Marlin Model 101

Marlin Firearms Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1947

Also known as: Marlin 101, Marlin Model 101 Crown Prince

Overview

The Marlin Model 101 is a single-shot, bolt-action .22 rimfire rifle produced by Marlin Firearms from the late 1940s into the 1970s as an inexpensive youth and beginner's plinking rifle. Chambered for interchangeable .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle cartridges, it feeds one round at a time through a simple bolt loaded by hand, with a manually cocked striker for maximum safety awareness during training. Fitted with a Micro-Groove rifled barrel, adjustable open sights, and a hardwood Monte Carlo stock, the Model 101 was prized for its accuracy and near-indestructible simplicity, making it a common first rifle for generations of American shooters.

Specifications

Weight (empty)2040 g (72.0 oz)
Overall Length1029 mm (40.51")
Barrel Length559 mm (22.01")
Action TypeBolt Action
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity1 rounds
Muzzle Velocity335 m/s (1099 fps)
Muzzle Energy145 J (107 ft·lbf)
Effective Range100 m (109 yd)
Maximum Range1300 m (1422 yd)
Barrel Rifling6 Grooves, Right-Hand Twist
Rifling Twist406 mm (15.98")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Production

Production years: 1947-1977

Marketed as a low-cost single-shot .22 for youth and beginning shooters; several sub-variants produced over its run.

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Discontinued: 1977

Notes

Later production variants included a distinctive ring-shaped bolt handle; the receiver was grooved for tip-off scope mounts.

Background

For decades the Model 101 and its Marlin single-shot .22 kin were the archetypal 'first rifle' sold through hardware stores and mail-order catalogs, teaching countless American children marksmanship and safe gun handling one hand-loaded round at a time.