Marlin XLR in 444

orchemo · Oct 8, 2012

I recently posted an add at the local gun club looking for a Marlin 45-70. I found one, but had a member from the club email me to see if I was interested in a Marlin XLR in 444.

I already have two 45-70 and not sure I really need a 444.

Someone convince me of a need?

Mountain Goat · Oct 8, 2012

I'm not sure it's a true need, but the 444 would be a wonderful stablemate to your 45-70's. Speaking of which, why were you looking for a 45-70 when you had two already? I can answer that...because you NEED another :lol:

JD338 · Oct 8, 2012

orchemo":ey39r4yi said:
I recently posted an add at the local gun club looking for a Marlin 45-70. I found one, but had a member from the club email me to see if I was interested in a Marlin XLR in 444.

I already have two 45-70 and not sure I really need a 444.

Someone convince me of a need?

Since you don't have a 444, get it. Why do you need a reason anyways? :mrgreen:

JD338

orchemo · Oct 8, 2012

What I need is a bigger safe.

I know that people with 444 love them, just trying to figure out why?

I have a 45-70 guide gun and now a 45-70 Marlin Government with the 22 inch barrel.

SJB358 · Oct 8, 2012

Same boat as you Eric. I have a great shooting 45-70, but I really wanted a 444 Marlin. I ended up getting a nice one, at least it looks nice and shoots pretty well so far. It really is a lighter recoiling 45-70. Loaded up with 290-300 grain bullets you get a bit more SD, but honestly, they are both fun and I wanted it! I love the lever rifles and the bigger bored ones are even more impressive. Not sure when I will have time to work with mine, but so far, shooting the last of a box of 265 Hornady Superformance FP's, it is going to be a very cool rifle. Heck, maybe my son will pack it this Fall?

BK · Oct 8, 2012

Man, if I was working, I'd be trying to get the guy's contact info from you.

orchemo · Oct 8, 2012

I am going to meet the seller tomorrow. Comes with some ammo, so will shoot it and see what I think

I took my, new to me, Marlin 1895 Gov't in 45-70 to the range today. Had fun.

Had some 300 gr Sierra fphp, 350 gr Hornady FP and 405 gr LaserCast bullets. Enjoyed them all
The 350 Hornady shots very well in my guide gun and also seemed to shot well in this rifle. In my guide gun the Hornady is zeroed at 100 and 12 inches low at 200.
Should be close with the 22 inch barrel if not higher at 200.

Those 350 gr Hornady should be an elk spoiler. Would like to find a sweet spot for the cast 405 bullets. They should travel one end to the other of almost any game.