The post by Gowge got me to thinking if any of you have ever seen one of these...

http://www.baitshopboyz.com/forum/uploads/HR444.jpg

My understanding is that only 400 of these Ultra-rifles chambered in 444 Marlin where made for Gander Mountain. This is mine.

Hey Ranch Dog! How's that baby shoot? I have several rifles made by NEF and enjoy them. How's the recoil? I was wondering if the throat on your rifle is longer than on the Marlin lever actions....long enough to crimp in the crimping groove of BTB hard cast bullets. Do you have any trouble with heavy bullets (300 grs. or more)?

The 444 would be nice as an accessary barrel. Too bad they don't offer it.

wyonative...
Sorry that I missed your post and thanks for the 'heads up" email! I actually haven't shot the rifle that much as my son-in-law walked off with it during the hunting season. He came for a deer hunt and left with it to take on another hunt. He is supposed to bring it back during spring turkey season as I would like to work with it some more.

The rifle shot as well as my 444P, which shoots extremely well, with less recoil. The only bullets I've shot out of it are the 265-grain Hornady's and they shoot very well.

I traded a fellow on the H&RTalk web site my SB2 with 223 Rem and 30-30 Win barrels for the rifle. I had been looking for one for quite some time and this is the only one that I've run across. It came with the Gander Mountain box and paperwork.

Now that H&R is owned by Marlin, I am waiting for them to come out with the 444 is regular production. Has not happened yet but I am hopeuful. It's one rifle I'd love to own and shoot. IF your son in law EVER gives it back to you, I hope you'll give us a full report on the rifle. Ranch Dog, you are one lucky dog!

Bill

Bill,

I noticed that this year they even dropped the 450 Marlin from the lineup. You might be in for a long wait.

Well, there goes that hope. I can see them dropping the 450 Marlin in the single shot. Must have been a bruiser. Still, the 444 is as American as apple pie.

Kinda figures though. This is the same parent company that dropped the 1894P and the 444 Outfitter.

Guess I'm back to that 444 reamer.


Bill

Bill,
I bet you can find a 450 Marlin in the Ultra if you just keep you eyes open. I'm going to being doing some pressure testing on different loads and powders for the 444 Marlin and figure this rifle will make a good test bed.

http://budsgunshop.com/Store/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_262/products_id/8116

Hey Ranch Dog,

Thanks but I am not looking for a 450 Marlin. Would not mind that 444 of yours though!!!!!

Let me know if I can be of any help in your pressure testing on the 444. I have done extensive pressure testing in my 444 Outfitter. And please share your results with us.

Bill