Marlin Firearms Co. Model 444S .444 Marlin Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1982
SOLD FOR: $1,030.00
LSB#: LSB250606EN073
Make: Marlin
Model: 444S
Serial Number: 18054364
Year of Manufacture: 1982
Caliber: .444 Marlin
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Tube fed magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “THE MARLIN FIREARMS CO. NORTH HAVEN, CT. U.S.A. MOD. 444S MICRO GROOVE BARREL CAL. 444 MARLIN.”. The left side of the barrel also has a “JM” stamp proof. The right side of the barrel is marked “ WARNING BEFORE USING GUN READ OWNER’S FOR SAFE OPERATION”. The tang is marked with the serial number “18054364”.
Barrel Length: 21 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade that is dovetailed to a serrated ramp that is screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn U-notch elevator sight that is dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with a capped forearm, semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a rubber buttpad. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show moderate wear with scratches, dings, scuffs, pressure dents, and finish loss throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling present. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows heavy wear, with heavy thinning finish on the barrel, along with surface rust freckled throughout all metal surfaces, and considerable pitting throughout all metal surfaces, but mainly on the receiver. The screw heads are sharp, and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair to Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger has a crisp and clean break. The hammer has a half-cock safety. We have not fired this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 444S, introduced in the mid-1960s, was built to harness the power of the .444 Marlin cartridge—a round developed to bring big-bore performance back to lever-action rifles. Intended as a hard-hitting hunting cartridge for large North American game, the .444 Marlin delivers impressive ballistics and energy, making it a favorite among those pursuing elk, moose, and bear in dense timber. The 444S variant features Marlin’s Micro-Groove rifling for improved accuracy and ease of cleaning, as well as the solid, side-ejecting receiver that made Marlin lever guns a top choice for mounting optics.
This 1982-manufactured example has certainly seen use in the field, retaining about 50% of its original blue finish with thinning, pitting, and scattered surface rust throughout the metal surfaces—most notably on the receiver. The bore remains bright with strong rifling and only some stubborn fouling, rating 7.5/10, and the action functions properly with a crisp trigger and half-cock safety. The hardwood stocks are solid with no cracks or chips, though they show moderate handling wear with scratches, dings, and finish loss.
For a shooter or hunter who values function over cosmetics, this Model 444S still offers the raw power and reliability that made it a legend among big-bore lever guns. With some refinishing and bore cleaning, it could be restored into a handsome working rifle, or it could continue as a rugged, ready-for-the-field tool in its current state—capable of taking on the largest game the continent has to offer. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
