[Smokepole]

Since I was young the biggest game I ever had the opportunity to hunt was deer and I usually used my old 06 and never had a problem. <!--emo&--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''><!--endemo--> Now I live in Maine and will someday be lucky enough to be drawn for a moose permit. So I figgered "Big ol moose needs big ol gun". <!--emo&--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''><!--endemo--> After doing months of research I decided the best thing for me personally was to get the Marlin 444s. (20 in. barrel, non-ported barrel, ballard rifling, pistolgrip, quality, etc.) Since my best bud here has his FFL he went on a nationwide search and finally located the a 444s. While I was waiting he called and said he talked to a guy who has Marlin Commemorative in excellent condition he never used and wanted to trade for a old 357 ruger security six I had.   What else could I do but go for it!!!  Well, did I do good or what? :biggrin:  Anybody give me an idea on what the old Marlin might be worth?  

 

[Harryo]

Good deal.  I have two of the 444's like yours and think that they are great.  I have a 1.5-5 scope on one and open sights on the other.  Haven't shot anything but jacketed bullets yet but accuracy is very good for a lever gun and the 24" barrel gets the most out of the cartridge.  The extra weight helps to dampen the recoil and it still ballances quite well.  Looking forward to trying some Beartooth 280 grain wfngc bullets.  These should be awesome for moose.  Your '06 is plenty for moose but nothing beats a big bore for close range(under 100 yards)-except maybe a bigger bore.  As for price I paid &#36285 for one and &#36280 for the other at Kittery Trading Post(One this year and one last year).
Enjoy your new "Big Bore",
    Jeff