Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: Biggerhammer on August 16, 2012, 03:32:09 PM

Title: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: Biggerhammer on August 16, 2012, 03:32:09 PM: I happened to be at a local gunshop when a gentlemen was consigning some lever action rifles. Picked up a Marlin .444 that was produced in 1971 and has been sitting in a safe since 81. Got it for 450.00, SUPER CLEAN! It's hard to tell it's ever been fired. I have a lever 45-70, I've always wanted a .444 but never went out of my way to get one. This was just a target of opportunity purchase.

Yes, that is factory SISSY ammo I purchased with it. I need to order dies and I'm not waiting for them before I BLAST CHIT with it.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2Fb46e4187.jpg&hash=7bdffe33657b55519cd15f6c89b9ebdd290873a9)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2F58f152fd.jpg&hash=512d4642a7984fce3a851e7b04f4592515ac2491)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2F8c850f8b.jpg&hash=f50f4094d3fdada043d6b3b2a63cb8c1f196a5d9)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2Fea327cfd.jpg&hash=99329ef10ae8799f2f84ef4ec0a76deb4938ca3f)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2F41052c99.jpg&hash=8e22cb67b5d6a9ef9a52ba659f1399b7ea1def65)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2F8b4a5520.jpg&hash=fc900430c732f808a9ef1e28f26afc73ec55346f)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2Fe855476b.jpg&hash=5e6ef0109be5c6abd5a21ecae9b2f725793bf47d)
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: Curly on August 16, 2012, 03:33:31 PM: Nice to be in the right place at the right time. Congrats. :tup:
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: C-Money on August 16, 2012, 03:34:55 PM: Sweat rifle man! :tup:
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on August 16, 2012, 03:34:55 PM: Nice goin'. I bought a 450 Marlin from Rocky's in Wenatchee, same type of deal. Went bear hunting with it yesterday.
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: h20hunter on August 16, 2012, 03:35:13 PM: Your grass is looking better.......

Nice shooter as well.
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on August 16, 2012, 03:36:38 PM: Quote from: h20hunter on August 16, 2012, 03:35:13 PM
Your grass is looking better.......

Nice shooter as well.

I'm happy you mentioned the grass, I saw that too !!! :tup:
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: Biggerhammer on August 16, 2012, 03:42:47 PM: Quote from: h20hunter on August 16, 2012, 03:35:13 PM
Your grass is looking better.......

Nice shooter as well.

Hahaha! It's not my grass, it's a chicks grass. ;)

This is what my grass looks like now until I flatten a place out and plant some in the spring.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2F574b1382.jpg&hash=d397d7ea60104be8d16233cd8d0f29700a4608bf)
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: h20hunter on August 16, 2012, 03:43:28 PM: The gun looks like a twin to my Marlin. It is fun to shoot....

Since the man has some of the coolest toys we have to give him a ration about something. Looks like a great brush gun for some bears.

I like the new grass better. More mulies hiding in it.
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: Biggerhammer on August 16, 2012, 03:48:47 PM: Quote from: h20hunter on August 16, 2012, 03:43:28 PM
The gun looks like a twin to my Marlin. It is fun to shoot....

Since the man has some of the coolest toys we have to give him a ration about something. Looks like a great brush gun for some bears.

I like the new grass better. More mulies hiding in it.

Yep, that's what the game camera on the post is for, dead center of the last pic. Here's the last buck that was standing down there. Haven't checked the camera since. I m headed up to put a tree stand in that furthest pine back just right off center. :tup: I think this .444 should stuff him in the dirt at that range.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2Fe6ece69c.jpg&hash=9be45f3d82cd1cb872605d3011da9b32498e3fac)
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on August 16, 2012, 03:49:12 PM: Trickster !!!!!
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: h20hunter on August 16, 2012, 03:55:10 PM: I would think so. Just sit on up there and wait...one to the boiler room and it is done deal.....even with the sissy ammo!
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: johnnyaustin44 on August 16, 2012, 03:55:52 PM: Sweet piece. shot my Idaho spring bear with the same combo.
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: magnanimous_j on August 16, 2012, 03:59:26 PM: Freaking sweet rifle. I love lever guns.
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on August 16, 2012, 04:11:24 PM: Quote from: johnnyaustin44 on August 16, 2012, 03:55:52 PM
Sweet piece. shot my Idaho spring bear with the same combo.

...........showoff !!!! :tup:
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on August 16, 2012, 04:14:13 PM: Mr. Biggerhammer,
Do you happen to have or know anybody that has load data for a 458 SOCOM ? Kinda off subject, but caint find diddly squat that might be reliable.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: johnnyaustin44 on August 16, 2012, 04:23:27 PM: Hey just showing him what kind if results to expect is all....
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on August 16, 2012, 04:32:56 PM: Quote from: johnnyaustin44 on August 16, 2012, 04:23:27 PM
Hey just showing him what kind if results to expect is all....

..........that's what we wanna see, results. Nice bruin !
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: Biggerhammer on August 16, 2012, 04:37:32 PM: Quote from: johnnyaustin44 on August 16, 2012, 04:23:27 PM
Hey just showing him what kind if results to expect is all....

