In my opinion
Very.
I have a marlin 60 and recently shot my inherited 522 for the first time. I have now stuck a scope on my marlin and the 522 will become my goto .22 rifle. The 522 has better sights and is heavier which doesn't make it any more mechanically accurate, but it sure as heck helps the shooter feel more accurate. It is also easier in my opinion to take down and clean than the marlin which equates to shooters that are more inclined to keep it clean, thus making it more reliable.
Remington Model 552 Speedmaster
The Remington Speedmaster 552 with serial number A1462864 was manufactured in 1972. The Speedmaster 552 is known for its semi-automatic operation and was popular for both hunting and target shooting during its production years.
375 to 500 in good condition
1948
Read the manual on: http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/rimfire/model-552/model-552-bdl-speedmaster.aspx
Send me your email address. I'll send you a scan of the Rem. 552 owners manual. USDF
That would be the model 552 first made in 1957
Remington website says brand new retail price is $650.00
Production of the Remington Model 552 A, Speedmaster began in 1957 and was still being produced in 2006 as the 552 BDL Deluxe Fieldmaster NRA Edition.
It's date code stamped on the barrel see related links for information on the Remington Society of America.
The value of a Remington 552 SpeedMaster 150th Anniversary Edition in original box and 98-100 condition typically ranges from $600 to $1,000, depending on the specific market demand and collector interest. Factors such as provenance, accompanying paperwork, and overall rarity can also influence its worth. For the most accurate appraisal, consulting recent sales data or a firearms expert is recommended.
Go to http://stevespages.com/pdf/remington_552.pdf and you can download a manual.