Marlin1985M in .450???

[killswitharrows]

What I really wanted was a Winchester Timber in .444. But with these inflated prices I'm going to have to change my preferences. The Marlin 1985M is the only Marlin that I like the looks of.

Did Marlin ever make it in .444?
What pro's & con's do you guys have to say about it?

Thanks!

[Redhawk1]

I think Marlin was the first to make the 444 Marlin, that is where the name 444 Marlin came from.   I had 3 of the Marlin 444 and was at one time one of my favorite lever actions, I have been working with the 45-70 Marlins and love the bullet selection that I have that the 444 Marlin lacks. There is not a good selection of bullets for the 444, because most are pistol bullets, but if you shoot cast bullets your selection is increased a great deal.

[Coyote Hunter]

The 450 Marlin is a good round – an excellent round, in fact.  Ammo availability may be an issue in your area so I would check on that.

The 1895 in .45-70 is more popular and with appropriate loads will do anything the 450 will do. My own hunting load pushes a 350g North Fork bonded bullet to 2183fps.  There is a much wider range of factory ammo available for the .45-70 – from mild to wild – than there is for the 450 or even the .444.

[EsoxLucius]

You would be looking for the Marlin 444P or Outfitter with the straight stock, squared lever and ported 18.5" barrel.  They were discontinued a few years back but you can still find them.

[killswitharrows]

What is the difference between the 444P and the Ourfitter?

I found an Outfitter for $475 in very good shape. Is that a good deal?

[EsoxLucius]

The 444P and Outfitter are the same thing.  Because they are no longer manufactured they may begin to bring a premium.  You can get a used 1895G in excellent condition for $375.  $475 is probably the going price for a 444P.