Looking for a short-barreled .444 Marlin lever-action preferably with a pistol-grip stock and SS.

DB, if you haven't checked already, you might keep an eye on gunbroker.com. There is ususlly a good listing of firearms there and you may find what you are looking for.
Good luck.

I know where

The way to get one is chop off a XLR and have the tube extended. I know Brockman can do it and do a good job. reflex264

There's a 444 marlin on the classified section here. It has dies, brass, bullets and a receiver sight. It's priced right too. It's like 3-4 pages in on the classified section.