Hi Everybody,

I'm thinking about buying a Marlin 444 an d actually puzzled which one to take:
The standard model with the 22" barrel or the XLR with a 24".
So to the ones who have shot or are shooting both:

When it comes to accuracy - is the 24" barrel of the XLR really better than the 22" of the standard model?

Thanks for info and best regards

Kwagga

Assuming the barrels are the same quality the mechanical accuracy would be the same unless you are using metallic sights. With metallic sights the longer barrel would offer a little longer sight radius. My persoanl preference is a longer barrel just because I am a deliberate shooter and I prefer the balance of a long barrel.

Mine has a 22 inch barrel.. I don't think the XLR will offer you anything more substantial than the Wood/Blued Version...

except..

Those XLR sure are a lot nicer looking rifles!!!!

I suspect the accuracy of the 22" and 24" barrels would differ more from their own individual characteristics of tolerances, finish, installation, etc., than by their length.

I have owned several original Marlin .444s (all with 24" barrels) and I prefer them because of their balance when swinging on running game and because, at least with the powders I use, I seem to get about 50-to-70 fps more velocity with the additional two inches of barrel when firing 265 gr. bullets.

So, the one in the vault right now also has a 24" barrel.

The deafer I get the more I like to move the muzzle blast as far away from my ears as I can. Another advantage of the XLR is that it comes with a real recoil pad out of the box. And, for a stainless gun it's kinda pretty with the gray laminate wood.

Have never used a 24 but my 22 in with the 1 in 20 twist is a sweetheart, in my opinion, with the 265 gr hornady's

I would think that how it feels to you is the most important thing. The newer twist rate of 1-20" is something you do want.

My old one with the one in 38 inch twist has never failed to stabilize any bullet I have ever used in it...

and its most commonly fired bullet is the 300 grain XTP....

I don't use the 265s as the 300 grainer will plow throw about anything at ANY velocity that I squeeze out of that rifle.. fast or pedestrian speeds...

My advice is to go to beartooth bullet's website and go under tech notes and read marshall stantons latest test on the 444. It will be under #iv It is very interesting and informative on barrel lengths, twist rate, and bullet size.