Marlin Model 780 22 S/L/LR Police Trade-in Rifle | The Gun Shop
About this product
The Marlin Model 780 is a police trade-in bolt-action rifle chambered in 22 S/L/LR that delivers proven reliability at a bargain price point. This isn't a collector's piece—it's a working firearm with institutional service history, ready for another lifetime of range use or small game hunting. At $99.33, it represents one of the most cost-effective entries into centerfire-quality bolt gun handling.
What is the Marlin Model 780 used for?
The Marlin Model 780 serves as a low-cost training platform, small game rifle, and introductory bolt-action for new shooters. Its 7-round tubular magazine handles 22 Short, Long, and LR cartridges interchangeably, making it versatile for everything from backyard plinking to squirrel hunting. The 22-inch barrel provides consistent velocity across subsonic and high-velocity loads, though expect 2-3 MOA groups with bulk ammo rather than match precision.
How does the Marlin Model 780 compare to the CZ 457 Varmint Precision?
The Marlin Model 780 trades modern precision for brute affordability against the CZ 457 Varmint Precision. Where the CZ delivers sub-MOA accuracy from its heavy barrel and MDT chassis at over $1,000, this Marlin provides minute-of-squirrel reliability for under $100. The CZ is objectively better for competitive shooting, but the Marlin wins on cost-per-shot for casual use.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.8 pounds empty and measures 40.5 inches overall with its 22-inch barrel. The length of pull sits at 13.75 inches—slightly short for adult shooters over 6 feet but ideal for youth or smaller-framed users. The tubular magazine adds 0.9 inches of diameter to the forend, creating a distinctive profile compared to detachable box magazine designs.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't for precision competitors or collectors seeking mint condition. The police trade-in status means visible holster wear, potential stock dings, and possible finish corrosion—expect function over form. If you need sub-MOA accuracy or pristine wood, consider the Bergara B-14 HMR instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle only—no optics, mounts, or cleaning kit included. The tubular magazine is installed, and the bolt cycles smoothly, but plan to spend another $50-100 on a basic scope and rings. These trade-ins typically ship without original paperwork or accessories, consistent with department surplus procedures.
Is the Marlin Model 780 worth it at $99.33?
Absolutely, provided you understand its limitations as a used utility firearm. For the price of three boxes of centerfire ammunition, you get a mechanically sound bolt action that will outlast most modern rimfires. The 22 LR chambering costs pennies per round to shoot, making it ideal for high-volume training without breaking the bank.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Costs $99.33—less than many rimfire pistols
- Weighs 5.8 lbs—lighter than most centerfire bolt actions
- 22-inch barrel provides 1,150 fps with standard velocity ammo
- Tubular magazine holds 7 rounds of 22 LR or 15 rounds of 22 Short
Trade-offs
- Police trade-in condition shows holster wear and stock dings
- No optics included—add $50-100 for base scope setup
- Bolt requires 8 lbs of force to cycle—stiffer than Ruger 10/22
- Tubular magazine loads slower than detachable box magazines
Expert review
Key attributes
| Caliber | 22 S/L/LR |
| Action | Bolt-action |
| Barrel Length | 22 in |
| Overall Length | 40.5 in |
| Weight | 5.8 lb |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds (22 LR) |
| Condition | Police Trade-in |
| Finish | Blued steel with walnut stock |
Specifications
| caliber | 22 S/L/LR |
| action | bolt-action |
| condition | Police Trade-in |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 22 LR scopes?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for standard rimfire scope bases using 6-48 screws. I recommend Warne Maxima or Leupold PRW rings—avoid heavy tactical mounts as the lightweight barrel harmonics don't handle excess weight well.
- Does it fit youth shooters?
- The 13.75-inch length of pull works well for shooters under 5'6". For smaller children, consider adding a 1-inch recoil pad spacer. The 5.8-pound weight is manageable for most ages, though the bolt requires 8 pounds of force to cycle—stiffer than some modern rimfires.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL transfers typically ship within 3 business days after paperwork verification. Transit time adds 2-5 days depending on your location. We use UPS and FedEx with adult signature required—no PO boxes.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Yes, within 14 days for function issues—we test fire each rifle with 10 rounds of CCI Mini-Mag before shipping. Cosmetic issues don't qualify due to the trade-in nature. Contact us immediately if you experience failures to extract or feed.