Great show! Great bear Johnny! Always fun to Take a step back from modern technology.
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: rasbo on August 16, 2012, 04:57:20 PM: awesome gun,envy here.I would like to see what the 45-70 and the 444 bullet look like side by side..
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: Biggerhammer on August 16, 2012, 05:12:22 PM: Quote from: rasbo on August 16, 2012, 04:57:20 PM
awesome gun,envy here.I would like to see what the 45-70 and the 444 bullet look like side by side..

45-70 Right, .444 Left. Crap cell phone picture.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2F401ab19b.jpg&hash=0796fe2083d755a413f89c200f17e6fa7ff2d4db)
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: CAMPMEAT on August 16, 2012, 05:13:41 PM: Quote from: Biggerhammer on August 16, 2012, 05:12:22 PM
Quote from: rasbo on August 16, 2012, 04:57:20 PM
awesome gun,envy here.I would like to see what the 45-70 and the 444 bullet look like side by side..

45-70 Right, .444 Left. Crap cell phone picture.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2F401ab19b.jpg&hash=0796fe2083d755a413f89c200f17e6fa7ff2d4db)

..........are those sissy loads compared to the 450 Marlin ?
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: washelkhunter on August 16, 2012, 05:58:37 PM: Very nice. Is that the 24" barrel, and whos stamp is on it?
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: yorketransport on August 16, 2012, 08:12:06 PM: Good find! I have a Guide Gun in 444 which is currently on loan to my brother. I had a 12" Contender barrel and a 10" BFR in 444 as well. It's a great round once you get up into the 300gr bullets. With the right handloads, I'd say it's just as good as any 45-70 loads out of a lever gun.

I wouldn't laugh too much at the Hornady ammo. That stuff is significantly better than anything Remington ever offered.

Andrew
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: dawei on August 16, 2012, 08:20:01 PM: Here is the greatest resource on the net for everything 444 Marlin®; come join us..........
• http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/444-marlin/ (http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/444-marlin/)
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: rasbo on August 16, 2012, 08:41:48 PM: do they kick the crap outta you?
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: threedwizard on August 16, 2012, 09:16:36 PM: I've had one for about 15 years now and have killed deer, bear, and elk. My father-in-law killed his moose with it. All kills using the 240 grain Remington factory ammo. I load up barnes bullets now and it is a great deer/bear gun at medium ranges. Clean looking gun and a good price. Yes, they have some kick to them, but not too much.
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: carpsniperg2 on August 16, 2012, 09:42:46 PM: Quote from: Biggerhammer on August 16, 2012, 05:12:22 PM
Quote from: rasbo on August 16, 2012, 04:57:20 PM
awesome gun,envy here.I would like to see what the 45-70 and the 444 bullet look like side by side..

45-70 Right, .444 Left. Crap cell phone picture.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi90.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk269%2Flandonmoses%2F401ab19b.jpg&hash=0796fe2083d755a413f89c200f17e6fa7ff2d4db)

I am not much of a lever guy and don't know about the 2 rounds. But isn't that pic backwards? Isnt the 45-70 on the left and the 444 on the right? Or are my eyes just playing tricks on me?
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: washelkhunter on August 16, 2012, 09:49:53 PM: Yup. The image is flipped i guess.
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: carpsniperg2 on August 16, 2012, 10:06:06 PM: :chuckle: Like I said I am not much into the lever guns. Plus I have always know hammer is a little backwards, but I just had to ask :chuckle:

Anyways :chuckle: For what I have seen them sell at the shows. I think it was a good deal. I passed up a stainless 45-70 for 550.00 one of the last shows I went to. I thought it was a great deal and like new in the box. Maybe I should have bought it :chuckle:
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: Biggerhammer on August 16, 2012, 10:33:14 PM: Yep, ass backwards! The 45-70 is on the left. :tup:
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: RadSav on August 17, 2012, 01:30:14 AM: Good deal for sure in my mind. I carried a trapper model back in my guiding days. Always made some nervous city slicker much more comfortable when tracking wounded bear. I really kick myself for ever trading it. But, heck the geese were flying and I needed a 10 gauge :chuckle:

I never killed much with it, but I can confidently say it's a deadly round on squirrels! And when you shoot an angry bear in the head at 15 inches it makes one heck of a mess. I recommend being further away and shooting a little lower. ;)

I've never shot the 45-70 out of a lever gun. I'd be very interested to find out what you think of the two side by side/ apples to apples.
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: NWBREW on August 17, 2012, 03:17:34 AM: That 444 is nice. Let me know if yoy want to get rid of that ole 45-70.....they aint no good anyways. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: mountainman on August 17, 2012, 01:27:33 PM: Heres one from a few years ago Landon. one of about a dozen to fall to this caliber. 300 gr xtp (rifle) with a hot load of h355. Hammers em!
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: 257 Wby Mag on August 17, 2012, 06:26:01 PM: Awesome bear mountain man!!

I had a Marlin 444 about 15 years ago Landon, cool shootin iron. Thanks for all the reloading help you've been giving me lately, your making life alot easier!! Later man
Title: Re: Got a smoking deal on a Marlin .444 today.
Post by: Biggerhammer on August 17, 2012, 08:00:29 PM: :tup: