The glossy finish is unusual. Makes me wonder if some custom work has been done, including the checkering. I don't know if Marlin had a custom shop.

I don't know about the newer Marlins with ballard rifling, but the old microgroove barrels were shooters. Very unusual for lever guns to rival bolts for accuracy, but they did.

I'll check my marlin book and see if it's in there.

I didn't see any pictures in there of 444 that looks like that one.

Yep, one of the first ones out.
I have an 80’s model since 1990. Shot squirrel to turkey to hogs and deer with it. Mine will take cast bullets and copper. 1.25” groups and better are obtainable at 100 yds. Mine likes 4198 or Varget.

Pulled this out to add to the thread. 1968 date. I added a skinner peep sight. Even with my eyes it is dead on at a 100 yards.

Looks very similar to mine except maybe glossy stock

Would you mind to look at your rear sling stud and see how it compares to the one on my rifle?

I bet mine is missing that little white thing where the hole is?? Anyone know if the white plug is where the stud is supposed to go on rifles? I have one on a 336, but the stud is below it. I swore there used to be one in my .444. Recoil must have knocked it out…….

Little Texas 9 pt. And the 444

I'd say it Would!

Here is a picture of mine

I used to have one of the 444s and it was a nice rifle, it was very accurate, easy to load for and really didn't have much recoil for what it was. I got convinced that the 45-70 was better so I sold it and bought a 45-70 it shot horribly so while it may have been better than the 444 as far as bullet selection and power it was a looser because ultimately an inaccurate rifle is of little value. No, it wasn't because of the added recoil because I have a Ruger #3 in 45-70 that shoots great and with full loads it gives a whole new meaning to recoil.

I lost the Marlin bullseye from my 39A but was able to buy a replacement. MidwayUSA used to have them but now show as discontinued.

From the pics of the 1st models being posted, it appears the photo on the website I linked in a previous message is incorrect. No high comb on the 1st models we are seeing here, and the stocks are checkered.

VERY good choice for these rank southern swamp hogs . Theres very few that can tote it , usually only a short ways leaving a blood trail you will not have strain to follow .

Scout1 said"


On my 3 Marlin lever guns the bullseye is located on the action side of the rear swivel. With the plastic rod/dowel available it should not be too difficult to make a replacement yourself.

Anyone have a clue what the “Bulleyes” is for? I would have thought to put the sling stud there. I must have lost mine last time I hade it out. I’ll mention this, those skinner peep sights are the cats meow for us with bad eyes!

It is just a Marlin logo of sorts, introduced in 1922, that made Marlins stand out in a gun rack. After acquiring Marlin, Remington stopped using the bullseye for a short time as a cost saving measure, but resumed the practice following customer complaints. Now owned by Ruger, Marlins get a Ruger red and black bullseye instead of the old white and black. Kind of cool for Ruger to do that IMO.

Very interesting thanks for that

Very nice lever