A very good friend gave me a .444 Marlin. His father bought it new sometime back. I haven't seen a Marlin like this before; will someone tell me about it. It has a 24 inch barrel. It has a straight pistol grip and a narrow forearm. Nice checking and a micro-groove barrel. The serial number is AA52xxx. I like shooting this Marlin a lot. I think it's a keeper. Thanks for any help

I believe what you have is a Marlin Model 444. Yours was made in 1965, the first year they were produced. It was made from 1965 to 1971. The standard model 444 had a straight stock. The 444 sporter had a pistol grip stock. There is no Model number on the barrel?? I hope this is the info you are looking for. Also.... does it have a barrel band?

Bert - Welcome to the brotherhood of 444 owners. It will quickly become your favorite rifle. You'll find lots of devoted 444 owners here and on Cast Boolits. Make sure you read the Technical Notes articles on the 444 on this web site. Marshall Stanton has written some great articles on this firearm. Great reading, and absolutely essential for any 444 owner.

I believe what you have is a Marlin Model 444. Yours was made in 1965, the first year they were produced. It was made from 1965 to 1971. The standard model 444 had a straight stock. The 444 sporter had a pistol grip stock. There is no Model number on the barrel?? I hope this is the info you are looking for. Also.... does it have a barrel band?
The barrel has Marlin Firearms Co., in cursive. New Haven, Conn., U.S.A..... in print. Est. 1870-Micro-Groove Barrel-Model- 444 MARLIN. It has a barrel band around the end of the forearm and one at the end of the magazine tube. The only dovetails are for the sights. I can't thank you enough for the help. I've read the article's on bore lapping these. Those got me curious enough to try and slug the bore. Seems the breach is a little tighter than the muzzle. I'll shoot some of my cast through it tomorrow and see what happens.

Not a problem. Were all here to help where we can. Hope you like your new/old rifle. It will probably become a favorite.

Welcome.... what a great gift that is!

You'll find plenty of .444 information here on this site, that's for sure.