damage with little penetration resulting in wounded animals. Those 240 grain bullets were fine for 44 magnum pistol velocities but they were not strongly constructed enough to stand up under 444 velocities almost 1000 fps faster than those same bullets fired out of a 6 inch barreled 44 magnum. The jacket was just too thin. In 1967 Hornady came out with a heavier constructed flat point bullet designed for the 444 that greatly improved the performance. That original 265 grain flat point has been improved with the 265 grain flat point InterLock bullet they use in the SuperFormance load rated at 2400 fps out of a 24” barrel. They also load the 265 grain FTX flex tip bullet in the LeverEvolution rated at 2325 also out of a 24”. These loads have almost identical trajectories and energy and have made the 444 a legitimate 200 cartridge and somewhat more with a good scope. Remaining energy at 200 yards for the Interlock is over 1500 ft pound and over 1600 ft pounds for the FTX bullet. Even at 300 yards the Interlock has 987 ft pounds and the FTX with 1123 ft pounds. With a good scope I would say either of these loads would be good for elk out to 200 yards or a little more and easily 250 yards for Whitetails. The FTX definitely has the advantage at the longer distances because of it’s comparatively better ballistic coefficient. Unfortunately the SuperFormance load is much harder to find at this time. Neither are cheap but what is? Even 308 Winchester and .223/5.56 factory load prices drive me crazy. Lucky I hand load for everything. Happy hunting boys and girls!😊

[@lurebenson7722]

I am 64 years old so we both came from a time when seeing these Marlins in 444 was common and I also heard the same complaints on those bullets blowing up. Now for the reloader Barns has a copper expander for the 444 Marlin. I remember able to buy one of these 444 for $150 Do don't have any interest in the Marlin in 444 or 45-70 but I do own tow 336 marlins in 30-30 and 35 Rem. The 30-30 is a hand me down through family and was my childhood started rifle. The Marlin 336 in 35 Rem is a put together from recycled parts collected from Alaska to Oregon guns shows and from Ebay. It took 8 years to find all the parts to make the 336 Marlin for 35 Rem. I am now into building and selling uncommon, chambered AR 15 and AR 10 uppers

[@davewinter2688]

@@lurebenson7722 I’m an equal opportunity shooter/hunter. Bolt actions and lever guns or anything else that strikes my fancy if I have the money. I have two 336’s. 1967 336RC in 35 Remington and 1951 first year production 336A 35 Remington. I haven’t seen the Barnes monolithic bullet for the 444. No experience at all with those types of bullets. I see that a company called Steinel did lists a 290 grain mono they described as a RNFP using Starline brass in 1993. They claimed 1850 fps from a 20” barrel. At that time the list price was $67.99 for a box of 20 but they were about to run out and we’re not going to be taking any back orders because they couldn’t replenish the necessary components. At the present time Buffalo Bore lists a 335 grain LFN at 2025 fps or more depending on barrel length. $86.20 per box of 20. Ouch! I think I’ll stick to hand loading and occasionally Hornady LeverEvolution when I find an occasional good deal like I have been able to buy recently for $50 a box. That gets me brass that is already the correct length for the FTX bullets. I do have one colt AR-15 Light Sporter .223/5.56 made back in the year 2000 according to Colt. It has the “Law enforcement, military export only marking on the receiver. It’s just a home defense and predator control tool for use around my farm.

[@sorshiaemms5959]

they have no problem taking moose down

[@davewinter2688]

@@sorshiaemms5959 I have a friend who got a one shot kill on a Canadian bull moose at about 200 yards. He has one of the early rifles with the 24” barrel and the Montecarlo style stock. I don’t know what bullet he used as it was a number of years ago. Definitely before the Hornady SuperFormance and LeverEvolution came out. It might have been a hand load but I never asked him much about it as I was admiring a bunch of other rifles in his collection.

[@Adam-vj4uz]

I have a 444P with a ported muzzle that i bought new over 20 years ago. One of the best guns I've ever owned.

[@lavida57]

Enjoyed this info. Thanks

[@frederickschultz-t1v]

In the FWIW Dept.: Though Remington purchased Marlin in 2007, the firearms were still produced by the old-school employees at the North Haven, Conn., factory through, at least, March of 2010 (that factory was apparently closed by May, of 2011). My Model 444 was made in 2009, and does in fact have a barrel stamped "JM". It also has Ballard rifling at a 1x20" twist rate, but when that changed took place is unclear. As you guys at BTO point out, those 265 gr. Hornady bullets are best for this cartridge. Would like to see how well the Barnes solids would work (even if they are only 200 gr.). Great rifle. In regard to the recoil, if you wear glasses, you might consider getting an ear-piece tether strap to keep them in place.

