Howdy folks,

I saw a Baikal MP-221 a few months ago, and while the cartridge didn't appeal to me (a 30-06 seemed like a silly choice to me), the idea of a double rifle did. I've missed a pile of ducks and grouse with various SxS over the seasons, through no fault of the gun, and know how well they carry...which is most of the appeal to me. I carry my guns a lot more than shoot them. I've lined up on a lot of game and then thought, "It's a long way back to the truck..." or the ever popular, "I don't even know where I am!"

Anyways, I found this forum, read through most of the posts and feel it's within my abilities. I'm a millwright apprentice, so have some kind of idea on how most things work, consider myself mechanically inclined and have access (and if not the skill, at least the ability to safely operate) a mill and a lathe.

What I'm thinking is to buy a donor gun, possibly this one or one of the many others
https://www.tradeexcanada.com/content/brno-sxs-12ga-14
And cut the barrels off to make a monoblock

Then, turn down a pair of these barrels
https://www.tradeexcanada.com/content/44-mag-barrel-blank-103-outer-diameter-23-inch

And eventually end up with a double rifle in 444 Marlin. A peep on the back and a big brass post up front is the plan for the sights.
I have a current production Marlin, love the cartridge...not a big fan of the rifle. From what I've read, the pressures should be okay for the Triple 4? I have no urge to hotrod it, I'm just hunting deer and moose and they don't like 270gr pieces of lead hitting them in the boiler room.

I'm aware that the cost factor is likely going to be higher going this way than buying a Baikal or something used, but I'm the kind of guy who likes to make things. I hunt over decoys I've carved, I reload, I find life is more rewarding that way. The other part that appeals to me is I can buy things bits at a time, fiddle until they work, then onto the next step.

Am I on the right track here? I know a 12 gauge is probably oversized for the donor, but I've handled those BRNOs before and they seem handy enough. The rimmed 444 seems like it should be a good choice for the extractor to grab onto. I'm not looking to end up with a tack driver, if I can throw two 270gr. bullets into 3.5"-4" at 100 yards, I'd be ecstatic.

Any thoughts? Comments?

Thanks folks,

Cory