Model 44

[Montana]

Hi fellas. Nice site.
I'm a relatively new shotgun nut. I purchased 3 older pumps at a pawn shop the other day (a common sickness?).
One of these is a Marlin Model 44 in 20ga. Serial # is 6091.
I've gleaned some info from earlier postings.
Is the 44 the same as the 43 except that 44 designates 20ga?

It's in great shape and I would appreciate any information (vintage, value, etc).

Thanks, Andy.

[SteveW]

Andy,

Good find! I really like these! The model 44A was made from 1922 to 1933. It is similar to the model 43A with the exception of being scaled down.

The known serial range for these is from 480 to 7925. Did they have a separate serial block? Records weren't kept for these, so we don't know. Yours sold new for under 50 dollars. Unless it was one of that model that was given free to purchasers of 4 shares of Marlin preferred stock in 1930 & 31 - a 100.00 investment.

It has been a LONG time since I have seen one offered for sale, so I am unable to comment on value. SW

[Montana]

Thanks, Steve.

I'm looking forward to shooting it. It's my stand alone 20ga.
What do you think about a recoil pad? I like original aesthetics but it looks rather spartan (ie, hard). I looked under the butt plate for treasures... alas, nada

There is no 'A' after the model #. Is that an unwritten code?

Thanks again, Andy.

[marlinman93]

Here's one that's up for auction, and sitting at $150 now. Don't know how it compares to your's, but at least the end price may give you an example.
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displ ... um=6922029

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Montana;

If your Marlin Model 44 shotgun has the original hard rubber butt plate on it, leave it alone!!! To many fine old shotguns are ruined (in my opinion) by someone putting a recoil pad on them. Besides, a 20 gauge does not kick that much!! The gun will be more valueable with the original butt plate on it, too. That butt plate should be a checkered black plastic plate and have "Marlin" written on it, from heel to the comb of the stock in an oval shaped area.
I hope this helps.

[SteveW]

I agree!!!! If you absolutely NEED a recoil pad, I have a 12 ga Marlin model 42 I bought many years ago some 'uninformed person' added one to. I would swap ya straight across!! PLEASE do not add one to the model 44!! SW

[Montana]

Hi guys. Thanks for the feedback.

I'm tracking the 44 on the auction block. I'm not interested in selling mine... just curious. I hope to have a dynasty of shotties some day... but probably won't. Seems I'm always temporarily, financially embarassed.

My butt plate is a hard, checkered plastic but doesn't say Marlin. Wish it did. I'll see how it feels the way it is. Thanks for the offer to trade, however.

Nice to have some expert resources out there.

Thanks again, Andy.

[Montana]

Hey, it'**********.

I forgot to ask you fellas if you know of a resource to help me break this gun down, clean it, and put it back together again. I don't trust myself to be all that intuitive.

Does anybody have repros of the owners manual that you know of? A Marlin Guide Book? Marlins For Idiots?

Thanks, Andy.

[Cuz]

If you have found a spred sheet on it, please post where. I gave one to my 14 year old son for Christmas and need to dismantal it for inspection and cleaning. Would be mighty handy for ording parts.

Thanks in advance.
Cuz

[Sure-Shot]

Try http://www.cornellpubs.com they do reprints. I have a Component part list from 1935 that shows the parts but it does not show your typical takedown schematic just the parts. You can also go to http://www.e-gunparts.com they have some free schematics and some for sale.