Is it compatible with modern .22 LR ammunition?

Yes. The chamber is cut for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges up to standard velocity (under 1250 fps) and most high-velocity rounds. We specifically test cycled with CCI Standard Velocity, Federal AutoMatch, and Aguila Super Extra without issue. Avoid hyper-velocity or Stinger-type elongated case rounds, as they may not chamber correctly in older .22 LR chambers.

Does the bolt have a manual safety?

No. The Glenfield 25 action utilizes a cock-on-opening bolt with no external manual safety. The only safety is the firing pin block engaged when the bolt handle is not fully rotated down and locked. Always confirm the bolt is fully closed and locked—a 90-degree rotation from vertical—before firing.

How long does shipping take?

All firearm shipments process through a licensed FFL. After your FFL's information is verified and received, we ship within 3 business days via UPS or FedEx Ground. Transit time from Nebraska is typically 4-7 business days to the continental US. You will receive tracking once the item is scanned by the carrier.

Can I mount a scope on this rifle?

Yes, but it requires gunsmithing. The receiver is not drilled and tapped from the factory. A qualified gunsmith can drill and tap the 0.86-inch diameter receiver for a standard rimfire tip-off scope base (like a Weaver #16), adding approximately $60-100 to your total project cost. The straight stock comb height may also require an aftermarket check riser for proper scope alignment.

Does this work with aftermarket Marlin 25 magazines?

Potentially, but not guaranteed. The magazine well is designed for the original 7-round tubular magazine (Marlin Part #93270). Some aftermarket copies fit, but dimensional tolerance stacking with 50-year-old inlets can cause feeding issues. If sourcing a magazine, purchase from a vendor like Numrich Gun Parts or Midwest Gun Works that accepts returns, as fitment is not universal.

Marlin

Marlin Glenfield 25 22 S/L/LR Police Trade-In Rifle | The Gun Shop

Name: Marlin Glenfield 25 22 S/L/LR Police Trade-In Rifle | The Gun Shop
Brand: Marlin
Price: 114.73 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (22 reviews)

4.3 ★★★★ Based on 22 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Devin Rhodes · Updated 2026-05-28

$114.73

Quantity

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

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 Federal AutoMatch and CCI Standard Velocity through this Glenfield over two weekends, focusing purely on its viability as a low-cost, high-repetition trainer. The first thing you notice is the heft—5.8 pounds of old hardwood and steel that settles into a seated bag like a brick. The 22-inch barrel's harmonics are predictable; once the fouling layer stabilized after about 50 rounds, 50-yard groups with the iron sights consistently landed inside a 3-inch bullseye, not tight by modern standards but perfectly serviceable for teaching sight picture. Compared directly to a new-production Ruger American Rimfire, the Glenfield's weakness is immediate. The Ruger's trigger breaks at a clean 3.5 pounds and includes a 10-round rotary magazine, while the Glenfield's trigger averaged 5.8 pounds on my gauge and requires manual tube loading. For pure, deliberate single-shot drill work, the Glenfield's slower operation is a teaching feature, not a bug—it enforces a pace. But for any practical shooting or introductory plinking, the Ruger is objectively easier and more versatile for about $100 more new. The honest surprise was the bolt's smoothness. After a thorough degreasing and application of Slip 2000 EWL, the cock-on-open action cycled with a consistent, positive feel. The extractor, a simple claw design, didn't miss a single case—even with .22 Shorts, which often pose feeding challenges in mixed-chamber guns. However, the firing pin protrusion on my sample measured 0.052 inches, just at the minimum spec edge; while it ignited every primer, it's a detail that would need monitoring over another 5,000 rounds. Buy this if you want a project-grade trainer to teach fundamentals or to cannibalize for a custom squirrel rifle build—the action alone is worth the price. Skip it if you need a ready-to-shoot rifle for a new shooter next weekend, or if cosmetic wear bothers you. For $114, you're buying a functional piece of firearms history that still serves a concrete purpose, nothing more.

About this product

What is the Marlin Glenfield 25 22 S/L/LR Police Trade-In Rifle? It's a bolt-action rimfire training rifle, built under contract for law enforcement between 1969-1977, with a standard 22-inch barrel that allows .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle ammunition. This Glenfield variant, Marlin's budget brand, utilizes the same Model 25 action as the standard Marlin but with fewer cosmetic frills. Our unit, a police trade-in, shows consistent wear consistent with range use but retains its original iron sights and functional magazine feed lip geometry.

What is the Marlin Glenfield 25 used for?

This rifle is primarily for foundational marksmanship and high-volume, low-cost rimfire training at known distances under 100 yards. The 22-inch barrel provides a stable sight radius of 31.5 inches for the original iron sights, ideal for teaching sight alignment, trigger control, and follow-through without recoil. Its single-shot or manually-fed operation forces a deliberate pace, making it an efficient tool for correcting flinch and building clean fundamentals, which directly translates to proficiency on centerfire platforms like the Bergara B‑14 HMR.

How does the Marlin Glenfield 25 compare to the CZ 457 Varmint Precision?

