Marlin 444 or Marlin 336 35 Rem?

Boomer45 · Post by **Boomer45** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:13 pm

While out on business today I had the chance to stop and look at a few used guns. Found a very nice Marlin 444 (pre -safety, Micro-groove Barrel) in very good condition, $449.00. On the same rack was a Marlin 336 in 35 Remington, also in very good condition, pre-safety for $329.00. I would like to buy both but finances will not allow it at this time (plus I already have a Rossi 92 357 Mag on Lay away) Which one would you get? Purpose is for deer/bear/hog hunting. Iron sights, no scope. This would also be a general purpose rifle that will see plenty of shooting time so fun factor, ease of getting components (I reload) and versatility are all factors. Need your input gentlemen, Thank You.

Boomer

iceman · Post by **iceman** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:19 pm

That is a hard call! I have had a 444 shot great components not that hard to get. The rub is I like 35 cal. On bear and deer i don't think the animal could tell the difference. If it was up to me i think I would go for the 35 rem. Just my .02

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:22 pm

.444 - But then, I already have a .35.

buckeyeshooter · Post by **buckeyeshooter** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:30 pm

I would buy the .444 and I have both.

Post by **Old Savage** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:48 pm

I would have to say the 35 for your purposes. I have both. But, go with your heart, you can't go wrong.

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:56 pm

I agree with OS , and I also have both. The one that calls you the loudest is the one to pick. PICK ME!! PICK ME!!! PICK ME !!!!

Boomer45 · Post by **Boomer45** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:00 pm

I have to admit, it is a tough decision for me. I like the fact that the 35 Remington can be downloaded with pistol bullets for woodchucks and such but I also like the big boomers. I have a Marlin 336 in 30-30 and a Savage 99 in 300 Savage, (my first gun) but the 35 Remington just seems right. Sure wish I could afford both right now. You would have to see these guns so you know what I'm talking about. Neither is 100%, they've seen some use but they are in great condition and I like the fact that they don't have the lawyer safeties. Any othe opinions?

Hey Old Savage,
You anywhere around Victorville? Spent 3 years at George AFB, 80-83. I sure liked that area.

Modoc ED · Post by **Modoc ED** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:03 pm

I've had a 35 Remington in the past and traded it on a whim. It was a great rifle/round and I sometimes wish I still had it. I now have two .444 Marlins -- 1) Pre-safety, 1:38 twist, microgroove barrel (mfg 1979); 2) Crossbolt safety, 1:20 twist, deep Ballard barrel (mfg 2005). Both rifles are great.

Having had a 35 Remington and now having the 2 .444s, I've got to give the nod to the .444s. The factory Hornady 265gr Soft Nose Flat Point, Light Magnum is one hell of a round and I can reload their (Hornady's) bullet using 54gr of Hodgdon's H-322 in Hornady brass with WLRP fpr 2288 fps. which is within 100 fps of Hornady's Light Magnum round. I also reload a round made up of Beartooth Bullet's 290gr (.432) LFNGC pushed by 45gr of Hodgdon's H-4198 for 2178 fps. Bot the Hornady and my reload are devestating rounds and both shoot well from the 1:38 microgroove barrel and the 1:20 twist deep Ballard barrel.

If the .444 you have described is in good shape as you say, the $449.00 asking price is a good price.

Hard choice but I'd have to go with the .444. Loading components and dies are plentiful (dime-a-dozen) and reasonable.

Oh, I've got a handload that I use for my walking around/plinking/game of opportunity round which is made up using a 240gr (.429) Speer Gold Dot Soft Point Bullet pushed by 42.8 gr of Hodgdon's H-4198 using Remington brass and WLRP for 2249 fps.

Post by **Hobie** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:04 pm

I think the pre-safety .444s are harder to find because the owners like them so well. The 336s (.30 or .35) seem to be viewed as more of a commodity than a treasure. I'd get the .444 while I could.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:34 pm

I'd go with the .444.....That's only a personal choice, the 35 will do it all, too.....

