So my buddy asks me to be on the lookout for a Marlin .444 lever action. He is dead set on getting one so I’m curious

What is the allure of this model? This caliber?

He wants it for deer hunting and maybe black bear in the northeast.

Anyone own one? Anything to be concerned about? What to look for if I find a used one to avoid any headaches. Is it hard to reload for?

I told him you picked a lousy time to look for a new gun especially one in a non standard cartridge.

Thanks in advance