444 Marlin Handi - Rifle.

[jr 1968]

I was wondering how much a wood stocked 444 would recoil compared to a Marlin lever action in 444.

Why I was asking is I want a 444, and don't know which to get?

Thanks,
jr 1968

[gcrank1]

The heavier one will have less felt recoil......maybe. It is physics first and the extra weight helps absorb the kick, but this is the 'maybe'; the stock architecture has some influence here too. I think the two you mention are pretty similar in that, so it will come down to weight, and or a recoil pad. You have to compare apples to apples.
I know the Marlin I had 20ish years ago in .444 hurt me, but I think it had more of a hardish rubber pad, not a nice one like is availble today. If I wanted to go out and shoot a box o' 50 the .45Colt would be more fun for me than 10 out of the .444; if I needed the horsepower the .444 would be better and I could load it down for fun to .44Spl and/or Mag equiv. but the sights or scope setting wont shoot to the same place.

[walkingwolf]

 It's how the gun is stocked, a lever gun will kick more than a handy. The 45-79 guide gun is mean, 45-70 handy is fun.
   My .450 n.e. 3 1/2" has less kick than the guide gun.

[bikerbeans]

JR 1968,

I have a 444 H&R and shoot it with max handloads, 300+ grain cast lead.  It has no recoil pad or lead shot in the stock channel and the recoil, too me, is less than my Handis in 30-06 or 45-70 (with trapdoor loads), both of which have recoil pads and lead shot in the stock.   I have never shot a 444 lever gun so no comment.  With the price difference between the two 444s, you could buy the Handi and the dies and brass you need plus a scope for the same money as the Marlin.  The 444 H&R would make a good companion for the BPCR 45-70 handi.

BB

[pmeisel]

jr, I was making the same decision last spring and would up with the Handi.  Partly price point -- quite a bit cheaper -- and partly, I just like Handis.

Mine came with a nice recoil pad, and it's fine for hunting or shooting a few for fun.  Long bench sessions, well, the 444 kicks enough that I really don't want to shoot 20 in a row, maybe that's just me.  But 5 is fun.

[dpe.ahoy]

After I get sighted in, I get away from the bench.  Then neither is a problem.  The 444 recoils less than a 45-70, everyone says what a pussycat it is.   I don't mind putting 50-60 down range if not at the bench.  Put a Limbsaver pad on either one and it'll help A LOT.   DP

[manatee1947]

unless you are going after moose or something there is no need to constantly shoot full power loads. I dont use full power loads for deer, I am using a 245 gr cast and 20 gr of 2400 for most of my shooting. The lever guns I use only jacketed bullets in, my handi's are dedicated to cast bullet shooting.I may try some jacketed loads just to see , but I certainly do not need them.

[OBXPilgrim]

+1 on the cast bullets.

I shoot a 290gr .433" dia cast bullet at 1800fps.  Worked just fine the other day.  4 point ran about 30 yards and piled up.  Hit was a little less than desired - a little too far back (was in front of the diaphram), but was a full pass through (of course).  In the weight of the handi it's not much recoil at all, much less than my Win 94 44mag pushing 310gr lead at 1550fps (it will hurt after a few shots).  I think with my cast reloads I spend about 15 cents each, and with that big flat nose they are hard to beat.

If you really like the Marlin levers, you won't be happy with the Handi Rifle, but, if you take pride in knowing that you can put the first shot on target and have the confidence in hunting with a single shot, the Handi will work for you.  I'd like to have a Marlin 444 one day, but I'm not so sure it would go hunting with me as much as my Handi.

[quickdtoo]

Here's are some 100yd incentives for getting the 444 Handi. 

Tim

[gcrank1]

That and it is a cute 'little' cartridge.