Marlin Model 444
Marlin Firearms · Rifle · In Production · 1964
Also known as: Marlin 444, Marlin 444 Sporter
Overview
The Marlin Model 444 is a lever-action rifle introduced in 1964 alongside the powerful .444 Marlin cartridge, which Marlin developed with Remington by lengthening the .44 Magnum case. Built on Marlin's solid-top, side-ejecting Model 336 action, it was the most powerful lever-action rifle of its day and was aimed at hunters seeking a hard-hitting brush gun for large North American game such as deer, elk, and black bear. Early rifles used a 24-inch barrel and Monte Carlo stock; the 1971 Model 444 Sporter adopted a 22-inch barrel, semi-pistol-grip walnut stock, and Ballard-style rifling.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3447 g (121.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1029 mm (40.51") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Lever Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 730 m/s (2395 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4338 J (3200 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .444 Marlin · primary — also known as 444 Marlin
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Block Safety, Cross Bolt Safety
- Features: Ballard Rifling, Side Ejection, Semi Buckhorn Rear Sight, Hooded Front Sight, Tubular Magazine
Variants
- Marlin Model 444 Sporter — Sporter
Production
Production years: 1964-present
Discontinued briefly after Remington acquired Marlin; reintroduced after Ruger purchased the Marlin brand in 2020.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Marlin Firearms
Notes
The .444 Marlin was created specifically for this rifle to give lever-gun shooters magnum-class power. Tubular magazines require flat- or round-nose bullets for safe stacking.
Background
When introduced in 1964, the Model 444 in .444 Marlin was the most powerful lever-action rifle commercially available, reviving interest in big-bore lever guns for North American hunting.