[@chevy_dave]

Awesome. You keep covering all my favorites. I’ve had 4 different 444s but I always end up selling them because people offer absurd money for them

[@justinriley8651]

so you've had to overpay too?

[@chevy_dave]

@@justinriley8651 I used to work at a gun store. I would snag them for whatever we gave the customer on trade

[@Bearrazorhead]

What is the most money you got for a 444?

[@maxpinson5002]

I wish I hadn't traded off my 1980 model. Had the re-re's ever since. Never find another like it at a reasonable price

[@jonathanfrecking1210]

I have the exact same 444. Same year of manufacture too. I load my own so ammo isn't a problem for me at all. As far as cast bullets go, you can shhott them in the micro-groove rifles but the bullets have the be sized at about .432 to get the accuracy you'd want.

[@fredhagman387]

Yep, the micro groove barrel shoots cast bullets just fine if you size them a couple thousandths larger. And a 300gr bullet from a 444 is a better round than a 300gr 45-70. And the Model 444 Marlin rifle is a stronger action than the 1895 Marlin. Too much metal removed in the 1895. 45-70 rim is huge. The original 19th century 1895 Marlin is not the same action size as the modern version, which is a hogged out 336.

[@maxpinson5002]

They have to be slugged to find the correct fit. Mine slugged out at 433 Unfortunately, Veral at LBT was burned out of business and is very ill

[@JD011452]

Thanks for the History, I have a 444S which I bought many yrs ago.. I just wanted a big bore leaver action.. Later I purchased a 4570 to add to my Marlin collection.. Also I have two Marlin pump shotguns... TKS..

[@gizmocarr3093]

Thank you for the history lesson on the 444 Marlin. 👍

[@rcruz003]

Thanks for covering this classic. I have several

[@redneckmini14]

I remember Ruger mentioning the 444 when they first talked about their plans for the Marlin brand. I'd imagine once they get all the models they plan to make in 45-70, 30-30, 44, and 357 into production they will start coming out with other calibers like 444 Marlin, 35 Remington, 45 Colt, and hopefully more.

Yay Ruger ! Keeping Marlin alive !

[@Mark-uq9km]

After Winchester dropped the Model 71 chambered for the .348 Winchester, then the most powerful lever action available, and the .45-70 was in no way popular, Marlin decided to develop a big thumper to fill the void left by Winchester. When developed in 1964 the T4 was the new most powerful lever action on the market. When the .45-70 became available in the lever actions with higher pressure indices that the old Springfield Trap Door couldn't tolerate, it quickly replaced the T4 in popularity. However, anyone who knows the 444 knows how well they shoot and know what it is capable of. I have one in a Winchester Model 94 Big Bore and it is a true butt kicker.

[@lurebenson7722]

Winchester does make the 1895 still in 405 Winchester which everything from the slick rifle to the cartridge is an amazing combo rifle and cartridge.

[@Joe-lk6oc]

I own one and it is a great rifle!

[@m444ss]

the ones with the crossbolt safety are designated M444SS (an extra S)

[@ralphbernieri3362]

Straight walled cartridges are limited to case length here in Michigan, making the .444 and 45/70 both illegal in Zone 3 (southern half of the lower peninsula) or our shotgun area. This of course makes no sense since the modern straight walls pretty much exceed the older cartridges performance !

[@williammartin8501]

Michigan wants to make everything illegal

[@sorshiaemms5959]

if they brought the 444 back out i would buy one

[@geraldb4201]

been wanting one of the 444s for about the last 8 years but havent seen one in any of the shops around here might just pick up the single shot cva soon

[@williamrobbins2562]

Where are you located?

[@geraldb4201]

@@williamrobbins2562 im in central maine area a little north of bangor maine

[@cervus-venator]

I passed on an original Marlin 444 at a gun show a few years ago. He was asking 1200 for it and I didn't want to pay that much. I keep regretting that and have said I'll get the next one I see. Well, at the last gun show this year there was another one but it was listed at 1400. The issue I had with it was that Bubba had refinished the stock with some lovely high gloss varnish that had run and drip marks all on it. The other issue was that I felt the 1400 they were asking for it was way too high for a Bubbarized Marlin 444. I also feel like If I'm going to pay that kind of money I'll wait and see if Ruger will produce something in the 444 Marlin and I'll get a new one. I want an original, but not an abused one for that kind of money.

[@PaulGriffin-ox1gp]

I think mine is 1968-69 and its been in my ownership for more than 25 years and i got it from the first owner who got to old to used a rifle with the amount of recoil that it produces. We helped him get a .30-30 that is made in 1970 to be as close to what the bigbore looks and feels like and he loves it because he doesn't get beat up by it. The gentleman is still alive and out and about everyday. We are planning to go hunting this fall. He is 90 years old and has a bit of trouble getting around and we have already been putting a special feed out to draw deer up for him out in his pasture set up with a blind that we have fixed up just for him to hunt out of. We built it so he can drive little side by side and have it out of sight.

