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Offline bikerbeans

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444 question
« on: November 21, 2011, 01:18:54 PM »
Hi All,
 
I have started looking for a Marlin 444 lever gun for a project I want to work on next spring.  I have done a little research on the history of this gun and the things that folks like and don't like about the different models.  I am looking for some insight into trouble areas for these guns and what to look for when inspecting one.  Also, if there is a particular model or era of production I should avoid.  I understand that the last ones out of the old Marlin plant have issues. 
 
thanks
 
BB
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MINE:  270W, 308x444, 44 Bodeen, 410 shorty rifled slug gun, 445 SuperMag Shikari, 45 ACP shorty,  45-70 Shikari, 45 Cal Smokeless MZ, 50cal 24" SS Sidekick, 50 cal 24" Huntsman, 50 cal 26" Huntsman, 50 cal 26" Sidekick, 50-70 Govt Shikari, Tracker II 20 ga shorty, 20 ga VR Pardner, 20ga USH, 12ga VR NWTF, 12ga Tracker II shorty WITHOUT scope, 12ga USH, 10 ga  Pardner Smoothbore slug gun & 24ga Profino Custom rifled slug gun.

Offline Swampman

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Re: 444 question
« Reply #1 on: November 21, 2011, 01:29:14 PM »
I would avoid anything with ports.  I would look for one made in the early 1980s.
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Offline bikerbeans

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Re: 444 question
« Reply #2 on: November 22, 2011, 02:27:36 AM »
Quote from: Swampman on November 21, 2011, 01:29:14 PM
I would avoid anything with ports.  I would look for one made in the early 1980s.

Beside being loud are the ported barrels inaccurate?
 
BB
 
 
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RIP Tom: Tom Nolan, ( bikerbeans) passed away this afternoon (02-04-2021).

Why be difficult, when with a little extra effort you can be impossible?

Wife's Handis;  300 BLKOUT

MINE:  270W, 308x444, 44 Bodeen, 410 shorty rifled slug gun, 445 SuperMag Shikari, 45 ACP shorty,  45-70 Shikari, 45 Cal Smokeless MZ, 50cal 24" SS Sidekick, 50 cal 24" Huntsman, 50 cal 26" Huntsman, 50 cal 26" Sidekick, 50-70 Govt Shikari, Tracker II 20 ga shorty, 20 ga VR Pardner, 20ga USH, 12ga VR NWTF, 12ga Tracker II shorty WITHOUT scope, 12ga USH, 10 ga  Pardner Smoothbore slug gun & 24ga Profino Custom rifled slug gun.

Offline Old Syko

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Re: 444 question
« Reply #3 on: November 22, 2011, 03:01:08 AM »
Quote from: bikerbeans on November 22, 2011, 02:27:36 AM

 
Beside being loud are the ported barrels inaccurate?
 
BB


Absolutely NOT!  As a matter of fact just the opposite.  My 444P outfitter with short stiff barrel and factory porting will shoot as well and in most cases better than it's long barreled nonported counterpart.  Of all the leverguns I own and have owned this is my all time favorite.  You would do yourself well if you could lay your hands on one like it.
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Offline eastbank

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Re: 444 question
« Reply #4 on: November 22, 2011, 11:36:53 AM »
this is not a marlin,but what marlin should have done,make a slim and trim short rifle in 444,they went part way. this win 94 in 444 is a very trim and short rifle and handles very stiff loads of 4198 and hornady,s 265gr bullet. very deadly on any north american large animals. i also own and shoot marlins in .22,30-30,35 rem,44 mag. and 45-70. ,so i am not a marlin hater. eastbank.
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Offline bikerbeans

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Re: 444 question
« Reply #5 on: November 22, 2011, 11:41:36 AM »
I like the Win 94 "timber carbine" 444s I see, but I don't not like the price.  The gun I get is going to be modified so I want get in cheap in case my plan goes to hades in a hand basket. 
 
BB
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RIP Tom: Tom Nolan, ( bikerbeans) passed away this afternoon (02-04-2021).

Why be difficult, when with a little extra effort you can be impossible?

Wife's Handis;  300 BLKOUT

MINE:  270W, 308x444, 44 Bodeen, 410 shorty rifled slug gun, 445 SuperMag Shikari, 45 ACP shorty,  45-70 Shikari, 45 Cal Smokeless MZ, 50cal 24" SS Sidekick, 50 cal 24" Huntsman, 50 cal 26" Huntsman, 50 cal 26" Sidekick, 50-70 Govt Shikari, Tracker II 20 ga shorty, 20 ga VR Pardner, 20ga USH, 12ga VR NWTF, 12ga Tracker II shorty WITHOUT scope, 12ga USH, 10 ga  Pardner Smoothbore slug gun & 24ga Profino Custom rifled slug gun.

Offline Swampman

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Re: 444 question
« Reply #6 on: November 22, 2011, 11:58:11 AM »
Yes the ports are very very loud.  Accuracy will be the same but you really shouldn't shoot lead bullets in a ported gun.
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"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

1st Special Operations Wing 1975-1983
919th Special Operations Wing  1983-1985 1993-1994

"Manus haec inimica tyrannis / Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" ~Algernon Sidney~

Offline Old Syko

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Re: 444 question
« Reply #7 on: November 22, 2011, 02:03:50 PM »
Quote from: Swampman on November 22, 2011, 11:58:11 AM
Yes the ports are very very loud.  Accuracy will be the same but you really shouldn't shoot lead bullets in a ported gun.


Mine has had 120 rounds of jacketed and 2,670 300gr. gas checked lead through it without a hiccup.  Now I wouldn't shoot cast through a gas operated semi but for the life of me I can't see any reason not to in this case.  Same thing with ported handguns.
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Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: 444 question
« Reply #8 on: November 24, 2011, 09:03:41 AM »
The ports are very loud to people around you.  I don't find them any louder when I am the one shooting them.  I have 2 of the 444P's and a 444SS. can't tell much difference in the sound when I shoot any other barrel that is that same length.  Shorter barrel = more muzzle blast anyway.  Remington took over production starting with serial numbers in about the 91 series, check the barrel on the left side of the receiver.  If there is a JM mark there the rifle was put together by Marlin employees.  If there is a Rem mark on the other side of the barrel, it was put together by Illion workers.  There were issues with the some of the last of the Marlin mades as well as the Remington mades.  As always, look any gun over very carefully.  Go to www.marlinowners.com and go down to the thread titled RANTS to read through issues to look for.  DP
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Offline yukondog

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Re: 444 question
« Reply #9 on: November 26, 2011, 11:32:10 AM »
BB good luck in your quest for the 444 I have a 1971 model with the long 26"  barrel. If it were me I would look for a pre-saftey, pre-cherckering. As far as a project gun if your going to get into taking it apart the Marlins are a whole lot easier to work on than the winchesters. When shooting the 444 I like the extra weight, and like DP said come over to the Marlin sight and check out the Rant threads before you buy a remlin.
 
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