Picked up a Marlin 444 (1995 Vintage) today in a trade.  Next week i will take to a local Gunsmith and have the barrel chopped to 16.5 inches.  I plan to refinish the stock/forearm... light sanding to remove the checkering and refinish them both.  I also plan on adding a set of XS sights.  I will update the thread with pics as the work progresses.  Here is how it looks today:



UPDATE #1
Just got back from the Gunsmith's (Ott Gun Works in Douglasville, GA).  The barrel has been cut to 16.5 inches and recessed & re-crowned and set of XS Sights installed.  It looks great, balances even better, and I will shoot it on Monday and report on how it handles.  I snapped a quick pic, I will get more when I have time.  Up next I will be re-finishing the stock and forearm.

tag for progress :)

Good Luck!

Hmm, you'll have a trapper lengthed, pistol grip stocked .444.  I like the idea, and I prefer straight grip stocks.  What type of finish are you putting on the wood?

+1

Good question! I am thinking of lightly sanding the stock and forearm then finishing in hand rubbed oil.

Dropped the rifle off at the gunsmith's today.  He advised 3 to 4 weeks.  As soon as I get it back in hand..........PICS!

Round one complete, see UPDATE #1 above!

Looks good so far! Thinking of XS sights for my XLR along with barrel chop. Have you considered a big loop?

Yes I have and I think one may be in the future works!

That looks great! Can't wait for range report

Craig

I have Marlin's with and without checkering.



I like the non slip surface the checkering gives you over the non checkered ones.



Your rifle, do as you please, just saying...

What was the original barrel length?

22 inches

Looks nice as it is.  I wouldn't sand it down unless you really know what you are doing.  The fit of wood to metal is easy to screw up.

Put 20 rounds through my rifle on Wednesday.  Shot like a dream.  Used Hornady Leverolution ammo.  Zeroed at 100 yds, grouped very well.  I found the recoil to be very mild, I really like it!