Marlin Model 60 .22 LR Police Trade-In Rifle: America’s Favorite Rimfire, Time-Tested and Field-Proven

Marlin Model 60 22 LR Police Trade-in Rifle. Few rifles have earned as much love and loyalty in the American shooting world as the Marlin Model 60. Known for its reliable semi-automatic action, tack-driving accuracy, and affordable price tag, the Model 60 has been a rimfire icon since its introduction in 1960. With over 11 million rifles produced, it stands as one of the most popular .22 caliber rifles of all time.

If you’ve come across a police trade-in Model 60, you’ve likely found an incredible value—well-maintained, field-ready, and perfect for everything from plinking to small game hunting. In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down the features, history, performance, and appeal of the Marlin Model 60 Police Trade-In Rifle, and explain why it remains a must-have for shooters of all backgrounds.

A Brief History of the Marlin Model 60

Introduced in 1960 by Marlin Firearms Company of North Haven, Connecticut, the Model 60 was designed as a semi-automatic, tube-fed rimfire rifle chambered for .22 Long Rifle ammunition. It quickly gained popularity among hunters, farmers, plinkers, and first-time gun owners due to its ease of use, excellent accuracy, and unbeatable price point.

Legacy and Evolution

• 1960s–1970s: Early models had 18-shot tubular magazines and walnut-finished hardwood stocks.
• 1980s–1990s: Production refined with Micro-Groove rifling, an improvement in receiver design, and safety features.
• 2000s onward: Magazine capacity reduced to 14 rounds due to regulations, but performance remained consistent.

Throughout its long production life, the Marlin 60 was offered in various finishes and configurations, from blued steel and wood stocks to stainless models and synthetic variants.

What Is a Police Trade-In Rifle?

When we think of police trade-in firearms, most imagine service pistols or tactical shotguns. However, many law enforcement agencies—especially in rural or suburban areas—also acquired rimfire rifles like the Marlin Model 60 for:

🔹 Training

Used in cadet programs, basic firearm safety classes, or as part of public outreach events.

🔹 Wildlife & Animal Control

Ideal for dispatching nuisance animals or injured wildlife due to the .22LR’s quiet, precise characteristics.

🔹 Loaners & Ceremonial Use

Sometimes kept on hand as utility rifles, presentation firearms, or training loaners for officers.

Because of these roles, Marlin 60 police trade-ins tend to be well cared for and lightly used, often showing only cosmetic wear from storage and transport. That makes them especially attractive to budget-conscious shooters who want proven performance without the new-in-box price.

Key Features of the Marlin Model 60

✅ Semi-Automatic Blowback Action

The Model 60 operates via simple blowback—a proven and low-maintenance system. With quality ammunition, this rifle cycles reliably and delivers excellent shot-to-shot consistency.

✅ Tubular Magazine

One of the hallmarks of the Model 60 is its under-barrel tubular magazine, which holds 14 rounds of .22LR (earlier versions held 17–18 rounds). Load once, and you’re good for a long string of shots.

✅ Micro-Groove Rifling

Marlin’s patented Micro-Groove barrel uses multiple shallow rifling grooves to enhance accuracy and reduce fouling. It’s one of the reasons the Model 60 consistently outshoots many other budget rimfires.

✅ Hardwood or Synthetic Stock

Police trade-in Model 60s typically feature a walnut-stained hardwood stock, though some may come with black synthetic stocks. Both types offer durability and comfortable ergonomics.

✅ Grooved Receiver for Optics

While it comes standard with adjustable open sights, the receiver is also grooved for scope mounts, allowing for easy installation of rimfire optics.

General Specifications Marlin Model 60 22 LR Police Trade-in Rifle

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (LR)
• Action: Semi-automatic, blowback
• Barrel Length: 19 to 22 inches
• Overall Length: ~37–40 inches
• Weight: ~5.5 pounds (unloaded)
• Magazine: 14-round tubular (some older models may hold 17–18)
• Stock: Hardwood or synthetic
• Sights: Adjustable rear, hooded front
• Scope Mounting: Grooved receiver

Why Choose a Police Trade-In Model 60?

