Marlin Model 444 .444 Marlin 24″ Lever Action Rifle & Scope, MFD 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,093.00
LSB#: LSB251009WL005
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 444
Serial Number: 7052307
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: .444 Marlin
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with Marlin’s North Haven address, along with “MODEL 444 MICRO-GROOVE BARREL CAL. 444 MARLIN”. The right side of the barrel is marked with a circled “JM” stamp. The top tang is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade, dovetailed to a serrated ramp, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable flip-up U-notch sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Leupold VX-I 3-9×40 scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light handling wear. Overall, the scope rates in Fine to Excellent condition. The scope is mounted on a one-piece Weaver style base, and sits in 1″ rings. The scope rings show heavy tooling on the screws, and have many dings, scratches, and scuffs.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece smooth walnut stock set, with a straight grip, fluted monte carlo comb, vented rubber buttpad, and a banded forend with sling rings front and rear. There is a leather sling attached to the rifle. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. There is a United States Quarter inlaid into the right side of the buttstock, and the Marlin “Bullseye” is present in the belly. The stocks show light wear, with a few light scattered scratches and compressions throughout. The stock has been refinished, as there is lacquer that has been over-brushed onto the barrel and receiver. The stock’s current refinish is intact, and the wood grain is attractive. The buttstock fits tightly to the frame, with no play. but, the forend is a little loose. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with a few light scratches and dings scattered throughout the metal surfaces. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. There is some lacquer over-brush on the barrel and receiver from the refinishing of the stocks. The markings are clear and legible. Most of the screw heads are heavily tooled, but all retain serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the half-cock safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the sling and scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Introduced in 1964, the Marlin Model 444 was created to reclaim the top spot in the big-bore lever-action world. By 1970, the year this rifle was produced, the 444 Marlin had already earned a devoted following among hunters who needed deep penetration, heavy bullet weight, and reliable performance in dense timber. Built on the proven 336-style long-action platform and featuring Marlin’s Micro-Groove rifling, these early “JM”-marked rifles are sought after for their craftsmanship, accuracy, and formidable field capability.
This example retains roughly 95 percent of its original bluing, showing only minor handling marks and light surface wear. The bore is outstanding; bright with sharp rifling, indicating that the rifle still has excellent ballistic potential with full-power .444 loads. The walnut stock set has been refinished, and while the lacquer over-brush onto the barrel and receiver is noticeable, the wood itself remains attractive, and free of structural cracks, though the forend is a little loose fitting. An interesting personal touch from the previous owner(s) is the United States quarter inlaid into the right side of the buttstock, giving the rifle a bit of personalized character.
Topped with a Leupold VX-I 3-9×40 scope, the rifle is fully equipped for big-game hunting. The .444 Marlin cartridge, essentially a lengthened and strengthened .44 Magnum, delivers tremendous power for bear, elk, moose, and large hogs in close to moderate ranges. With its strong mechanical function, excellent bore, correct early manufacture marks, and classic big-bore performance, this 1970 Model 444 remains a highly capable hunting rifle and a desirable piece of Marlin’s big-bore heritage. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – J.D.
