Here's a 71 444

 

Yes. Straight Monte Carlo stock called the 444 magnum(very early), 444T were immediately following. Earliest models had round straight levers, square levers began about 72(mine was square). Some have ramp front sights. Some dovetails

Papalote

 

Thanks for that info.....

 

It's easy enough to convert them.

 

Did the early straight stocked Marlin 444's have the serial number on the upper tang or the lower tang? The reason I ask is that I saw a straight stocked 444 at the last Spokane gun show, and there was no serial number on the top tang. Now the lever had a cable tie around it to comply with local firearms at gun shows regulations, but since this firearm had a former users social security number engraved in the lever, I wasn't interested in the gun and didn't therefore ask that the cable tie be removed for further inspection.

 

Mine is on the upper tang

 

There's a 1965 on gunbroken that has the serial number on the bottom

 

Although the stock in the photo of the gun above may be original to the gun, all the early straight gripped 444's I've ever seen have a Monte Carlo combed stock with Marlin marked white-line rubber recoil pad as seen on the gun in the pic below (gun at right in photo). But there are also other factory 444's with straight gripped stocks; special limited runs with 18" barrels, and some examples even have ported barrels. Unfortunately, I don't recall the model designations for these 444's; but understand they are a hoot to shoot.

All early original straight gripped 444's I've seen featured a Lyman fold-down rear site; but as I don't have any period catalogs handy, that feature could have been changed to the ramp type sight later in production. According to what I can remember from my research, 1972 was the final production year of the early model 444T; and was in fact a transition year, as one will also find examples of the pistol grip 22" barreled 444S Model from 1972 ("S" designating Sporter, as opposed to the "T" designation for Texan).

The gun in the photo below is a 1969 vintage 444 with the Lyman rear sight. And one final note, if my old memory serves correctly, 1968 was the year that Marlin began stamping serial numbers onto the top tang as opposed to the lower tang. At that point it became very simple to date a Marlin lever, as the first two digits would be the year of production.

So in 1968 each lever gun serial number would begin with the numbers "68"; and Marlin used this revised numbering system thru 1972. Then in 1973, and again in my old memory is correct, the numbering system was changed again so that the first two digits of the serial number must be subtracted from 100 to determine production year; which would mean (if memory is correct) that lever gun serial numbers for 1973 production began with the number "27".

Marlins can be confusing at times, but all this confusion just serves to make collecting more fun and interesting.

 

I have a 1968 straight monte carlo stocked 444, with the serial number on the lower tang. The serial number starts with AD.

 

The two attached photos are the same rifle. My 444. The Monte Carlo is original and this one requires a scope. I cannot get down to the irons with that high comb. The other butt stock is a take off in normal configuration, and allows me to use the irons or a peep - much to my preference. The barrel is original 24". Later models can be found with an 18" barrel - Guides Model.

They can be found in many barrel lengths: 18", 20", 22", and the original 24".

 

I think I have a extra straight trigger plate and lever.

 

We need to talk! I have an early 60's pistol grip that needs to become a straight stock. I bought CitySlicker's 35X30-30 and it is really neat and a beautiful piece of wood. BUT I'm a straight stock guy and I do have that extra butt stock, as I can put the boat paddle back on the 444 and send it down the road with no remorse.

Jeff

 

Though this particular rifle wears aftermarket wood and has an 1895 lever, it's the only example I have that fits a fellow member's favorite saying:
"There's a straight-grip hiding inside every pistol grip stock." - swany

(2001 336W .30-30 converted to custom, straight-grip Model 444 [heavily modified Remlin barrel].)

 

Superb looking rifle . Great job.

 

I must second this. Very nicely done FrankenMauser.

 

My '71 444T looks prezactly like Stromburgs photo, no motecarlo, squared lever, barrel band, burried to deep in the safe to see the serial number location?
The regular comb stock works well with the Lyman 66LA aperture sight.

 

The 444 "P" model I have has a straight stock; called an "Outfitter" with an 18 1/2" ported barrel... manufactured from '99-2001 I think?