Jm stamped 444marlin XLRs

[mickbr]

Hi gents, what is the XLR. is this just the regular 444 with the stainless/laminate features? Also 1:20 barrel, how does this compare to the regular 1:38, I assume for one thing it can handle heavier bullets.

[44shooter]

The XLR series is supposedly an accurized variant for longer ranges. They coincided with Hornady’s development of LeverRevolution ammo and the FLX bullets. I read up on them at the time but do not remember the details. Something about the relative fit the magazine, stock and barrel and a longer barrel for velocity.

[AJMD429]

.
Different threads on the barrel/receiver I believe.
(I forget the rationale as to whether it is for 'strength' or 'accuracy' such as rigidity).

Ballard rifling (though some other Marlins have that).

Forend and magazine mounted a bit differently so less binding to barrel - that certainly makes sense as to enhancing accuracy and especially reducing stringing.

I think mine (they are in the back of the safe) have receiver taps for a Williams FP though. Don't take my word on that though. (I can check if you want).

I've ones in 30-30, 35 Rem, and 444 Marlin, and they all seem more accurate than their counterparts, although not as 'handy' due to long overall lengths. I'll bet you could 'tune' a regular one to similar results, but out-of-the-box and with factory loads mine all will hit a chicken egg at 100 yards 95% of the time. I use 5-20x scopes on guns like that (bad eyesight) though. I've not done testing to see if hot-barrel issues are worse with regular vs XLR guns, just because I didn't have all that much ammo to spare and don't really shoot leverguns fast and furious, so pretty much all my hunting shots will be 'cold bore'.

They seem to hold a decent collector/resale value, which is nice.

Here's an article on the XLR - https://enoughgun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11114

[Rockrat]

I had one in 45-70 that put 5 rounds of factory WW 300gr slugs into just under 1.5" @100yds. My 30-30 will beat some bolt guns.

[6pt-sika]

The XLR series is supposedly an accurized variant for longer ranges. They coincided with Hornady’s development of LeverRevolution ammo and the FLX bullets. I read up on them at the time but do not remember the details. Something about the relative fit the magazine, stock and barrel and a longer barrel for velocity.

[buckeyeshooter]

Actually the XLR seems to be a copy of my 336 adl waffletop in stainless and laminate without the waffle and drilled and tapped for a scope. As I like the 24 inch barrel and half magazine better than the carbine, you will not be getting any of mine anytime soon.