[@garyK.45ACP]

The .444 Marlin, when chambered in single shot rifles and loaded with heavier, up to 400 gr., cast lead bullets, or spitzer bullets of 300 gr. is an entirely different animal. Interestingly, whole lines of wildcat cartridges were based on the .444 Marlin case, necked down and/or shortened for use in Thompson/Center Contender handguns, some with very impressive performance in 10-14" barrels.

[@Hollywood41642]

I got the 1895 in 450 Marlin 😊

[@jayhrusa8257]

Probably the most valuable 444 Marlin is the 444XLR model. Not too many of these were produced during 2006-2009 before Remington took full operational control of Marlin. They had a 24 inch SS barrel and a gray colored laminated stock. I bought one while the price was somewhat reasonable. They go for big bucks these days on Gunbroker.

[@jamiepeeler9660]

Thanks again. I am a Marlin fan.

[@johnhargis4566]

Thanks for a very informative commentary on the Marlin 444 😊 long may the 444 live

[@doylethorn9251]

I thought I would mention that with my .444 rifle, a gas check works miracles on hard cast lead bullets in the micro-groove.

The .444 Marlin is Americas' "do all" rifle.

[@Siskiyous6]

It is a shame they did not make a rimed 35 Whelen. That 2ould have been spectacular

[@ryanehlis426]

I got a Marlin model 375 in .375 win.

[@m444ss]

love it!

[@jimgreene7415]

I have a Winchester 86 in .33 cal. Also about 7 factory boxes of ammo. Enjoy your programs.

[@williamowen75]

Really want something like this. Will come check out the store soon. Thanks for info

[@davidfisk3244]

Do enjoy the 444 out of a tc contender and wanting a marlin too

[@stevekelley2341]

I had that rifle back in the 80s and because I was stupid I traded it in for something else .

[@maxpinson5002]

Don't feel alone BTDT still have the " congratulations- you played yourself " T shirt

[@PaulGriffin-ox1gp]

I have a early model Marlin mod .444 SS and it has a different set of sights that are factory installed. I love the rifle, but the only problem ive ever had with the guns is the rifling is to slow a twist rate. It should be rifed with a twist of at least 1-16 or better yett 1-12 to be able to stabilize the heavy slugs that most people like in the 350-450 grain sugs.

[@m.k.738]

Hope Ruger brings this back.

[@James-fl9bv]

Have a Marlin 444. Have had mine for several years. Have hunted with it and have taken several animals with it

[@kenibnanak5554]

Although the rim is thicker the external dimensions of the .444 Marlin are the same as the all brass .410 shotshell of the early 1900s.

[@joekrichten9208]

Andrew 20 minutes listening to you is like reading 30 books and 25 years of study. Thanks.

[@35rem19]

I would argue that Cowboy Action Shooting lead to the increased interest in lever action rifles, and then the big bores after that. The big Marlins were selling like hot cakes in the 1990's, before straight wall cartridge regs were a thing.

[@tomschmidt-f9f]

I have one great condition how much are they going for, its for sale mthis thing will go thru a tele ph pole

[@georgeupham7524]

I'm getting arthritis so I'm stepping down. I thought my .444 was going into retirement, but my son said, "My turn with the. 444.

[@jamescottrell7367]

Wish I still had mine.

[@darrellfilyaw7255]

I found one of these with five boxes of ammo, which was missing four rounds plus rifle for $300 jumped all over it it

[@TimMichaels-u3q]

What can you tell me about a model ss in the Marlin 444 ? Thanks, Tim. 8-1-2024.

[@richardharris1349]

I have marlin 444 model p

[@maxpinson5002]

I wouldn't have thought so, but the shorter barrel shoots as accurately as the regular barrel that I had

[@markoharoldoronearmedpoohb7816]

MicroGroove had nothing to do with Hardcast accuracy, it was the slow 1-38 Twist! But, once understood the 1-38 MG, will cloverleaf shots at 100 yards with Hardcast bullets! You must follow some rules in getting outstanding Hardcast accuracy! Keep in mind the biggest difference between the 444 and 45-70, is Cartridge efficiency, the 444 is very efficient, we’re as the Blackpowder Era 45-70, is not!

[@philburns9049]

Bought this about 4 years ago, the dealer said it was manufactured in '76. . . . I have debated in my head whether or not to put a scope on it.

