quote:

Originally posted by Krochus:
I'm about to take the plunge on a preowned M444 for three and a quarter. I figure it'll make nice companion to my .35 caliber 336.......SO...

The model 444 what is it? Is it built on a 336 action or is it a pseudo 1895?

Micro groove rifling, I wonder what if any benifets there are over ballard type rifling?

Both of my marlins are pre crossbolt saftey guns. I wonder... with the hammer down does the firing pin rest on a primer or is it a rebounding pin like newer winchesters.

quote:

Originally posted by Leanwolff:
Krochus, as far as the hammer resting down on the firing pin, you should not do this if there is a round in the chamber. There is a half-cock position to which the hammer should be placed if carrying with a chambered round.

I believe the .444 Marlin is on the same frame as the .45-70, rather than on the standard 336.

Micro-Groove barrels? I've not had any trouble with mine in .30-30, .41 Magnum, and .44 Magnum.

Some people like 'em, some don't Mine are fine.

If you're looking for a lot of .444 users with some good info and advice, go to www.marlinowners.com into the forum section.

Lot of info there. Good luck. L.W.

Leanwolff gave good advice about the Marlin Owners forum; I've been there since it started about 2½ years ago. There are A LOT of Lever Gun Afficianados to assist you. In that vein I offer:

The 444 Marlin first appeared 41 years ago. First models had a 24" Microgroove® (12 lands & grooves) Barrel & a Monte Carlo Stock. A few years later the stock was changed to match the 336 & 1894 series of rifles. Additionally the barrel was shortened to it's present 22". The Microgroove® barrel has a slow 1:38" twist. Conventional wisdom states these older barrels will not stabilize bullets over 265grs or any cast bullet. While many barrels are like this NOT ALL ARE. My circa 1988 444 stabilizes 300gr bullets with no problem; yours may or may not. You will have to try & see. In 1998 the Rifling was changed to Ballard (6 lands & grooves) and a faster 1:20" twist. This was done to allow wider use of cast bullets. As to the Frame/Receiver, the 336, 444, & 1895 are all the same. The ejector port, & loading gate on the 444 & 1895 are cut larger to accommodate the larger ammo that's all. Remington® offers the Express® loading with a 240gr FP bullet @ 2390fps. It's a superb deer killer. Hornady® has a stoutly constructed 265gr FP bullet @ 2325fps in it's Light Magnum® loading that smacks the slobber out of Black Bear, Elk, & Moose!

I think you will have years of enjoyment from your 444. If you like the way the 35 kills deer & hogs; wait until you try the 444!. You'll be falling in love all over again!