Marlin Firearms Co. Model 444S .444 Marlin Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1976
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
LSB#: LSB251108LB007
Make: Marlin
Model: 444S
Serial Number: 24043395
Year of Manufacture: 1976
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 tang is marked with the serial number.
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 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. There are scattered scratches, compression dents, and other handling marks. 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 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 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original metal finish. There are corrosion pits scattered throughout. There are scratches and scuffs from removing corrosion. There is light handling wear. The screw heads are sharp, and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very 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 represents Marlin’s push into true big-bore lever-action performance during the 1970s, a period when American manufacturers were revisiting heavy-hitting sporting cartridges for North American game. Manufactured in 1976 and bearing the desirable JM barrel stamp, this rifle comes from Marlin’s North Haven era, widely regarded for consistent machining and strong overall build quality. The 21 1/2 inch barrel, semi-buckhorn sights, and classic Marlin profile give the rifle a purposeful appearance rooted in traditional woods hunting.
Chambered in .444 Marlin, the rifle is built around a cartridge developed specifically to deliver large-diameter bullets at useful velocities from a lever-action platform. Introduced in the mid-1960s, the .444 Marlin quickly earned a reputation for deep penetration and decisive terminal performance on large game at moderate ranges. The bore on this example is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, rating approximately 8.5 out of 10, with some stubborn fouling present that is consistent with normal use rather than neglect.
Overall condition is very good, with approximately 90 percent of the original blued finish remaining. There are scattered corrosion pits and light handling wear, along with evidence of careful corrosion removal on some surfaces, but the markings remain clear and legible throughout. The smooth wood stocks show scattered scratches and compression dents from field use but remain free of cracks or chips and present well overall. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with a crisp trigger and a properly operating half-cock safety. As a JM-marked Marlin 444S from the mid-1970s, this rifle stands as a solid example of Marlin’s big-bore lever-action offerings from a well-regarded production era. We are no longer offering layaway. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
