[Stinger4me]

I would like to get some information about Mod. 56 and Mod. 57 rifles. My only experience with rimfire levers is the 39 and 39A. Were there any issues with these guns and how do they compare with the 39 and 39A. I have only seen one or two of these and thought it mice to nice to have one. Never see them at shows or in shops. Let me know if you have one and if you like it(or them). Thanks very much for the help with this.

Stinger

 

[Detroitslim]

I had a Model 56 and found it to be a great little gun. I liked the one piece stock it handled like a bigger gun and the short stroke on the lever made for some fast shooting and it was very accurate. The down side was it just not made like my model 39's in that it looked more like something that came off a production line as apposed to coming out of a machine shop.

 

[Halwg]

I have a 57M in 22 mag, and I really like the gun. The short throw lever is interesting, but you can bang off shots quickly. And my 22 mag is quite accurate.

If you can find a nice 56 or 57, I would buy it.

 

[mudpuppy]

I have five Levermatics and like them all.They are realy not in the same catagory as the 39A,although it is a lever action,to me they seem more like a simi-auto in looks and feel.
The rimfires are a little bulky compared to most other 22s but if you want a full sized rifle ;D,all I have ever shot were extremly accurate and a pleasure to handle.
The centerfires are about the same size and weight as the rimfires and going from one to the other is a breeze if similarly sighted.

 

[Cedar Creek]

I had a 57M in .22 mag and it was well made, reliable, and accurate. The down side of this rifle to me was the design of the safety - it worked just fine, but it was not marked "Safe" or "Fire" or anything. I had a tough time remembering which way was safe or fire and was concerned about my son and nephew when they used it, so I finally sold it. (did make a little money on it, though :-*)

And I did tell the buyer what my concern was.

Cedar Creek

 

[RGR]

Its been mentioned they were "bulky" and I suspect that had a bit to do with it as not being all that popular for a 22. The short lever throw was innovative, and they looked "space age" in comparison to most more classic gun designs.

Makes me wonder if they designed the gun for the C F 256, or if they adapted the C F to rimfire. That the 256 cartridge died rather quickly gave them little incentive to keep the gun in the line. Of course it would have made a neat 25 20 or 218 Bee perhaps.

Another one of them guns, the company should have had it used in a TV show, or in a movie, cause THAT is the way to sell guns and knives to a modern audience. I reckon Clint sold more 29 Smiths, than doans had pills, and the same with Rambo on pigstickers. ;D

 

[marlinman93]

I had a 57 .22 mag long ago, but got rid of it because I wanted to concentrate on older Marlins. I've always regretted that sale, as it was a fine little gun, and extremely well made.
I never found them to be bulky or big, unless you compare them to a typical .22 bolt, or a 39a. They weren't big sellers, probably because they were more expensive than the 39a, so people opted for the cheaper models over the spendier 56-57.
Finding one now isn't all that hard, but not nearly as easy as finding a good 39a, and prices seem to be about equal in similar condition, so they haven't become quite as collectable yet.

 

[Henry Bowman]

I've got a Wester Auto Revelation version of the Model 57 that I picked up for $120. The stock was in rough shape. I love mine. It is very accurate and as smooth as silk to operate. I think its made very well and so far it is always reliable.