Marlin Model 444P .444 Marlin 18″ Lever Action Rifle & Leupold Scope, 1999
SOLD FOR: $1,675.00
LSB#: LSB251006VN029
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 444P
Serial Number: 01068933A
Year of Manufacture: 1999
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 444P – CAL. 444 MARLIN****, and a “JM” stamp just forward of the receiver. The right side of the barrel is marked with Marlin’s 2-line warning. The top tang is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 18″, Ported. THIS BARREL DOES NOT HAVE MICRO-GROOVE RIFLING.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, dovetailed to a serrated ramp, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is missing, but the ramp is still dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Leupold Vari-X II 2-7x scope, with a fine crosshair reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light wear, with a few scattered scratches and dings in the scope’s finish. Overall, the scope rates in Very Good condition. The scope is mounted on a one-piece Leupold base, and sits in 1″ rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut stock set, with a straight grip, straight comb, vented rubber buttpad, and a checkered forend with sling studs front and rear. The Marlin “Bullseye” is present in the belly. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stocks show light wear, with a few scattered scratches and dings throughout. The checkering is well defined, with sharp peaks. Though, one of the dings lies within the checkering on the left side of the wrist. The stock’s finish is intact, and the wood grain is attractive. The stocks fit tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good to Fine 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 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling wear. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as do the half-cock & cross-bolt safeties. 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 scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Marlin’s Model 444P, often referred to as the “Outfitter”, is one of the most sought-after variants in the entire 444 lineup. Produced for only a short period in the late 1990s, the 444P combined the tremendous power of the .444 Marlin cartridge with a short, fast-handling 18-inch ported barrel and compact carbine profile. Unlike earlier 444 rifles, the Outfitter models did not use Micro-Groove rifling; instead, they employed traditional cut rifling better suited for the heavier, wider range of bullet weights popular with big-game hunters and handloaders. This 1999 “JM”-stamped example represents the pre-Remington era of Marlin production and is one of the more desirable configurations in the company’s modern history.
This rifle remains in very fine condition overall. The blued finish is deep and even, with only light handling wear. The checkered walnut stocks are tight and attractive, showing only minor dings and one small mark within the checkering. The bore is excellent; bright, sharp, and without erosion, reinforcing the rifle’s readiness for serious field use. The included Leupold Vari-X II 2–7x scope, mounted on a correct period Leupold base, provides an ideal magnification range for the .444 Marlin’s effective hunting distances.
The Model 444P truly shines in the field; compact for dense timber, fast to shoulder, and powerful enough for elk, moose, black bear, feral hogs, and heavy-bodied game at close to moderate ranges. With its rare configuration, outstanding mechanical condition, and high-quality scope, this 444P stands as both a premium hunting rifle and a collectible example of Marlin’s late-20th-century craftsmanship. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – J.D.
