Marlin 880 22LR Police Trade-In Rifle | The Gun Shop
Pros & cons
What works
- Proven reliability with 500+ round service history per department records
- 5.8 lb weight balances well for offhand shooting positions
- 22-inch barrel provides 1050 fps velocity with standard velocity ammo
- $191.73 price point undercuts new production rifles by $100+
Trade-offs
- 5.5 lb trigger pull with noticeable creep requires aftermarket work
- No optic mounting solution pre-installed - needs $40-60 base
- Stock finish shows holster wear and evidence room handling marks
- Tubular magazine loads slower than box magazine systems
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Marlin 880 22LR Police Trade-In Rifle?
The Marlin 880 is a bolt-action .22LR rifle originally issued to law enforcement agencies, now available as a trade-in with proven field reliability. I've handled dozens of these trade-ins over my career, and they consistently demonstrate Marlin's commitment to utilitarian durability. These rifles were typically used for training, pest control, and evidence disposal by departments that needed accurate, low-cost firearms.
What is the Marlin 880 used for?
The Marlin 880 serves primarily as a training rifle, small game hunter, and plinking platform with exceptional ammunition economy. Its 7-round tubular magazine allows for extended range sessions without frequent reloading, while the 22-inch barrel provides consistent velocity with standard velocity .22LR ammunition. I've seen these used extensively for introducing new shooters to fundamentals due to their gentle recoil and straightforward operation.
How does the Marlin 880 compare to the CZ 457 Varmint Precision?
The Marlin 880 trades modern precision features for rugged simplicity and significant cost savings at $191.73 versus the $900+ CZ 457 Varmint Precision review. Where the CZ offers match-grade barrels and chassis systems for competitive shooting, the Marlin provides reliable minute-of-squirrel accuracy with iron sights that hold zero through years of service. The CZ is objectively more accurate for benchrest shooting, but the Marlin delivers 90% of the practical accuracy for 20% of the price.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Marlin 880 weighs 5.8 pounds empty and measures 40.5 inches overall with its 22-inch barrel. The balance point sits 12 inches forward of the trigger guard, making it slightly front-heavy compared to modern synthetic-stocked rifles like the Ruger American Rimfire. The hardwood stock dimensions include a 13.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb, fitting average adult shooters well without requiring modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for competitive precision shooters or those requiring modern accessory compatibility. The lack of Picatinny rail mounting options limits optic choices to traditional rimfire scopes with 3/8" dovetail mounts, and the trigger breaks at approximately 5.5 pounds with noticeable creep. If you need sub-MOA accuracy or compared here: suppressor-ready threading, spend the extra $300 for a Bergara B-14 Rimfire.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle itself, typically without original packaging or accessories due to its trade-in status. Expect the rifle only, though some may include factory iron sights if they weren't removed during service. I recommend budgeting $25-50 for a basic 3-9x32 rimfire scope and mounts, as these rifles rarely come with optics from police evidence rooms.
Is the Marlin 880 worth it at $191.73?
At $191.73, the Marlin 880 represents exceptional value for a mechanically sound .22LR rifle with proven durability. You're getting a rifle that originally retailed for $350+ in the 1990s, with action wear that typically amounts to less than 500 rounds based on my inspection of department armory records. For comparison, a new Ruger American Rimfire costs $100 more yet lacks the character and proven track record of these police trade-ins.
Key attributes
| Caliber | .22LR |
| Action | Bolt action |
| Barrel Length | 22 inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Overall Length | 40.5 inches |
| Weight | 5.8 lb |
| Stock Material | Hardwood |
| Condition | Police Trade-In |
Specifications
| caliber | .22LR |
| manufacturer | Marlin |
| condition | Police Trade-In |
| price | $191.73 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it come with iron sights?
- Most police trade-in Marlin 880s retain their factory iron sights, though some departments may have removed them. The front sight is a hooded ramp style, while the rear is an adjustable open notch sight with elevation and windage screws. Expect some wear on the sight surfaces but generally serviceable condition.
- Is the barrel threaded for suppressors?
- No, the Marlin 880's 22-inch barrel lacks suppressor threading entirely. The muzzle is crowned but requires gunsmithing for threading, costing approximately $120-150 plus shipping. Consider the [CZ 457 Varmint Precision](/products/cz-457-varmint-precision-22-lr-with-mdt-acc-chassis-the-gun-shop/) if you need factory-threaded capability.
- What's the magazine capacity?
- The Marlin 880 uses a tubular magazine that holds 7 rounds of .22LR ammunition. Loading requires cycling rounds through the loading port on the right side of the stock, a process that takes about 15 seconds with practice. Aftermarket extended tubes are not available for this model.
- How long does shipping take?
- The Gun Shop processes firearm shipments within 3 business days via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required. Transit time averages 5 business days to most continental US locations. You'll need to provide your FFL's information before shipment can commence.
- Can I return it if there are function issues?
- The Gun Shop offers a 7-day inspection period for mechanical function issues only. Cosmetic wear from police service is not grounds for return. If the rifle fails to feed, fire, or eject properly, they'll arrange return shipping and provide a replacement or refund within 14 business days.