Marlin Model 780 .22 S/L/LR Police Trade-In Rifle: A Bolt-Action Classic with Practical Value

Marlin Model 780 22 S/L/LR Police Trade-in Rifle. When it comes to American-made bolt-action rimfire rifles, few models have earned as much quiet respect as the Marlin Model 780. Known for its simplicity, reliability, and accuracy, the 780 is a bolt-action .22 caliber rifle capable of shooting .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle cartridges. Designed with traditional craftsmanship, this now-discontinued firearm still holds a strong place in the hearts of hunters, plinkers, and collectors.

Even more interesting is the opportunity to acquire the Marlin 780 as a police trade-in. While it may seem surprising that a bolt-action .22 would find its way into police hands, there are sound reasons why this happened—and even better reasons why you might want to add one of these trade-in rifles to your collection today.

Let’s explore what makes the Marlin Model 780 Police Trade-In Rifle a hidden gem and why it’s worth considering as your next rimfire investment.

Marlin Model 780 Overview

The Marlin 780 was manufactured from the early 1970s through the late 1980s, during a time when American firearm manufacturers were focused on durability, precision machining, and field utility. This rifle features a bolt-action design, a detachable box magazine, and compatibility with all three major types of .22 rimfire ammunition: .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle.

Often overshadowed by Marlin’s more famous Model 60 semi-auto and the Glenfield line, the Model 780 quietly carved out its own niche with dependable performance and surprisingly good accuracy—especially given its modest price when new.

Why Would Police Departments Use a Marlin 780?

It might sound unusual to associate a bolt-action rimfire with law enforcement, but there are several logical reasons why a Marlin Model 780 might end up in a police armory:

1. Firearms Safety Training

Many police departments conducted or sponsored public firearms safety courses, especially for youth groups and community outreach programs. The 780’s bolt-action design is ideal for teaching safe shooting habits in a slow, controlled manner.

2. Marksmanship Practice

Bolt-action rifles are excellent for honing accuracy and trigger discipline. Some departments may have used the 780 for cadet training, basic marksmanship exercises, or non-tactical qualifications.

3. Wildlife Control and Utility Use

In rural or suburban departments, bolt-action .22s were sometimes kept for animal control, especially for dispatching injured or nuisance animals. The ability to quietly and accurately fire a .22 Short or Long cartridge without excessive noise made the Model 780 a practical tool.

Once these rifles were cycled out of service or replaced with newer models, they were often sold off as police trade-ins, frequently in excellent mechanical condition despite light cosmetic wear.

Key Features of the Marlin Model 780

✅ Bolt-Action Reliability

Bolt-action rifles are inherently reliable, with fewer moving parts than semi-autos. The 780 offers a smooth, manually operated bolt system that’s both durable and easy to maintain.

✅ Detachable Box Magazine

Unlike many rimfires that rely on tubular magazines, the 780 uses a 7-round detachable magazine, making it easy to load, unload, and carry spares.

✅ Chambered for .22 S/L/LR

One of the 780’s standout features is its ability to chamber .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle rounds. This versatility gives the shooter a wide range of ammunition options for different purposes—whether it’s quiet backyard plinking or hunting small game.

✅ Walnut-Finished Hardwood Stock

Most 780s were equipped with a solid wood stock, giving them a classic and durable appearance. The rifle has a full-size profile that balances well and provides a steady platform for precision shooting.

✅ Adjustable Open Sights and Scope Grooves

The factory iron sights are adjustable and functional, but the receiver is also grooved for rimfire scopes, allowing for easy optic installation without modification.

General Specifications Marlin Model 780 22 S/L/LR Police Trade-in Rifle

Caliber: .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle
Action: Bolt-action, manually operated
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Overall Length: Approx. 41 inches
Magazine: 7-round detachable box magazine
Stock: Walnut-finished hardwood
Weight: ~5.75 lbs
Sights: Adjustable iron sights
Scope Ready: Grooved receiver for rimfire optics

Shooting Performance and Field Experience Marlin Model 780 22 S/L/LR Police Trade-in Rifle

Though it’s no longer in production, the Marlin 780 remains popular among rimfire enthusiasts because of its clean, crisp trigger, tight barrel tolerances, and impressive accuracy. With standard velocity .22LR ammunition, the 780 is capable of sub-1” groups at 50 yards with a scope or tight groups with open sights in skilled hands.

Because it accepts .22 Short and .22 Long as well, it also functions as a low-noise plinker when using subsonic rounds—great for target shooting on private land or pest control around barns.

The bolt cycles easily, feeding rounds smoothly from the detachable magazine. Ejection is positive, and misfeeds are extremely rare when using quality ammunition. Maintenance is simple—just occasional cleaning of the bolt and barrel keeps the rifle running like new.

Benefits of Buying a Police Trade-In Model 780

💰 Exceptional Value

Police trade-in rifles often come at budget-friendly prices, especially compared to new or collectible rimfires. The Marlin 780 offers the accuracy and quality of a premium bolt-action rimfire without the high price tag.

🧰 Durability and Craftsmanship

Even as a used rifle, the 780 shines with old-school American craftsmanship—machined steel, wood stocks, and no shortcuts. Most police trade-in examples show signs of light use, with a lot of life left.

🏆 Great for New Shooters

As a single-shot-at-a-time bolt-action (with a magazine-fed system), the 780 is ideal for new shooters learning firearm safety. Its simplicity makes it easy to understand, clean, and operate.

🔕 Quiet Operation

When loaded with .22 Short or subsonic .22LR, the rifle offers extremely quiet performance—especially helpful for backyard or discreet shooting on private property.

What to Inspect When Buying a Used 780

When purchasing any police trade-in firearm, a quick inspection can ensure you’re getting a quality piece. For the Marlin 780, pay attention to:

🔍 Bore Condition

Look down the barrel to check for strong, sharp rifling and absence of pitting or rust. These rifles were likely maintained, but a quick check will confirm that.

🔍 Stock Integrity

Examine the hardwood stock for cracks, warping, or structural damage. Surface scratches or dings are expected, but deep cracks near the action area are red flags.

🔍 Bolt Operation

Test the bolt for smooth travel and positive lockup. Also check the firing pin and dry fire the rifle (if permitted) to feel the trigger break.

🔍 Magazine Fit and Feed

Make sure the magazine locks into place securely and feeds rounds properly. Replacement magazines are still available on the aftermarket if needed.

🔍 Scope Compatibility

If you plan to mount a scope, inspect the receiver’s grooves to ensure they’re not damaged or worn.

Ideal Uses for the Marlin 780

🎯 Target Shooting and Plinking

The 780 is a natural choice for recreational shooting. Whether using iron sights or mounting a scope, it offers outstanding accuracy for backyard fun or formal marksmanship.

🐿️ Small Game Hunting

With its precision and quiet operation, the 780 is well-suited for hunting squirrels, rabbits, and other small game. Its ability to shoot Shorts makes it a great tool for close-quarters game in sensitive environments.

👨‍👩‍👧 Youth Firearm Instruction

The simplicity and safety of the bolt-action platform make it ideal for teaching kids or beginners. It encourages good habits like shot placement, reloading discipline, and muzzle awareness.

🧳 Survival or Cabin Rifle

Durable and low-maintenance, the 780 makes a great choice for a bug-out bag, cabin firearm, or truck gun—especially when corrosion-resistant ammunition is used.