Mossberg Model 346
O.F. Mossberg & Sons · Rifle · Discontinued · 1958
Also known as: Mossberg 346, Mossberg Model 346B, Mossberg Model 346K
Overview
The Mossberg Model 346 is an American hammerless bolt-action repeating .22 rimfire sporting rifle produced by O.F. Mossberg & Sons from 1958 to 1971. Chambered for interchangeable .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridges, it fed from a tubular magazine holding up to 18 Long Rifle rounds and paired a 24-inch barrel with a walnut Monte Carlo stock featuring a cheekpiece, pistol grip, and sling swivels. Marketed as an affordable, well-appointed field and plinking rifle, the 346 sold in two principal configurations distinguished chiefly by their sighting equipment.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2948 g (104.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1092 mm (42.99") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 18 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 320 m/s (1050 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 130 J (96 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Tubular Magazine, Monte Carlo Stock, Cheekpiece, Pistol Grip, Ramp Front Sight, Receiver Peep Sight, Sling Swivels
Variants
- Mossberg Model 346B - Receiver Sight
- Mossberg Model 346K - Open Sight
Production
Production years: 1958-1971
Sold in Model 346B (receiver sight) and 346K (open sight) configurations, with A/B/C running-change suffixes through the 1960s.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: O.F. Mossberg & Sons
Discontinued: 1971
Notes
The tubular magazine capacity varied by cartridge: 18 rounds of .22 Long Rifle, 20 of .22 Long, or 25 of .22 Short. The Model 346B carried a receiver-mounted aperture (peep) sight while the Model 346K used open sights; both shared the same action, barrel, and stock. Later production carried A/B/C suffixes reflecting minor running changes.
Background
Part of Mossberg's mid-century line of inexpensive but nicely finished .22 sporters, the 346 offered a walnut Monte Carlo stock and high-capacity tubular magazine at a working-family price, making it a common first rifle and small-game gun across postwar America.