north country gal

A not-so-famous girl (me) once said, "Every girl should have a bear gun." Even if you don't live in bear country, as I do, there are times when you will want a gun that will absolutely stop anything that walks. Okay, here's my stops anything that walks gun. Just found it, this last week, hiding in a local pawn shop and had to have it, because, well, it's the one I've been after for a long time and a girl does need her bear gun.

It's a Marlin Model 444SS, cambered in the 444 Marlin, which is an honest to gosh bear, as in grizzly bear, cartridge and also a popular woods cartridge for moose and elk. Now, before everyone starts sending flowers for me after shooting this not so pleasant to shoot cartridge/gun combo, let me say, I have shot one of these, years, ago. No, it was not overly pleasant, but I will proudly employ a sissy bag (25 pound bag of shot between me and the butt stock of the gun) for range shooting and a Past recoil shoulder patch anytime I carry this gun in the woods.

One of the reasons I love these 444s is the fact they are built on a Marlin 336 action, just like my other 336s, meaning it points, carries and handles like a dream, especially when I outfit my 336s with peep sights, as I have this one with a Skinner. I also love these guns because I can take one apart in my sleep and I have a passion for refinishing and cleaning up these Marlins, which I have with this one. I did not look half so lovely a week, ago, believe me.

Okay, show me your bear gun!

Beerman

H&R 45/70 with 325gr bullets..

Machinist

Like both of those!

Love the Marlin, especially now that better bullets are available for the caliber.

Was always fascinated by the H&R in .45-70. Looks like a load of fun.

Beerman

And a shoulder buster..

north country gal

I've always loved the simplicity of those H&Rs. I know they're shooters, too.

north country gal

Just ordered some brass and will start out with the 265 grain Hornady flatpoints, but also plan to try the really heavy stuff with the 300 grain plus hard cast.

Beerman

Need pics of those NCG...

tx gun runner

Before working up a load you need to know the twist . Marlin has 2 different twist in the 444 ones if I remember is 1 turn in 38" for pistol bullets and they like 240 or 270 gr best . I think the late model 444 have about 1 turn in 20" and love the heavier bullets like 300 or heavier bullet ..

44s Rock

Pretty much the same, Marlin 1895 45/70 loaded with Garrett 420gr ammo. When hunting I also carry my 629 loaded with Garrett ammo as well. If it slithers scratches, bites or screethces we have it by my eastern Washington place.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/bigbore/1895.asp

http://www.garrettcartridges.com/4570tech.html

north country gal

It's the microgroove, so the slower twist, but I will try the heavy stuff and see what happens. Thanks, though.

303Lithgow

Nice looking rifle NCG. I really don't have a bear gun although some of my 303 British or .30-06 might do the job.


Ya I know the front sight needs to be removed.

tx gun runner

The micro grooves were in both twist , so you will need measure it to find out .

Nutty Ned

I have a bare gun; but, no bear gun.

Terry_P

I have thought about converting my M700 in 30/06 to 338/06 or 35 Whelen. Been thinks about it for 10 years so the likelihood is dimishing. I have never hunted bear and who knows I may never. Deer hunting always seemed more important to me.

The only real shoulder buster I have is my 12 ga with the rifled BBL. Shooting 3" saboted slugs it can get your attention after a few. When hunting I never feel it.

303Lithgow

Don't you know you have the right to "bear" arms?

north country gal

Not much a properly loaded '06 can't do. That's a fine old gun, there.

north country gal

Here's a 44 Mag and a 444 Marlin, side by side, both with 240 grain soft points. Nothing wimpy about a 44 Mag, of course, but it does look a little humble next to a 444.

303Lithgow

My what a big bullet you have.

Bustah_c

I love the look of all the guns above.
I have Win 94 in 30-30, can I come to the party
....and sit by the wall ?

303Lithgow

I have a 92 in 38 special. Maybe we can sit together.