SP2
My brother owned an early Kodiak. It had browned bbls that had no taper. It shot very well with every load we shot in it. All loads would stay on the same 6" circle at 50 yards, except 2 which grouped very good just at the bottom of the bull. We contacted Pederolosi[sp] and they stated the rifle was safe for any load safe in the Marlin Lever.
We shot Garretts and Cor-Bon loads as well as handloads with out problem.
The newer Kodiak rifles are slimmer in the bbls and nicer finished. They also make a 9,3x74R and a 8x57.