Yes an no. Sight is the orginal configuration, as is the gold trigger, .....any 444 is very special, and yours is very nice.

 

Congrats! All my rifles from around the 70's time frame have gold triggers, so nothing particular about that; not sure exactly when they stopped using them though. Nice rifle, enjoy!

 

Marlin 444
Dates: 1965 — 1971
Serial Numbers, first two digits: AA, AB, AC, AD, 69 through 71
Barrel Length: 24”
Barrel Rifling: Micro-Groove™, 12 lands
Barrel Twist: 1:38"
Proof Mark: "JM" on left side of the barrel
1971: Mar-Shield™ finish and vented recoil pad appear.

You'll find more info in the ONE HUMONGOUS STICKY at the top of the 444 forum. Mr Fixit

 

congrats on that 444

 

Yes, that is Special. I'm not golden on the following info but pretty sure. 1971 was the only year they put the square lever on and the dove tail front sight. All the other years should have round lever and ramped site. This 71 should be a Texan but I see they didn't stamp a T after the 444 on the Barrel. Either way, that is Sweet!!

Hayden.

 

Looking at those pics along with the ones I've been involved with leaves me baffled at the changes and configurations the 444 has been through. Levelers, carriers, ejectors, stocks, forends, barrel bands, caps, chamber beveling,levers, sights, caliber designation...

Congrats!

 

Congrats on the T-4
Nice lookin one for sure.

RP

 

nice...looks very clean...........

 

You did good, my friend !! She's a beauty.

 

From Brophy's book. Perhaps some help.

 

You did great! I love the monte carlo stocks and the 24" barrels on those early guns, that looks to be in great shape too! Congratulations!

 

1971 was the transition year from the 24" barrel to the 22" barrel and from the Highcomb buttstock to the normal buttstock.
The 24" model at the time has the narrow hammer, crisp trigger, buttery smooth action, honed chamber, barrel and forearm bands, they were some of the better ones built. I've got a soft spot in my heart for those models!

 

Very Nice!! Love the older Marlins.

 

Yeah its a JM Original.

 

Starrbow................ Where in the Sam Hill did you get that Hat?
Heck Fire...................... I need one of those....
Correction................ I WANT one of those

 

My 1981 444S had a gold trigger until I put in a HappyTrigger.
So they had them at least until then.
Guess I always thought that was a Marlin hallmark like the little "target" in the bottom of the buttstock.
Still not sure what that is for other than distinctive marking.
At first I thought it might be where someone covered up a previous sling mount hole but then learned they all have them.

 

Guess I always thought that was a Marlin hallmark like the little "target" in the bottom of the buttstock.
Still not sure what that is for other than distinctive marking.

It's a plug to keep the JM juice from leaking out! :laugh:


Vooch

 

Very nice 444!

Dan

 

Dang that condition is nice. Enjoy that sir.