💵 Cost-Effective

Police trade-ins are often significantly more affordable than new firearms—yet offer similar or identical performance. You might even find older models with higher magazine capacity or wood furniture no longer available in modern production runs.

🧰 Well-Maintained

Law enforcement agencies tend to store and handle firearms carefully—even those not issued daily. Police trade-in Model 60s usually have strong bores, functional actions, and good mechanical condition despite minor cosmetic wear.

🛠️ Tunable Platform

The Marlin 60 has a large community of enthusiasts and aftermarket support. From trigger upgrades to stock replacements, it’s easy to customize or restore a police trade-in to your liking.

🔫 Reliable Rimfire Action

No matter its age, the Model 60 is a dependable semi-auto .22LR rifle. Whether you’re shooting paper targets, varmints, or tin cans, it delivers consistently tight groups with minimal recoil.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Model 60

When inspecting a police trade-in Marlin 60, check the following:

🔍 Bore Condition

Run a bore light or inspect visually to ensure rifling is clean, sharp, and free of pitting or rust.

🔍 Stock Integrity

Look for cracks near the receiver, chips at the buttplate, or wear near the fore-end. A few dings and scratches are normal and expected from service use.

🔍 Action Functionality

Cycle the bolt, safety, and trigger. They should operate smoothly. Dry fire (with permission or a snap cap) to test the trigger break.

🔍 Magazine Tube Operation

Ensure the spring and follower in the tubular magazine feed properly. Inspect for dents or blockages in the magazine tube.

🔍 Sights and Optic Mounts

Verify that the rear sight is adjustable and stable. If scoped, ensure the mount is tight and the optic holds zero.

Performance and Accuracy Marlin Model 60 22 LR Police Trade-in Rifle

The Model 60 is famously accurate—especially for a rifle in its price class. Thanks to its Micro-Groove barrel and well-balanced design, it’s common for shooters to achieve 1-inch groups at 50 yards using decent ammo. Match or subsonic rounds can tighten that even more, especially when paired with a rimfire scope.

Its lightweight design and mild recoil make it ideal for:

• Youth shooters
• Beginner firearms training
• Casual plinking
• Small game hunting

Many shooters even use their Model 60s in informal competitions or rimfire challenge events.

Ideal Uses for the Marlin 60 Police Trade-In Rifle

🏞️ Small Game Hunting

Whether you’re chasing squirrels or rabbits, the Model 60 offers precision and enough power to take game ethically within typical rimfire distances (25–75 yards).

🎯 Plinking & Target Shooting

The high-capacity tubular magazine and reliable action make it a joy to shoot steel targets, paper, or reactive targets.

👨‍👩‍👧 Training & Youth Education

The low recoil, classic design, and intuitive controls make it perfect for new shooters and firearm safety courses.

🧳 Backpack or Cabin Rifle

Simple, accurate, and capable, the Model 60 makes a great grab-and-go rifle for camping, cabins, or rural properties.

Marlin 60 vs. Other .22LR Semi-Autos

While the Ruger 10/22 offers more aftermarket accessories, the Marlin 60 often delivers better out-of-the-box accuracy and a smoother feel due to its tube-fed design and Micro-Groove rifling.

Should You Buy a Marlin 60 Police Trade-In

If you’re looking for a dependable, accurate, and classic .22LR rifle, the Marlin Model 60 Police Trade-In is one of the best values on the market. Whether you’re teaching a new shooter, hunting small game, or just enjoying time at the range, this timeless semi-auto delivers everything you need—and more.

With a long track record of reliability, a reputation for excellent accuracy, and American-made craftsmanship, the Model 60 has more than earned its place as “America’s favorite .22.” A police trade-in version gives you all that legendary performance at a fraction of the cost, often with the added confidence of knowing it was well-maintained.

In a world full of flashy new gear and synthetic builds, sometimes a traditional, proven rifle is exactly what you need. The Marlin Model 60 is just that—and more.