Shortening a 444

[graham1]

Hey guys, I have an opportunity to buy a cheap marlin 444. I like the caliber but I would much prefer a shorter barrel, like the 18" on the marlin guide gun. What would it take to shorten the barrel or can a guy get an 18" barrel in 444? Or would I be saving money by just getting a new marlin?

thanks for your help.

 

[mbogo3]

Ant smith worth his salt can shorten a barrel and tubual magazine but has to be 18.5" to be legal.I'd chop at 19 " to be safe.If the price is right get it!JMO Harold

 

[Boomer]

Ant smith worth his salt can shorten a barrel and tubual magazine but has to be 18.5" to be legal.I'd chop at 19 " to be safe.If the price is right get it!JMO Harold

I don't think there is a restriction to barrel length unless the action is semi-automatic. Consider the Winchester Trapper M-94 with a 16" barrel or the pump shotguns with 8.5" barrels.

 

[graham1]

Thanks guys, I don't think I'd bother shortening the mag, just trim the barrel about flush with it. I just like the look of the guide gun way better than the 24" barrel on this 444. Any guess on price to shorten the barrel?

 

[Steeleco]

I'd imagine it will be cheaper if you no longer need the front sight and use a scope??

 

[graham1]

I'd imagine it will be cheaper if you no longer need the front sight and use a scope??

I'm sure you're right. I kinda like the open sights for a bush/camp gun.
I'm still wondering if it's worth buying a used 444 for a couple hundred bucks and probably putting a couple hundred more into it to make it into the rifle I want. In the end I'm probably gonna be getting real close to the price of a new guide gun by the time I'm done.

thanks

 

[TimberPig]

Ant smith worth his salt can shorten a barrel and tubual magazine but has to be 18.5" to be legal.I'd chop at 19 " to be safe.If the price is right get it!JMO Harold

Semi automatic centrefires cannot be cut to less than 18.5" or they become prohibited.

Any other centerfire or rimfire cannot be cut below 18" or it becomes prohibited.

If the work is done by a licensed manufacturer, or with parts by a licensed manufacturer, or is done by the factory, a semi automatic centerfire with a <18.5" barrel is restricted. Any other long gun with a <18" barrel from the factory or a licensed manufacturer will be non restricted, so long as it is greater than 26" overall length, barring an OIC that says it is restricted or prohibited.

There is a big difference between a factory or licensed manufacturer making a short barrel, and having a longer one chopped down by yourself or someone who is not a licensed manufacturer.

 

[Splatter]

There is a big difference between a factory or licensed manufacturer making a short barrel, and having a longer one chopped down by yourself or someone who is not a licensed manufacturer.

There is a big difference in law. It doesn't have to make sense, it's the law.

 

[mbogo3]

Like you can buy a factory made 14" 870 barrel but can't have one cut.Yes it makes no sense......................Harold