Post by **Old Savage** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:52 pm

Boomer, I am in Lancaster, about 30 mi south of Edwards. I like the desert - no bugs, no humidity and you can do whatever you want all year long.

Old Time Hunter · Post by **Old Time Hunter** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:46 pm

What Hobie said!

Marlin .35 · Post by **Marlin .35** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:45 pm

I would run and grab that .444 Marlin, and never look back. This is a cartridge that you can do a lot with, even load it with black powder if you wish. There are mild loads and there are rip-snorting loads. I know you will like it. I have had 5 or 6 and would buy one today!!! Art

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:50 pm

I'd go for the 444, 4 sure.

Jaguarundi · Post by **Jaguarundi** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 12:55 am

The 444 for sure.

El Chivo · Post by **El Chivo** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 3:10 am

I have the 35 because I'm a little recoil shy but for a guy named Boomer I would vote 444.

Boomer45 · Post by **Boomer45** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 8:46 am

Thanks guys for the input. I will probably make the decision today. It's nice to know that there are knowledgable friends here who can be counted on to provide serious input on these weighty decisions. I appreciate it very much.

Boomer

Maddog521 · Post by **Maddog521** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 6:00 pm

Well---------------------which one did you chose? The suspense is driving me nuts.

jlchucker · Post by **jlchucker** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 5:16 pm

I guess I'd go with the .444, but only because I already have a couple of 35's. What did you end up with? Either would seem to be a good choice, from what others have said here.

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 5:22 pm

If you already have say a 45-70, get the 35. If you can borrow some cash, buy both since as some have said, those older 444's are hard to find.

stretch · Post by **stretch** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 5:28 pm

It's nice to have such tough choices!

I already have a 35, so I might go for the 444.

If you have neither - flip a coin.

AJMD429 · Post by **AJMD429** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 5:36 pm

sobenk wrote:I have the 35 because I'm a little recoil shy but for a guy named Boomer I would vote 444.

Yeah, but he's 'Boomer45' and he'd have to change to 'Boomer444'

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 5:41 pm

AJMD429 wrote:
sobenk wrote:I have the 35 because I'm a little recoil shy but for a guy named Boomer I would vote 444.
Yeah, but he's 'Boomer45' and he'd have to change to 'Boomer444'

More like Boomer429.

DavidS · Post by **DavidS** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 5:49 pm

I have both a 444 and a 35 Rem. I like the 35 better for deer.It seems to pole ax them real quick. But,that being said.I would buy them both as nice pre cross bolt safety Marlins are hard to come buy. Mine are both pre safety.

Boomer45 · Post by **Boomer45** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 1:01 pm

Thanks for all the input guys. I got some news yesterday that precludes gun purchases for awhile. Dealing with some legal issues that should be resolved soon. So the bad news is that I am not going to purchase either right now. If one or the other is still available in 2-3 weeks then I will purchase it. If not, well the search goes on.

Boomer

Scott Young · Post by **Scott Young** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 7:45 pm

i would go for the 444 because they are hard to find. there is always a .35 bing put up for sale, but not a 444. i have a .35 and love it and recommend it highly. i haven't ever seen any thing kill as fast. but all things being equal get the 444 and then later get the 35.

El Chivo · Post by **El Chivo** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 11:05 pm

Yeah, but he's 'Boomer45' and he'd have to change to 'Boomer444'

That's like the guy named 29cows, then one died, he had to change his name

I just meant, if you want to really be loud you have to go big.

Boomer45 · Post by **Boomer45** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:31 pm

Hey Guys,
A quick update. Was at my local Gander Mountain yesterday and they had a newer (CBS) Marlin 444 in pretty good shape on the rack. the price was not bad at $359.00. Asked if there was any wiggle room and got it for $319.99. It is now on lay away. Looks like I better get some reloading dies, brass and bullets coming. So, if I wan to load cast bullets who has the correct neck sizing dies for .432 bullets

Boomer

Jaguarundi · Post by **Jaguarundi** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 2:06 am

Congrats and a very nice price.

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 7:01 am

Good deal!