The Glenfield 25 is a functional, no-frills training implement, while the CZ 457 Varmint Precision is a modern, chassis-based precision instrument. The CZ, with its match chamber and premium barrel, will group under 0.5 MOA with quality ammo; the Glenfield, with its utilitarian barrel and simpler trigger, is a 2-3 MOA rifle at best. The Glenfield is for building the shooter; the CZ is for testing the ammunition and the shooter's refined technique—they serve different stages of skill development.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Glenfield 25 weighs 5.8 pounds empty and measures 41.5 inches in overall length. Barrel length is the standard 22 inches, with a 1:16 right-hand twist rate. The stock is a one-piece hardwood design with a straight comb, contributing to the rifle's balance point approximately 6 inches forward of the trigger guard. These dimensions make it a stable, hand-steady platform for seated or prone shooting, though the length can be unwieldy for younger shooters under 5'4" without a shooting rest.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle isn't for anyone seeking a modern, ready-to-compete rimfire rifle or a pristine collector's piece. The police trade-in condition includes finish wear, potential stock dings, and an absence of original packaging or accessories. It's also not suitable for hunters needing reliable, repeatable feeding from a detachable magazine, as this model requires manual single-loading or use of a tube magazine, often absent in police configurations due to department policy. If your goal is sub-MOA groups or a rifle that looks new, spend more on a modern production model.

What's in the box?

Expect the rifle only. As a police trade-in, our inspection confirms the rifle ships with its original front ramp and rear adjustable notch sights, but without a tube magazine, manual, or any case. The action cycles .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges manually. We perform a function check verifying bolt lock-up, extractor engagement, and firing pin protrusion (measured at 0.055 inches) before shipment, but this is not a gunsmith-certified refurbishment—it's a field-grade rifle sold as-is, functioning.

Is the Marlin Glenfield 25 worth it at $114.73?

Yes, at $114.73, it's a cost-effective entry into a mechanically proven action for dedicated rimfire training or a simple project rifle. You cannot buy a new bolt-action .22 of comparable build quality at this price; comparable new imports start near $250. The value is in the forged steel action and barrel—components that haven't depreciated. Budget another $40-60 for a basic cleanup and lubrication service and $20 for a used tube magazine if desired, and you have a durable tool that will outlast most shooters for under $200 total, a fraction of the cost of centerfire practice.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

Proven Marlin 25 forged steel action—identical to the non-Glenfield branded model
22-inch barrel provides a 31.5-inch sight radius for iron sight fundamentals
Weighs 5.8 lbs—provides steady offhand hold without fatigue for extended sessions
Accepts .22 S/L/LR—allows training with low-cost Short rounds for reduced noise

Trade-offs

Police trade-in condition: expect significant bluing wear, stock dings, and no magazine
No factory scope mounting: receiver requires drilling/tapping, adding $60-100+ in gunsmithing
Utilitarian trigger: break weight measured at 5.5-6 lbs with noticeable creep
No modern warranty or support: sold as-is, parts sourcing is owner's responsibility

Key attributes

Model	Glenfield 25
Caliber	.22 Short, Long, Long Rifle
Action	Bolt Action
Barrel Length	22 inches
Overall Length	41.5 inches
Weight	5.8 lbs
Sights	Front Ramp, Rear Adjustable Notch
Condition	Police Trade-In (Used)

Specifications

model	Glenfield 25
caliber	22 S/L/LR
magazine	None
barrel_length	22"
price	$163.90

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with modern .22 LR ammunition?: Yes. The chamber is cut for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges up to standard velocity (under 1250 fps) and most high-velocity rounds. We specifically test cycled with CCI Standard Velocity, Federal AutoMatch, and Aguila Super Extra without issue. Avoid hyper-velocity or Stinger-type elongated case rounds, as they may not chamber correctly in older .22 LR chambers.
Does the bolt have a manual safety?: No. The Glenfield 25 action utilizes a cock-on-opening bolt with no external manual safety. The only safety is the firing pin block engaged when the bolt handle is not fully rotated down and locked. Always confirm the bolt is fully closed and locked—a 90-degree rotation from vertical—before firing.
How long does shipping take?: All firearm shipments process through a licensed FFL. After your FFL's information is verified and received, we ship within 3 business days via UPS or FedEx Ground. Transit time from Nebraska is typically 4-7 business days to the continental US. You will receive tracking once the item is scanned by the carrier.
Can I mount a scope on this rifle?: Yes, but it requires gunsmithing. The receiver is not drilled and tapped from the factory. A qualified gunsmith can drill and tap the 0.86-inch diameter receiver for a standard rimfire tip-off scope base (like a Weaver #16), adding approximately $60-100 to your total project cost. The straight stock comb height may also require an aftermarket check riser for proper scope alignment.
Does this work with aftermarket Marlin 25 magazines?: Potentially, but not guaranteed. The magazine well is designed for the original 7-round tubular magazine (Marlin Part #93270). Some aftermarket copies fit, but dimensional tolerance stacking with 50-year-old inlets can cause feeding issues. If sourcing a magazine, purchase from a vendor like Numrich Gun Parts or Midwest Gun Works that accepts returns, as fitment is not universal.

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.