[@williammartin8501]

Put a ladder site or Tang s it's Scopes just don't get it especially on lever actions

[@philburns9049]

The buckhorn site does good for my eyes. I love the rifle as it is. But I do have a ladder from an old 8mm. It's been sitting in the gun cabinet for more than 50 years. . . . Guess it could come in handy if I tried going past 100 yards. . . . So far I just love to shoot the gun and let it knock the piss out of my shoulder. Haven't had to put it in a cast yet. 😊

[@maxpinson5002]

A previous owner decided for me by butching up the factory sights, so it got the twin to the K-4 that sits on the H&R Lord save us from the ham handed dingbats

[@donaldsiaczka9494]

Have a Winchester 94 timber carbine in 444

[@jeffr878]

Many deer lives have been saved by that cross bolt safety! CLICK. Thanks, lawyers....

[@davewinter2688]

You don’t have to use the cross bolt safety. It still has a half cock position but that can make noise too when moving to full cock if you’re not extremely careful which unfortunately requires holding the trigger back to do that. Years ago I learned how to quietly manipulate a cross bolt safety using a Remington 11-48 shotgun for deer hunting. It can be done on any of the lever guns with a little practice. But like everyone else I’d rather not have to deal with it. You can blame lawyers all you want but no company is going to put itself at any more risk than they already are in these litigious times with ambulance chasers on every corner.

[@jeffr878]

@davewinter2688 the CLICK I was referring to is for all the guys who pulled the trigger but forgot the safety was on 😁😉🤣

[@lurebenson7722]

I hunted with a Soldier from the Fort Richardson base in Anchorage Alaska, he bought a new 336 Marlin in 45-70 with cross bolt safety then one hunt we are on together we stumbled on a Brown bear Moose kill and the bear was there guarding his kill. Tom was charge first and the sound of hammer Snap was terrifying! with seconds in I let loose a bullet into the Brown bears chest from my Weatherby Mark 5 378 Weatherby mag killing the bear 10 feet from Tom who was complete nerve shaken up! When Tom got back his nerve, he starts saying F that F that mother F ing gun this gun is getting sold! If hadn't been their Tom would have been jumped and killed when that Brown bear meant business protecting its moose kill. Tom sold the Marlin 336 in 45-70 then bought a Remington 700 ADL model in 30-06 for the gun to be barreled in 35 Wheelen then hunted with the Rem 700 in 35 Wheelen until he left the Military then moved back home in a Southern US state.

[@sorshiaemms5959]

@@lurebenson7722 should learn your equipment before using it

[@maxpinson5002]

Push it all the way off and put the appropriate size o-ring in the groove.

[@JimwombatLand]

can you get ammo for it ....

[@BTORange]

@@JimwombatLand In stock.

[@maxpinson5002]

Fresh ammunition is as close as the Rockchucker through the door behind me

[@SmilingDeer-dt5sjk]

How in the heck does a firearm manufacturer go bankrupt when so many firearms in this country ?

[@maxpinson5002]

Mismanagement, same as many other companies

[@thomasgamache1354]

I have a 444 and it a thumper.

[@kylewhitt1472]

I have a Marlin 444p carbide an I'm sure it is a JM gun witch was built in the Connecticut plant.

[@maxpinson5002]

It'll tell you all that on the side of the barrel next to the receiver, left side

[@timbrown5720]

Sold mine 20yrs ago. Just too expensive to shoot.

[@sorshiaemms5959]

not for plinking its for hunting big game

[@Rumplef0reskin]

👌

[@alanstrong55]

Does it readily kill a deer or an elk? If so , good enough.😂😂

[@sorshiaemms5959]

Igot a bull moose at 130 yrd with a 265 flat point no problem

[@billbearback2591]

trip 4 is a stretched 44-40 it was never a stretched 44 mag ,, trip 4 is not a straight walled case

[@BTORange]

02:10

[@billbearback2591]

@@BTORange 01.30 developed a longer ( 44-40 ) case to hold more powder , not wanting to breech any winchester proprietory , then use remingtons 44 mag projectile , 44-40 specs were applied to doner shells yes , debatable that they were 30-06 stamped coz theyre just aint enough rim to spite what some guy from remington says, urban myths ,,still nothing to do with 44 mag ,, hey no stress intended

[@Nostrildomus]

Government rules . Who are you ? T/C/E

[@williamrobbins2562]

I have a 444, bought it in the 90’s. I’ll have to look at serial number for the date. Beautiful gun tho. Also my other lever is a 1899 model 94 30.30 old family gun handed down. 125 years later a works like a dream.

[@williamrobbins2562]

I checked my serial number starts with 23 so I guess it’s 1977. Sling, scoped, case.

[@maxpinson5002]

Marlin Owners Forum has a date chart available by punching a few keys

[@williamrobbins2562]

@@maxpinson5002 last 2 numbers minus 2000 so mine was made in 1977 My Winchester 30.30 model 94 is a 5 number serial and made in 1899

[@LeslieAndalora]

My 444ss has a Weaver Variable with see through mounts for the iron sights. Perfect combo made in 1995. Mine shoots Laser Cast Bullets just fine.