444 Marlin?

[poprivit]

I just traded for an unfired H&R Handi Rifle in 444 Marlin. It came with two boxes of Hornady 265-gr ammo. What's your general opinion of these rifles in this caliber?

BTW: I know the scope is worth more than the rifle. I just had it on hand. It was bought years ago when Leupold had a custom shop at reasonable prices.

 

[Catahoula]

It's a great caliber for most things in North America at reasonable ranges. Would probably serve well on plains game as well. It would make a nearly ideal stand rifle for black bear. I've shot a couple of Handi Rifles. Both seemed to be solidly built and accurate. Triggers left a little to be desired but that can be addressed if it is an issue. Enjoy!

 

[Red Leg]

.444 is a great woods cal for pigs, deer and black bear. Never had a Handi Rifle, but did own a .444 Marlin lever action for a while. Shot minute of deer at 100 yards. Only potential issues in Africa are its range limitations and making sure that you are using a tough enough bullet to penetrate. The BC on the original 240 gr .444 was/is pretty awful. Lots of frontal diameter though. I have no experience with the leverevolution rounds by Hornady though I believe the 265 gr bullet gets BC above 200. Probably the right round to use on PG.

 

[enysse]

.444 Marlin's popularity wore off quick, but I agree with Red Leg, great for pigs, deer black bear or anything else at short range.

 

[Grumulkin]

Two hundred yards with a handgun.

A 260 grain Hornady FTX bullet hit this cull Kudu on the shoulder and went right on through.

I've never used a Handi Rifle but if accuracy is accepable, it should work just fine.

 

[enysse]

With a handgun that is incredible accuracy!!! I sure couldn't do it.

 

[CAustin]

That is good shooting for a hand gun for sure! Bet Edward could do it!

 

[matt85]

i havent heard much about this cartridge so i just did some quick reading. from what i gather its basically just a longer more powerful 44 magnum. i imagine it should be a great close range medium game cartridge!

i dont think there is anything in North America i wouldn't use it on and it would probably work fine for most PG. given its speed and low BC/SD id probably keep it under 100 yards for big critters though.

-matt

 

[shuter]

I have a Handi Rifle in .300 Blackout and like it pretty well, but the trigger was awful. However, I contacted H&R and they sent a call tag for me to send it in to be lowered. Their repair facility was actually Wild West Guns in Alaska, who builds beautiful custom lever rifles. I got it back a month or so ago and it's a REALLY nice pull now! I was shocked...didn't cost me a penny. Here's the link from their website with the info: http://support.hr1871.com/General_I...e_trigger_pull_be,_and_can_I_have_it_lowered?