A late friend of mine had a model 56 of the same vintage. I've only seen one other in my life. If I ever find one in good condition it will probably go home with me.
Last weekend a couple of us went to Whittaker's and were surprised that the gun racks were nearly empty. I ran into a friend of mine at the Boonville gunshow today and I mentioned that fact, he said they were going out of business. It hasn't been the same since Darrel passed but I hate to see...
I've owned a BM for 15 or 20 years. It's the one with the spyderco hole. I got a great deal on it because they closed them out after the law suit. It's had a hard life and it's a bit hard to sharpen but it has served me well.
I bought the last 696 the distributor had in stock several years ago after they were discontinued. It's my favorite woods loafing gun. I shoot mild 210 gr. cast reloads at around 750-800fps. I'll never get rid of it!
I have a pristine 3X steel Weaver Micro Trac on my 1895. It's no longer made but was gifted to me by a late friend and it works great. Not relevant I know.
With all the new 35 caliber ammo being introduced you'd think people who reload could find .358 bullets. But now they'll all be going to make more factory ammo!