Make: Marlin
Model: 444S
Serial Number: 23101368
Year of Manufacture: 1977
Caliber: .444 Marlin
Action Type: Lever Action with Three Quarter Length Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 22"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, serrated, ramped base screwed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight has been removed, the rear dovetail is empty. The left of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight, none present. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with a one-piece Weaver 63B rail installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb and ventilated brown rubber Marlin recoil pad. There is a Marlin "bullseye" and a sling stud in the belly. There is another stud mounted to the forend cap. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly in the right of the grip and along the belly. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 13 7/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. The pad shows light wear and has hardened some with age. The stocks rate in Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Gold Toned Trigger
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the Micro-Groove rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn copper fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. There is a small spot of erosion on the top of the barrel, just in front of the forend, which has been scrubbed out. There are a couple of nicks and scratching on the bottom tang. There are a few spots of very minor oxidation, mostly on the right receiver flat. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Created in 1964 as a joint venture between Marlin and Remington, the .444 Marlin cartridge was developed to fill the space left after .45-70 lost popularity in the United States. Able to push a 240 grain projectile at 2,400 FPS, the cartridge can be used for even the largest game North America has to offer. It has an advantage over the .45-70 in that it was designed for use with smokeless powder, not for black powder. After the cartridge was completed, the Model 444 was released in 1965 and is just like a 336 with strength upgrades to handle the potent round.
The 444S has a pistol grip stock and 22" barrel with a 2/3-length magazine tube. This example retains the vast majority of its original metal finish, a strong bore and good mechanics, appearing to have seen limited and responsible use. This rifle would be great for hunting or for a Marlin collection which doesn’t yet have a .444S. Please see our photos and good luck!
