Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this Vintage “levermatic” lever-action rifle for a penny-start auction; this is the Marlin Model 56!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: 56
Serial: No Serial Number
Range of Manufacture: 1955-1964
Caliber: .22 Short/Long/Long Rifle
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 22"
Optics/Sights: Gold Beaded Blade on Ramped Base Front with Elevator Adjustable Rear and Installed Weaver V22 Scope
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Monte Carlo Style Stock
Action: “Levermatic” Lever-Action Rifle
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Marlin Model 56, part of Marlin’s short-lived but innovative “Levermatic” series, stands out in the company’s history for its unique take on the lever-action rifle platform. Produced from the late 1950s through the 1960s, the Model 56 was chambered in .22 LR and was primarily designed as a lightweight, compact, and fast-handling rifle for small game hunting and recreational shooting. What set the Model 56 apart from traditional lever-actions was its short-throw lever mechanism, which allowed for extremely quick cycling with minimal movement, ideal for maintaining target acquisition between shots. This “Levermatic” action was based on a cam-and-roller system originally licensed from the Italian firm S.L. Breda, offering a smoother and more efficient action than conventional lever designs. The rifle featured a detachable box magazine rather than a tubular magazine, an unusual feature for a lever-action at the time, which further contributed to its ease of use and quicker reloads. Many shooters appreciated the rifle’s ergonomic layout, crisp trigger, and handy size, making it a popular choice among youth and seasoned hunters alike.
Model: 56
Serial: No Serial Number
Range of Manufacture: 1955-1964
Caliber: .22 Short/Long/Long Rifle
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 22"
Optics/Sights: Gold Beaded Blade on Ramped Base Front with Elevator Adjustable Rear and Installed Weaver V22 Scope
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Monte Carlo Style Stock
Action: “Levermatic” Lever-Action Rifle
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Marlin Model 56, part of Marlin’s short-lived but innovative “Levermatic” series, stands out in the company’s history for its unique take on the lever-action rifle platform. Produced from the late 1950s through the 1960s, the Model 56 was chambered in .22 LR and was primarily designed as a lightweight, compact, and fast-handling rifle for small game hunting and recreational shooting. What set the Model 56 apart from traditional lever-actions was its short-throw lever mechanism, which allowed for extremely quick cycling with minimal movement, ideal for maintaining target acquisition between shots. This “Levermatic” action was based on a cam-and-roller system originally licensed from the Italian firm S.L. Breda, offering a smoother and more efficient action than conventional lever designs. The rifle featured a detachable box magazine rather than a tubular magazine, an unusual feature for a lever-action at the time, which further contributed to its ease of use and quicker reloads. Many shooters appreciated the rifle’s ergonomic layout, crisp trigger, and handy size, making it a popular choice among youth and seasoned hunters alike.
Visually and mechanically, the Model 56 also represented a departure from Marlin’s more traditional aesthetic. Its aluminum alloy receiver helped reduce weight, and some variants came with a streamlined walnut or hardwood stock, contributing to its modern appearance for the era. Though accurate and pleasant to shoot, the Model 56 and its Levermatic siblings never achieved long-term commercial success, likely due to the dominance of both pump and semi-automatic .22 rifles in the same market space. However, its innovative design and reliable performance have earned it a niche following among collectors and fans of unique rimfire arms. Today, the Marlin Model 56 is appreciated for its retro styling and smooth operation, and as a symbol of a transitional period in American firearms design—when manufacturers like Marlin were willing to take creative risks in reimagining the classic lever-action for a modern audience. As such, it holds a special place in Marlin’s legacy and the broader history of 20th-century rimfire rifles.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
