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December 31, 2012
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I had been looking for a nice M56 for quite a while. Always when found, they were beaters and the sellers wanted to much $$$ for junk. Last week, Cabellas in Dundee, had a real nice one, in the very scarce 22 short. Someone had just called on this rifle as the salesman had not put it away when I called. We made a deal on the rifle and it is now in my possession. I originally wanted one in 22 LR., but could not turn this beauty down. #1903, made first year of production in 1926. A good 95% and 100% correct. Don’t see too many of these in this condition. Big Larry
December 30, 2011
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I’m not familiar with what I’m looking at but nice find Big Larry. Looks like it’s in great shape.
Brad
April 15, 2005
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Larry,
It looks good from what I can see of it… now you need the 22 LR to go with it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 31, 2012
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Yeah, I am not the greatest photographer. I hear there was one at the Reno show as well. 22 LR maybe, if I can find a nice one.
Brad, these are extremely rare in 22 short. Only a little over 1,100 were made in 22 short. Not known to many collectors is the magazine for the short has different stampings on the follower. 22 SHORT PAT. FEB. 21.22
The first intermediate priced Winchester 22 with a box magazine. Same mag. as a M52.
Highly priced for a 22, the upcoming Depression killed them off. Upgraded years later to the M69.
I think they are a collectors prize. Thanks guys. Big Larry
July 17, 2012
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Larry,
I got your additional pictures and your rifle looks great! It is one of the nicest model 56 in .22 short I have seen for a long time. Congrats on your score of a rare rifle. The model 56 is one of my personal favorites. I wouldn’t worry too much about the minor bluing loss on the barrel, the flaking blue was endemic to those early rifles and is a postive indicator of the bluing originality. I agree with Bert, now you need a .22 LR.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
December 31, 2012
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Good things come to those that wait.
I have seen several lately, but none worth owning.
The joke is, if I put an ugly M56 in my safe, it may rub off on my other guns.
Thanks my friend. You are a welcome addition to WACA and this Forum. Big Larry
