*SOLD* 1980 Marlin 444S .444 Marlin Blue 22" *COVETED "JM" STAMPED EXAMPLE*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis

In the mid-1960s, the .45-70 cartridge had nearly vanished from the American market, and there was no big-bore lever-action rifle cartridge in production to fill the gap. To address this, Marlin decided to develop a new cartridge that would offer comparable power. They designed the .444 Marlin, essentially a longer version of the .44 Magnum, extending the cartridge by nearly an inch to approach the .45-70’s power levels. The .444 Marlin was conceived by Remington at Marlin’s request in 1964. Marlin then modified their Model 336, originally chambered for the .30-30, to accommodate the new cartridge, resulting in the Model 444. While the .444 Marlin might be described as a lengthened .44 Magnum, that additional inch of case length allows for a significant increase in velocity—about 600 fps more. In terms of muzzle energy, this lengthened cartridge propels .44 caliber bullets to levels comparable to those of the .30-06.

Over time, several variations of the Model 444 emerged. The original 1965 version featured a straight grip, Monte Carlo-style stock, and a 24” barrel. By 1971, it was replaced by the Model 444 Sporter, which had a curved-grip stock and a 22” barrel, and was renamed the Model 444S (Sporter). Although the 22” barrel became standard, variations such as the Model 444P Outfitter with an 18.5” barrel and the Model 444 Express Long Range with a 24” barrel were also produced. In 1994, a hammer-blocking manual safety was introduced, leading to the redesignation of the rifle as the Model 444SS. Despite its improved safety features, the addition of a brick-hard rubber butt plate sparked criticism from traditionalists who questioned whether Marlin’s designers had ever actually fired a Model 444. The Model 444S, produced from 1972 to 1983, featured micro-groove rifling, a barrel prepared for a top-mounted scope, and a fluted comb stock similar to the later Model 444SS.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Marlin 

Model: 444S

Serial: 20035782

Date of Manufacture: 1980

Caliber: .444 Marlin

Finish: Blue

Barrel Length: 22" Micro-Grooved Barrel

Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Folding Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn Rear

Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Buttstock and Forearm

Action: Lever-Action 

Markings: Standard

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