Marlin Model 444 First Model .444 Marlin Lever Action, 24 inch Micro-Groove, 1966 Pre-444S, Bushnell Banner 3-8x
This is a first-model Marlin Model 444 in .444 Marlin from 1966, notable for its early Pre-444S configuration and classic features. It wears a 24-inch round Micro-Groove barrel with twin barrel bands, a straight-grip walnut stock with a Monte Carlo comb, and a partial-length magazine tube for a 4+1 capacity. Early production details include side ejection, a right-side loading gate, a gold-colored trigger, and no cross-bolt safety. A Bushnell Banner 3-8x scope is installed on Weaver mounts, with a Lyman folding rear sight retained in the barrel dovetail. The rifle is in very good overall condition with an excellent, mirror-bright bore.
Pre-444S with straight grip, 2x barrel bands, and Monte Carlo comb.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are some very mild scuffs and minor wear visible on the wood and metal. Surfaces are clean overall with no notable damage.
What’s Included
- Optic: Bushnell Banner 3-8x rifle scope (installed)
- Mount: Weaver scope rings and base (installed)
- Sights: Lyman folding rear sight installed in barrel dovetail
This first-model configuration highlights the original 24-inch round barrel with Micro-Groove rifling and the period-correct twin barrel bands. The barrel is marked for Micro-Groove, and the partial-length magazine tube supports a 4+1 capacity. The receiver uses a right-side loading gate with side ejection, and this example follows early production practice with no cross-bolt safety and a gold-colored trigger.
The furniture is classic walnut throughout, featuring a straight-grip stock with a Monte Carlo comb, an uncheckered finish, and a ventilated recoil pad with a white-line spacer. Sling swivel studs are installed, and the matching walnut fore-end complements the rifle’s traditional lines. The metal presents a blued finish over a steel receiver and barrel.
Sights include a hooded, ramped bead front and a Lyman folding rear sight set in the barrel dovetail. On top, a Bushnell Banner 3-8x scope is mounted using Weaver rings and base, providing a clear, practical sighting setup while retaining the Lyman rear.
Manufactured in 1966 in the United States, this rifle represents the early .444 Marlin era. It is a collectible first-model example that aligns with the original design cues valued by enthusiasts: Pre-444S configuration, two barrel bands, side ejection, and the straight-grip Monte Carlo stock.