Marlin Model 780

Lore & Background

The Marlin Model 780 was produced by Marlin Firearms Company of North Haven, Connecticut. Its major features include a micro-groove barrel, a 2-position thumb safety lever, a walnut stock, and a 7-round blued steel box magazine. The rifle is capable of chambering .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle cartridges. Production of the Model 780 ended in 1988, and it was replaced by the Marlin 880 in 1989.

The Model 780 is well suited for small game hunting. It can also be used for low-cost but serious target practice or hunting practice, or just plinking around. It is ideal for young shooters since it is small and lightweight. Because it can chamber .22 Short, it is capable of target practice or pest control with less noise than a .22 Long Rifle. Its micro-groove barrel makes it highly accurate at longer distances compared to most other .22 LR rifles.

Several variants exist. The Model 780 has a removable box magazine. The Model 781 has a fixed tubular magazine. The Marlin Model 782 is identical to the Model 780 but chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, and the Marlin Model 783 is identical to the Model 781 but chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire. The Model 25 is identical to the Model 780 but with a birch stock rather than walnut; it was originally introduced as part of Marlin's budget Glenfield line, and continued as a Marlin 'promotion model' after the Glenfield line was retired in 1983.

Reader's Guide

The Marlin Model 780 occupies a notable place as a versatile .22 bolt-action rifle produced by Marlin Firearms Company of North Haven, Connecticut. Its micro-groove barrel, with 16 grooves, was a distinctive feature that contributed to accuracy at longer distances compared to most other .22 LR rifles. The ability to chamber .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle cartridges made it adaptable for various uses, from small game hunting to low-cost target practice and plinking. Its lightweight and small size made it particularly suitable for young shooters. The rifle's 2-position thumb safety lever and 7-round blued steel box magazine were practical design elements. Production ended in 1988, with the Marlin 880 replacing it in 1989. The Model 780 also spawned several variants, including the Model 781 with a fixed tubular magazine, and the Model 782 and Model 783 chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire. The Model 25, a budget version with a birch stock, originated in Marlin's Glenfield line and continued as a promotion model after that line was retired in 1983. The Model 780's combination of accuracy, versatility, and affordability made it a widely used rifle for its intended purposes.