Look at the original post. Does that guy sound like a long range hunter? Did he even mention long range shooting in OH? A 444 Marlin is probably the worst possible rig for long range work you can buy. It is loaded with too light of a bullet for the caliber for long shots. No sectional density at all. It shoots the same bullet a 44 mag handgun shoots.

My take is the OP is a rookie all caught up in what the magazines are telling him to buy when all he needs is a good fixed power scope.