Q: I just acquired a Marlin Model 322 bolt-action rifle with 24″ heavy barrel in .222 Remington. The action is marked “Sako Riihimaki” and “Made in Finland.” Did Marlin get Sako to make this rifle for them. If so, why? Are parts still available for it?
Don Martin
A: Marlin produced its Model 322 rifle from 1954 until 1956, but only the action was made by Sako in Finland. Back in those
days,a number of companies built rifles using Sako L46 actions, including the J.C Higgins Model 52, and Harrington & Richardson Model 317 Ultra in .223, 17/223 and .17 Remington, the Colt Coltsman and Browning used both the L461 and L579 action for their rifles. Marlin replaced the Model 322 with the Model 422 in 1956 but it was dropped in 1958. One difference between the two was that the Mpdel 322 has Marlin’s micro-groove barrel whereas the Model 422 was rifled with the more conventional six lands and grooves. Sako has not manufactured the L46 action since 1964 so parts could be a problem.
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