Where do you find these things? I would really like one, but i can find one anywhere! Also wouldnt mind an 1895GG, but the .444 Marlin just seems like a really cool caliber to me. So where do you find these things and for how much?

NH_Hunter

Just a little searching as the stopping making them in 2002... what a shame. Here is one on GunsAmerica (http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976416529.htm). They come and go on the auction sites.

I am looking for a NIB 2002 model. That SN starts with "98" holler if you see one!

Where do you find these things? I would really like one, but i can find one anywhere! Also wouldnt mind an 1895GG, but the .444 Marlin just seems like a really cool caliber to me. So where do you find these things and for how much?

NH_Hunter
I obtained a 444P back in Feb of 01 and consider it to be one of the finest hunting carbines to be made - even though I am (first) a 45-70 enthusiast, the 444P is handier than the 1895 Marlin I bought in 1972 and with PROPER HANDLOADS it is suitable for anything you would care to hunt on the Western Hemisphere. Currently, and depending upon the species of game you want to hunt, I would select from the Barnes, 225 XPB, the Nosler 250 gr Partition and either the 240 gr or 280 gr Swift A-Frame bullets. I have had great success using the 240 grain Swift as loaded:
Bullet: 240 gr Swift A-Frame Hollow Point
Case: R-P 444 Marlin
Primer: Winchester Large Rifle (WLR)
Powder: IMR 4198 - 44.0 grains
Recently used this load to take a 220 (+/- 2 lbs) weighed wild hog and was favorably impressed by the bullet's performance, to wit. Total measured penetration: 30" the bullet entering high on the right shoulder quartering back through the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th ribs then through the spinal column at an angle that had the bullet stop in the flesh of the outside area of the left hindquarter. Recovered bullet weighed 212.9 grains and had a mean average diameter of .721" - considering the amount of bone penetrated the bullet looks almost picture perfect like a miniature mushroom.

Anyway, hope you find one (444P) as it is truely an outstanding combination of firearm and cartridge. Properly HANDLOADED, the 444 Marlin cartridge is suitable for any species of big game you would care to hunt on the Western Hemisphere as long as you keep the maximum distance for the shot to somewhere between 150 to 200 yards. And lastly, equip your 444P with a set of Ashley "Ghost Ring" aperture rear sight and white line ramp front sight and your set for "bear."

Be safe and responsible.

My son and I picked up a pair of 444P's at a local SG store in MN last December. :) The dealer had 6 more in their company inventory around the Great Lakes area. We wanted the 444 because it seems a good fit for bear in MN and I wanted a caliber that was a bit different. I also shoot .44 Mag so I may be able to use some of my bullets for low power plinking loads. All I can say is the 444P is a great gun. Keep your eyes open at some of your local gun shows. They show up once in a while.

As for the Ashley Sights I installed a Williams FP and Firesight on mine. If you take out the aperture you have a great rear ghost sight for a little less money.

Good luck finding your 444P.

God Bless

Thanks for that link RD. That is a pretty good price, 350 without the extras. I would probably go the reciever sight route anyways.

NH_Hunter

So Marlin is no longer making the .444 Lever Action ? Or just arent making the short version ? I really want a .444 , Im just wondering If Ill ALWAYS have to order ammo.

Tang,
Only the 444P, the short-barrelled, ported model has been discontinued. Why? I seriously don't know, but then again many decisions made by the corporate heads at Marlin aren't making sense lately either. The standard 22" barrelled model is still available, and there are still a few of the 444P's floating around waiting to be adopted by a loving ower! :)

God Bless,

Tang,

I really like the Hornady Light Magnum 265 gr. factory stuff and so does my 444S. It is for sale in lost of store here in OKC.

Dave :)