Marlin Firearms Co. Model 444SS .444 22″ JM Marked Lever Action Rifle, 1990
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 220409DE006
Make: Marlin
Model: 444SS
Serial Number: 10049662
Year of Manufacture: 1990
Caliber: .444 Marlin
Action Type: Lever Action with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “THE MARLIN FIREARMS CO. NORTH HAVEN, CONN., U.S.A. / MODEL 444SS MICRO-GROOVE BARREL CAL. 444 MARLIN”. The left side of the barrel at the receiver is marked with a “JM” proof. The upper tang is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: This rifle is mounted with a “U” notch folding rear sight which can be adjusted for elevation which is dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The front sight is a hooded beaded blade on a serrated ramped riser which is screwed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled in four places. The left side of the receiver is has two drilled, tapped, and filled holes.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a brown firm Marlin buttpad. The forearm is capped and has a sling stud and there is another in the belly. The bottom of the forend has a factory inspection sticker. There is a scuff on the left side of the friend. The left side of the buttstock shows a couple of minor gashes. Other than those, there are only a few other minor draglines There is a Marlin bullseye in the belly as well. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad, which shows some light rubs. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the Micro-Groove rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, only some faint fouling.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some scattered faint marks and light thinning at some edges. There is some faint oxidation around one of the screws on the top of the receiver. The operational wear is minimal. The screw heads are sharp and the pinheads are unmarred. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine-Plus overall condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever locks up well and the hammer has a half-cock safety position in addition to a lever safety. There is also a puch safety on the receiver. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Created in 1964 as a joint venture between Marlin and Remington, the .444 Marlin cartridge was developed to fill the space left after .45-70 lost popularity in the United States. Able to push a 240 grain projectile at 2,400 FPS, the cartridge can be used for even the largest game North America has to offer. It has an advantage over the .45-70 in that it was designed for use with smokeless powder, not for black powder. After the cartridge was completed, the Model 444 was released in 1965 and is just like a 336 with strength upgrades to handle the potent round. This rifle would be great for hunting or for a Marlin collection that doesn’t yet have a .444. The rifle is in about Fine-Plus condition with strong mechanics and a bright bore. Please see our photos and good luck!