New to the .444

[crebid]

Made a trade for two Marlin levers , one a 1895 .45-70 ported guide ( LOVE IT !!!!) , second is a Model 444T . I had some ammo from the past and sighted in and killed a coyote . I can not find info on the 444T. It is I am thinking the first year production rifle. Serial number range is 72,xxx,xxx . If anyone can shed some light on this one I would very much appreciate it. I am very pleased with the rifle and have already ordered the dies. I know it is a keeper.

[rooterpig]

Those guns are not any good! PLEASE SEND THEM TO ME ...RIGHT AWAY.

[Flat Top]

No...No!!!! Send the 45-70 to rooterpig............send "ME" the 444....besides if its that old, its probably worn out anyway!!!!

[wrench man]

I couldn't find much info on the "444T" either, Brophy's book makes no mention of the "T"??, but I can assure you that '72 isn't the first year, mines a '71.

[Starrbow]

Near as I can tell, the 444T was a special run with the "T" being the only difference, some say the "T" stands for Texas, I know there are some 35remington models "T's" as well.


IMHO the old model 444's with the 24" barrels were the very, best made, they had a number of differences VS A 444 made today!
They are:

Narrow Hammer, gold colored great trigger, baby butt smooth action, no checkering on the stocks, Straight stocked High combed monte carlo buttstock, barrel bands, 24" barrel, 1-38 twist rate Microgroove, honed chamber, spring loaded lifter, drilled and tapped for a side mounted reciver sight, no cross bolt safety, and built/put together better then todays rifles.

[rr11]

What Starrbow said.

[Dawei]

What Starrbow said.

I'm with both of you guys on this!

[Canuck Bob]

Ranch Dog has load info and chamber drawings for the T. Here's a link to the info on his 300 grain mold page.
TLC432-300-RF Ranch Dog's TLC432-300-RF [TLC432300RF] - $60.00 : Ranch Dog Outdoors, Ranch Dog Outdoors - Lee Special Order Bullet Molds for Leverguns and semi-auto Handguns

I must admit a slight bias to the next generation of 444s, the early S . All the features Starrbow mentions with the straight stock and 22" tube, if I prefered scopes the T would be my choice. I agree wholeheartedly about the early Marlins, mine is smooth and well fitted in dense Walnut and has performed flawlessly for over 30 years.

[wrench man]

IMHO the old model 444's with the 24" barrels were the very, best made, they had a number of differences VS A 444 made today!
They are:

Narrow Hammer, gold colored great trigger, baby butt smooth action, no checkering on the stocks, Straight stocked High combed monte carlo buttstock, barrel bands, 24" barrel, 1-38 twist rate Microgroove, honed chamber, spring loaded lifter, drilled and tapped for a side mounted reciver sight, no cross bolt safety, and built/put together better then todays rifles.

This describes mine accept for the "Monte Carlo stock", mine doesn't have this feature?, do you suppose it's been replaced at some point in time?, or is this a transition rifle??

[1895Gunner]

crebid, 1st off welcome to MarlinOwners and secondly you just picked up two of my favorite calibers. Only thing you're missing is the 450... You are gunna love the Guide Gun, I'm up to my 4th one now, all ported.

If you have any questions you have the best team for answers right here. Congrats on your acquisitions...

1895gunner