marlin 444 bullseye logo on stock

[jimbo444]

I just bought a 444 and shot it today for the first time, it was great. unfortunately the bullseye logo came out. Does anyone know where I can get a new one? Also how can I find out what the rifling twist is? I believe its an older model as there is no checkering on the stock or forend.

[John Traveler]

The rifling twist on the early M1895 .444 is extro slow....something like 1-turn-in 38 inches!  That is the most common complaint about this caliber.  It won't stabilize bullets much over 265 grains.  To verify this, use the old cleaniing rod with a tight patch on tip.  Use a masking tape "flag" on your handle, and push the cleaning rod into the bore until the "flag" makes one-half rotation.  Measure the length the rod entered, multiply by 2, and that is your twist for 1 full revolution.

[jimbo444]

thanks. I will do that here shortly. I appreciate the help.

[oso45-70]

Jimbo444,
Does your marlin have a hammer block safety on it ? If it does it was made from 1984 to present, If this is as i mentioned i can give you more information, Good luck ........Joe..........

[jimbo444]

no it does not have a hammer block safety. Can I find out what year it was made in with serial #. Whoever had it before me must have either taken really good care of it or never used it because it is in very nice shape. Also I appreciate all the help that yall are giving me.

[leverfan]

Jimbo444-

Don't worry if your 444 has the slower 1-38" twist.  It will work just fine with bullets up to 300 grains, and maybe even a bit heavier, depending on bullet design.  All you have to do is make sure the bullet is spinning at a high enough rpm to be stable, which means the bullet must have enough velocity.  300 grain bullets will fly true and penetrate straight as long as you start them at about 1900 fps or faster.  This is easily and safely done, and the heavier factory loads are all fast enough to be stable in the 38" twist barrels.  My own 444 is very accurate with heavy bullets, 300 grains and up, and it even shoots cast bullets well, despite having 1-38" micro-groove.  This is not unique to my rifle, as many long-time fans of the 444 can tell you.

[Mikey]

jimbo444 - go to the Beartooth Bullets web-site and read what Marshall Stanton has written about the 444, slow twists and heavy cast bullets and you will probably never buy another caliber, use another jacketed bullet or listen to anyone who says the 444 can't or isn't.  Mikey.

[jimbo444]

Thank you. I was beginning to get a little worried that accuracy may be an issue with the rifling. As always I appreciate your time and help.

[marlinman93]

Jimbo,
 You can get the bullseye replacements from Marlin. I believe they are $1 each. They come long enough to do two, so you'll need to cut and install half. You'll also need to shape it, as they are flat on each end.
 I usually epoxy them into the hole with clear epoxy, then cut them off slightly high. Be sure to mask around it first, to protect the wood. Then sand it down to the masking tape, and touch up with clear nail polish.
 Hope this helps.

[jimbo444]

Thanks I will give marlin a call today and see about getting that replaced.

[jimbo444]

Well I called Marlin and the nice people there said that they would send me a new bullseye for free. I thank everyone for their help and know if I need anything else I will ask here first.