Marlin Model 444P “Outfitter” .444 Marlin Lever-Action Rifle - JM Marked, 18.5" Ported Barrel, Limited 1999-2002 Production
The Marlin Model 444P Outfitter is a short, hard-hitting lever rifle built for dense-cover hunting and now prized by collectors. Produced only from 1999 to 2002 at Marlin’s North Haven plant and bearing the JM proof mark, this compact .444 Marlin features an 18.5-inch factory-ported Ballard-rifled barrel, a 4+1 tubular magazine, and a straight-grip walnut stock. Its rarity, potent chambering, and handy size make it a standout for hunters and Marlin enthusiasts alike.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair – Shows extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The chamber exhibits rust. A previous owner threaded and plugged the barrel ports unprofessionally. Exterior metal shows scattered surface rust and scratches.
What’s Included
- Marlin Model 444P Outfitter .444 Marlin lever-action rifle
Introduced as a guide-gun variant of Marlin’s big-bore line, the 444P packs formidable .444 Marlin power into a 37-inch overall length and 6.75-pound platform. The 18.5-inch carbon-steel barrel is factory ported to tame recoil and sports six-groove Ballard rifling with a 1:20 twist for stabilizing heavy bullets.
The receiver is drilled and tapped and carries Marlin’s sought-after “JM” proof, confirming North Haven manufacture. A cross-bolt safety and hammer-block provide redundant mechanical security while preserving the traditional lever-gun manual of arms.
Sighting is straightforward: a brass-bead ramp front pairs with an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear. The straight-grip satin-finished walnut stock features crisp checkering and a ventilated recoil pad for a solid shoulder anchor.
Production of the 444P was limited to three years, and its combination of power, compact dimensions, and JM provenance has earned it a reputation as one of the more collectible modern Marlins.