Marlin 444 AND Marlin 336 35 Rem

Boomer45 · Post by **Boomer45** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:38 pm

Well, it's been a great week. Was in Pennsylvania last weekend and found a nice 1980 model Marlin 336 in 35 Remington for $260. Needless to say, this came back to Michigan with me. Now today, went to Gander Mountain here in town and got my Marlin 444 off lay away. Both have been stripped down and cleaned. Now for a couple of questions. The Marlin 444 has a blued trigger vice the gold ones that all my other Marlin Leverguns have. Is this the way it is suppose to be? Also, how tight should the lever lock up when the gun is cocked? This one only takes a little pressure to pop the lever down and pull the bolt out of battery. Checked my 336 35 Rem and 30-30 and they require a little more pressure to do this. Any thoughts?

JP_TX · Post by **JP_TX** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 10:57 pm

My 444, when new, was stiff as a board, so tight, I was afraid it would never loosen up. But, after playing with it for a few months and firing a couple 100 rounds or so through it, it is smoothing out. The lever closed latch loosens up as well, when the action smooths out. At least mine did.

When I shoot 300grainers with max load the gun jumps enough for me to knock the lever open too.

As long as it latches and doesn't "fall open" of it's own weight, I think your ok.

Re: Trigger, the recent models are blue.

I haven't had my 35 long enough to say.

Boomer45 · Post by **Boomer45** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 2:51 pm

JP_TX, Thanks for the reply. I dis-assembled the 444 and checked everything out. Looked okay other then needing some cleaning. Load up some Speer 270GR JSP bullets using 43.5 grains of IMR4198 w/CCI LR primers. It was raining so I did not fire for accuracy but only for function. Everything worked just fine, no problems with the lever. As soon as the weather will allow I will do a range report for those that are interested.

Boomer

JP_TX · Post by **JP_TX** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 6:00 pm

Boomer, You'll love the 444, I've never heard of a person that owned one who didn't. Even the guys that later bought 45-70's have not had a bad word to say of the 444. And many a 45-70 shooter who tried the 444, found that was the gun they took to the woods. A 444 max loaded with 300grn Speers, kicks but not nearly as much as a 45-70 with max load under a 400grn bullet.
Personally, since I own both the 35 and the 444 too, I can't imagine you being any happier with your range time. Both are outstanding shooters and within about 200 yards will bring home any meat on the hoof that wanders by your sights. Also you will have the confidence to know that South of the Canadian border, you will never be undergunned.