Marlin Model 444S Lever Action Rifle .444 Mar. 22″ JM Marked With Box
SOLD FOR: $2,475.00
LSB#: LSB260421DD038
Make: Marlin
Model: 444S
Serial Number: 19045836
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .444 Marlin
Action Type: Lever action, centerfire rifle, fed from tubular magazine.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a hooded base screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf U notch with elevator dovetailed into the barrel. The left side of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a peep sight. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope base.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, capped semi pistol grip, fluted straight comb, with Marlin rubber buttpad. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from trigger to buttpad. There is light handling wear. There is some light finish wear and scratches scattered throughout. There is some minor chipping around the upper tang. There are no cracks. Overall this stock is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. It looks like this may have not been fired outside the factory. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates a 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its original finish. There is light handling wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Box, sling, manual
Our Assessment: This Marlin Model 444S is a JM-marked 1981-production lever-action rifle chambered in the hard-hitting .444 Marlin cartridge. Built on Marlin’s large-frame lever-action platform, it features a 22″ barrel, tubular magazine, smooth walnut stocks, capped forend, capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and Marlin rubber buttpad. The rifle retains its traditional iron sight setup with a hooded beaded front sight and elevator-adjustable U-notch rear sight, while the receiver is drilled and tapped for both peep sight and scope base installation, offering strong versatility for hunting applications.
Condition is Excellent overall, with the rifle retaining about 97% of its original blued finish. The metal shows only light handling wear, while the screw heads remain sharp and the markings are clear throughout. The walnut stock set is also in Excellent condition, showing light handling wear, minor finish loss, and small areas of chipping around the upper tang, but no cracks. The included factory box, sling, and manual significantly enhance completeness and collector appeal, particularly for a desirable JM-stamped early 444S example.
The bore is a standout feature, remaining bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and showing no indication of meaningful use beyond factory testing, rating 10/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, though the rifle has not been test fired by us. As with any used firearm, a thorough cleaning and inspection are advisable before use. Overall, this is a highly desirable Marlin 444S in .444 Marlin, offering excellent bore condition, strong finish retention, full factory accessories, JM barrel marking, and strong collector and hunting appeal in one of Marlin’s classic big-bore lever-action platforms. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF