Marlin Model 81 .22 LR Bolt-Action Rifle | 22" Micro-Groove Barrel, 15-Round Tube, 1960s Production
This pre-1968 Marlin Model 81 pairs classic 1960s American manufacture with the company’s 16-groove Micro-Groove rifling, giving it excellent bore integrity and reliable accuracy from a sleek, blued 22-inch barrel. A gold-tone factory trigger, 15-round tubular magazine, and walnut stock round out a rifle that bridges collectible appeal with practical small-bore performance.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Mild wear and scuffs are present on the metal surfaces and stock, consistent with normal field use. Function checks indicate the action cycles correctly and the safety operates as designed.
What’s Included
- Marlin Model 81 bolt-action rifle
The Model 81 was Marlin’s flagship tube-fed .22 bolt gun before the later 781/881 series, and this example reflects that lineage with solid American carbon-steel construction and a blued finish that remains uniform across barrel and receiver.
Its 22-inch barrel uses Marlin’s trademark 16-groove Micro-Groove rifling, designed to reduce bullet deformation and maintain tight groups with standard .22 LR loads. The bore on this rifle is clean and the rifling remains sharp, supporting consistent accuracy potential.
A fixed 15-round tubular magazine feeds smoothly through the bolt-action system, allowing extended shooting sessions without frequent reloads. The two-position manual safety offers straightforward, familiar operation.
The walnut stock retains its original plain, no-checkering pattern, preserving the model’s vintage aesthetic. Length of pull measures 13.5 inches, giving most shooters a comfortable fit.
Factory iron sights include a dovetail-mounted post front and an elevator-adjustable rear leaf, providing quick sight alignment for plinking or small-game work. The gold-tone trigger adds a subtle period-correct accent that collectors will recognize.