Marlin Model 80 & 81

This Model 80 was originally equipped with sling swivels, and the buttplate is long missing, but with the Lyman 66MC peep sight continues to print admirable groups and bag squirrels, when the author pulls his weight. This specimen predates the microgroove barrel.

The Marlin Models 80 and 81 were some of the most prolific rifles of the 20th Century. Produced under the Marlin, Ranger, Sears, & Western Auto names with a wide array of model options, the general premise of the models existed from 1936 until 2004, relatively unchanged during that period. Introduced alongside the single-shot models 65 and 100, the 80 & 81 were affordably priced with a reputation for superb accuracy, especially after Marlin introduced their microgroove barrel. The rifles are still a mainstay for hunting, plinking, and casual competition.

A split page ad for Marlin’s lineup, combined here for ease of presentation. The Marlin 80 is advertised for $8.75, and the 81 for $11.60
Outdoor Life magazine, October 1939

The Model 80 and 81 were differentiated by the ammunition feed mechanism: the 80, the first introduced, featured a conventional magazine, while the 81 was fed with a tube-style magazine. The naming convention continued when the Model 780 and 781 were introduced in 1971, and again in 1988 when the Models 880 and 881 rolled out.

The Model 81 was heralded as a ’25 shot repeater,’ though this was only true with the .22 short chamberings. The model was originally introduced with a stamped steel trigger guard and a pronounced cocking piece, though these features were modernized by at least mid-1939.
Outdoor Life Magazine, June 1937
Unlike other advertisers who often marketed their entry-level rimfires as ‘boys’ rifles,’ Marlin directly targeted the adult market while highlighting the “generous man-sized stocks” of their wares. It’s unlikely that Marlin engineers of the day expected their rifles would still be printing penny-sized groups eight decades after they advertised the model would provide a “lifetime of straight-shooting service.”
Outdoor Life magazine, July 1941
An ad for the Marlin 80-C and 81-C
Boys’ Life, October 1962

The Marlin 80- and 81-series were remarkably simple, and the formula for a quality rimfire rifle remained consistent from their introduction until their replacement. The Marlin XT-22, the final rimfire rifle offered by Marlin while under the ownership of Remington is, largely, unchanged from the Model 80 introduced in 1936. The overall formula of a quality lock, quality barrel, and straight-grained walnut stock were consistent throughout the production run, and resulted in a reliable, accurate, and economical firearm.

The 700 series, introduced in 1971 featured an updated ‘big game’ stock design, but were otherwise largely unchanged from the preceding model. The 800 series deviated even less, with the primary change being the safety changed to a forward-to-fire setup. The Models 80 and 81 developed a reputation for outstanding accuracy during the production run, across all the manufactured variations. While they would never match Winchester 52s and Remington 40x in competition (in skilled hands), they were outstanding plinking rifles and fully capable of match-grade accuracy.

This Ranger Model 36 was produced by Marlin for Sears, and was their house-branded rifle. It is likely an early production model from the late 1930’s, based on the sheetmetal trigger guard, extended striker, knurled takedown bolt and grooved stock. This one is in remarkably good shape with much of the original bluing remaining, and the bore is immaculate.

Niche shooters have long tinkered with the rifles, including glass bedding, trigger jobs, and retouching the crown, with many shooters obtaining ragged-hole groups at 25-meters with limited effort. The rifles remain widely available and financially accessible, and while we don’t tend to make a habit of encouraging “bubba’ing” a good firearm, they are an excellent platform for conservative modifications for those who are looking to gain experience in the gunsmithing trades.

Whether you’re looking to give an Anschutz a run for it’s money, clip squirrels from a football field away, or shoot for pennies with your buddies, the 80s and 81s will, by and large, take accuracy out of the equation and demand the best of you as a rifleman (or riflewoman)!

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