[BigBadAl]

I have noticed that Remlin has not made any .444's for a while now.... therefore supply in demand would "suggest" the value of .444's increase..
Anyways, I have a JM stamped and serial number on my 444 that places it as one of the last JM 444's made before the transition... I was wondering what the estimated value for this rifle is? It is in excellent/new condition, and has had less then 40 rounds fired through it.

Thanks,
Al

 

[Angus1895]

Is it a pistol grip? Microgroove? Crossbolt safety? How long is the barrel? I would guess it is gonna be between $425 and $675.

 

[Starrbow]

Several months ago, it would have been a easy question to answer, today, it seems the "Value" changes daily!

 

[Brocky]

Like Angus and Starrbow said, kinda hard to guess...

Assuming a 2008, 20" barrel, very good condition with no issues, $600, maybe $700 if your timing is right...

The changing hunting laws might work in your favor, but so would the idea of keeping a great rifle in a great caliber.

Good luck,

Brocky

 

[graymustang]

Just finished following the 444 market, both LGS and online auctions , Brocky has it right.

 

[pajasonc]

Two years ago you could pick up a nice MG Marlin 80's to the change to ballard rifling for $450. The Ballard rifles went a tad higher but still around 500. The value has been climbing since and has only went up with OH allowing the cartridge.

I have noticed that Remlin has not made any .444's for a while now.... therefore supply in demand would "suggest" the value of .444's increase..
Anyways, I have a JM stamped and serial number on my 444 that places it as one of the last JM 444's made before the transition... I was wondering what the estimated value for this rifle is? It is in excellent/new condition, and has had less then 40 rounds fired through it.

Thanks,
Al

 

[BigBadAl]

Sorry for leaving out all that information in my original post, too answer your questions though, its the model with the 22'' blued barrel , pistol grip, walnut, checkered, I believe Ballard type rifling...

 

[BigBadAl]

Like Angus and Starrbow said, kinda hard to guess...

Assuming a 2008, 20" barrel, very good condition with no issues, $600, maybe $700 if your timing is right...

The changing hunting laws might work in your favor, but so would the idea of keeping a great rifle in a great caliber.



Good luck,

Brocky

what change in hunting laws are you referencing?

 

[Mr Fixit]

Indiana or Ohio, one or maybe both allowing straight walled pistol cartridges to be used for deer hunting? Just a guess.

 

[BigBadAl]

interesting...

 

[Tomray]

Indiana or Ohio, one or maybe both allowing straight walled pistol cartridges to be used for deer hunting? Just a guess.

I'll never understand how those states consider the 444 to be a straight walled PISTOL cartridge.......

I think the person that wrote those regs didn't realize the 444 was created as a RIFLE cartridge..............

No matter to me, I don't live or hunt in those states, but I can see a lot of issues in the field by the way those regs might be interpreted by LEO's...........

Maybe not, though..........Regs are Regs...........

Tom

 

[Flat Top]

Here is the way I look at the value of the 444: It is priceless in two respects. As a large bore lever gun hunting rifle, the 444 has the best overall balance of all things considered.....power, balance when loaded, portability, trajectory, accuracy, and ease of shooting (low recoil factor)....therefor in that respect it is priceless. Secondly, as far as the market is concerned, the 444 to my knowledge is no longer being made. Those of us that have and use one, and appreciate its performance will doubtfully ever let one go. With the minimal amount of 444's on the market that are for sale (which kind of tells you something about the performance of the rifle), the cost has gone up considerably over the years, and with no more being made, the cost will most likely go higher.

Lever gun shooters are a very savvy lot, and the 444 is a highly touted and respected cartridge. You will see other cartridge big bore lever guns for sale all the time, but the 444's are far and few between...there is good reason for that. I would suggest that if you have one keep it...if you dont, now is the time to buy.

 

[J-Pipes]

The "pistol" has always been added by people not reading every word of the regs. It has never said "pistol cartridge". In years past when we could only use handguns for our center fire option, it read " pistols that fire a straight walled cartridge" therefore a 444 chambered T/C pistol was 100% legal, and the reason I bought a barrel....right before they announced the proposed changes, that have since passed. So to summarize, it is NOT, and WAS NOT "pistol" cartridges, it IS, and WAS "straight walled" cartridges.

 

[Johnzan]

Be nice if they triple in value....although it would make me want to keep mine even more so.

 

[Boarmaster]

J pipes is correct. I can see how someone might think it was pistol cart because of the way it was written and the fact a few articles got written with the pistol carts. Additionally Ohio lists each one that you are allowed to use. If its on the list then great if not no go.

 

[44 OLD GUY]

What Starrbow, Brocky, and Flat Top said. I own a 444ss and a 444XLR. Back to original question its worth whatever someone else is willing to pay for a fine rifle that they don't make anymore. The 45-70,s are everywhere but not the 444 Marlin. I was kind of thinking of selling one but then I thought I should have one MG and one Ballard rifled.

 

[BigBadAl]

What Starrbow, Brocky, and Flat Top said. I own a 444ss and a 444XLR. Back to original question its worth whatever someone else is willing to pay for a fine rifle that they don't make anymore. The 45-70,s are everywhere but not the 444 Marlin. I was kind of thinking of selling one but then I thought I should have one MG and one Ballard rifled.

Thanks for getting back on the original subject, the reason I ask is not because I want to sell it, but because someone offered to buy mine and I told them "go to the store and buy/order one"... they then informed me that they have been off the market for a while now, and then offered me $700 Cash... I was flattered, but did not hesitate to reject the offer after he educated me on their lack of availability...I originally paid $500-something... so $700 was not going to make the deal worth taking, especially if I cant find another one lol..

 

[Starrbow]

The life cycle of the 444 has seen 5 different models, in the last 16 years three models, the 444SS, 444P and the XLR, the 444P and XLR was not really made by the boatload, sparingly at best. Marlin put most of their Big Bore Eggs in the 45-70 basket, several models per year, plus all the specials from places like Davidsons, then throw in the LTD series and Marlin made way more of the 45-70's in way more configurations, so there's way more of the other big bores to go around. 444's are at a premium right now, the prices are all over the map!

 

[BigBadAl]

The life cycle of the 444 has seen 5 different models, in the last 16 years three models, the 444SS, 444P and the XLR, the 444P and XLR was not really made by the boatload, sparingly at best. Marlin put most of their Big Bore Eggs in the 45-70 basket, several models per year, plus all the specials from places like Davidsons, then throw in the LTD series and Marlin made way more of the 45-70's in way more configurations, so there's way more of the other big bores to go around. 444's are at a premium right now, the prices are all over the map!

If there is a demand, how come Marlin is not taking advantage of the market and making money.... I agree with you, 45-70's are everywhere.... Good rifles, but everywhere...

 

[Kevin336]

The demand is less than a month old. You could sell it in Ohio for $800. Probably $600 elsewhere for the searching I did over the last few months if it is pristine.

I am hoping production returns, for ammunition at the very least.

The demand won't last. After a year or two everyone will settle down. Right now most people I know are getting 45-70's and considering them a big improvement over slug guns. Those seem to be plentiful.