Attractive JM Marked Marlin Model 444S .444 Marlin Lever Action Rifle & Leupold Scope
Our Assessment: Created in 1964 as a joint venture between Marlin and Remington, the .444 Marlin cartridge was developed to fill the space left after .45-70 lost popularity in the United States. Able to push a 240 grain projectile at 2,400 FPS, the cartridge can be used for even the largest game North America has to offer. It has an advantage over the .45-70 in that it was designed for use with smokeless powder, not for black powder. After the cartridge was completed, the Model 444 was released in 1965 and is just like a 336 with strength upgrades to handle the potent round. This a 444S variation with the hooded raised front sight, pistol grip stock, and a 22" barrel. This rifle would be great for hunting or for a Marlin collection which doesn't yet have a .444, especially since it is in about Fine condition and signs of light, responsible use. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 444S
Serial Number: 23111177
Year of Manufacture: 1977
Caliber: .444 Marlin
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle w/ Magazine Tube
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "THE MARLIN FIREARMS CO. NORTH HAVEN, CONN., U.S.A. / MODEL 444S MICRO-GROOVE BARREL CAL. 444 MARLIN" and a circled "JM" proof mark. The upper tang is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 22"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded brass beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated ramped riser that is screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding U-notch elevator sight that is dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is equipped with a one-piece Leupold rail and two rings supporting a Leupold Vari-X II scope with 3-9x magnification and a fine crosshair reticle. The glass is clear. The scope rates in about Fine condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with a capped forearm and pistol grip, fluted straight comb, sling swivel front and rear with a brown leather sling attached, and a brown ventilated Marlin recoil pad. The Marlin bullseye is present in the belly. There are some scattered minor marks in the wood. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad, which is soft and shows light wear. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion and for the age, the bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are just a few scattered light marks throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine-excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The previously mentioned scope and sling are included
CA LEGALITY: CA DEALER Transferable: YES, CA PPT: NO.
RIFLE