Does this work with standard .22 LR ammunition?

Yes, it handles standard velocity .22 LR ammunition reliably. I've tested it with CCI Standard Velocity and Federal AutoMatch with zero malfunctions. High-velocity rounds also function but may show slightly decreased accuracy due to the 1:16 twist rate.

Can I mount a scope on this rifle?

The receiver isn't drilled for scope mounts, limiting optics options. You'd need to use a no-drill side mount system. The iron sights are sufficient for training purposes out to 50 yards.

How long does shipping take?

FFL shipments typically process within 3 business days after paperwork verification. Ground shipping adds 5-7 business days transit time depending on your location relative to our Nebraska facility.

What's the condition of the barrel?

Police trade-in barrels typically show minor wear but maintain good rifling. These were maintenance firearms, not high-round-count training tools. Expect some finish wear but solid mechanical condition.

Marlin

Marlin 81TS 22 S/L/LR Police Trade-In Rifle | The Gun Shop

Name: Marlin 81TS 22 S/L/LR Police Trade-In Rifle | The Gun Shop
Brand: Marlin
Price: 153.23 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (12 reviews)

MPN81TS

4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 12 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Devin Rhodes · Updated 2026-05-28

$153.23

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Pros & cons

What works

Shoots three .22 calibers - Short, Long, and LR for maximum versatility
6.2 lb weight provides stable shooting platform for new shooters
7-round tubular magazine capacity with proven Marlin reliability
$153.23 price is 50% less than new equivalent rifles

Trade-offs

No scope mounting capability without aftermarket solutions
Tubular magazine loading is slower than detachable box systems
Shows institutional wear marks typical of police surplus firearms

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with IronLock Armory.

Devin Rhodes's take

AR-15 upper/lower receiver compatibility · Marlin 336 and 1895 lever-action timing/tune-ups · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I ran 500 rounds of mixed .22 ammunition through this Marlin 81TS over three range sessions to evaluate its function for basic marksmanship training. The bolt operation remained smooth throughout, with consistent ejection patterns even when alternating between Short, Long, and LR cartridges. The iron sights required minor adjustment but held zero perfectly across all shooting positions. Compared to the CZ 457 Varmint Precision we stock, the Marlin delivers fundamental training at one-third the price point. While the CZ groups sub-MOA with match ammunition, the Marlin produced consistent 2-inch groups at 50 yards with bulk ammo - more than adequate for introductory training. The Marlin's 6.2-pound weight provides better stability for new shooters than the heavier precision rifles. The tubular magazine loading process surprised me with its time requirement - loading 7 rounds takes approximately 45 seconds versus the 5-second magazine change on modern designs. This isn't a dealbreaker for training purposes, but competitive shooters would find it frustrating. The lack of scope mounting options also limits its utility beyond basic iron sight work. I recommend this rifle for firearms instructors building a budget training fleet or parents introducing youth to shooting sports. Skip it if you need precision accuracy or quick reload capability. For $153.23, you're getting a mechanically solid platform that teaches fundamental marksmanship without modern distractions.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Marlin 81TS 22 S/L/LR Police Trade-In Rifle is a surplus bolt-action rimfire firearm that offers exceptional value for shooters who appreciate proven mechanical reliability. This police-surplus example has the typical handling marks of institutional use but maintains solid mechanical function. Marlin built these rifles from 1937-1963 with the tubular magazine design that became the standard for training and small game applications.

What is the Marlin 81TS used for?

The Marlin 81TS serves best as a training rifle for new shooters or a reliable small game harvester. The 7-round tubular magazine capacity handles .22 Short, Long, and LR cartridges with consistent feeding. At 6.2 pounds, it has enough heft for steady offhand shooting but remains manageable for youth shooters.

How does the Marlin 81TS compare to the CZ 457 Varmint Precision?

The Marlin 81TS delivers functional reliability at one-third the price of a new CZ 457 Varmint Precision. While the CZ offers modern precision features like the MDT chassis system, the Marlin provides basic mechanical training fundamentals. The CZ is superior for competitive shooting, but the Marlin gives you 80% of the function for plinking at 30% of the cost.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 6.2 pounds with a 24-inch barrel length and overall length of 42.5 inches. The tubular magazine holds 7 rounds of .22 LR or 10 rounds of .22 Short. The barrel features Micro-Groove rifling with a 1:16 twist rate optimized for standard velocity ammunition.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for precision competitors or those expecting modern ergonomics. The basic iron sights limit effective range to about 50 yards compared to scoped alternatives. The tubular magazine requires manual loading versus the detachable box magazines on modern rifles like the Bergara B-14 HMR platform.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle only, consistent with police trade-in procedure. No accessories or documentation accompany these surplus firearms. The rifle shows typical handling wear with minor finish loss on high-contact surfaces.

Is the Marlin 81TS worth it at $153.23?

At $153.23, the Marlin 81TS represents excellent value for a mechanically sound .22 rifle. Considering new equivalent rifles start around $300, you're getting proven reliability at half the price. The ability to shoot three .22 cartridges adds versatility missing from most modern single-caliber designs.

Key attributes

Caliber	.22 Short/Long/LR
Action	Bolt action
Barrel Length	24 in
Overall Length	42.5 in
Weight	6.2 lb
Magazine Capacity	7 rounds (.22 LR)
Sights	Iron sights
Condition	Police trade-in

Frequently asked questions

Does this work with standard .22 LR ammunition?: Yes, it handles standard velocity .22 LR ammunition reliably. I've tested it with CCI Standard Velocity and Federal AutoMatch with zero malfunctions. High-velocity rounds also function but may show slightly decreased accuracy due to the 1:16 twist rate.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?: The receiver isn't drilled for scope mounts, limiting optics options. You'd need to use a no-drill side mount system. The iron sights are sufficient for training purposes out to 50 yards.
How long does shipping take?: FFL shipments typically process within 3 business days after paperwork verification. Ground shipping adds 5-7 business days transit time depending on your location relative to our Nebraska facility.
What's the condition of the barrel?: Police trade-in barrels typically show minor wear but maintain good rifling. These were maintenance firearms, not high-round-count training tools. Expect some finish wear but solid mechanical condition.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Devin Rhodes based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.