Howdy to the camp!
A pard of mine asked me if I get a kickback from Taylor's for pushing the Spencer's so much. As much as I wish it were true, I don't (Darn!)
As far as my relations with Taylors, it started when they sent me one of the first .45 Schofields in to do a test report on in early 2000. It was an author gun, and I could not afford to keep it, so it went to someone else when I was done. It did not have contact with Taylor's again until I got the 56-50 in the spring oif this year after selling my original 56-56 to pay for my daughters wedding. Only recently have I been getting other guns from them for Cowboy Chronicle evaluations. I have done many more from Cimarron and EMF, than Taylors.
I also love my Ford F250 crew cab 4x4 7.3 Liter Deisel "Power Stroke," and continually speak its praises. Ford doesn't send me a dime either!
I am an avid apostle of the one true path of Spencer Repeating Firearms, just because I think they are one of the finest and most fascinating firearms in the retro-world (and even today). Since 1970 when I was 18, and first saw an original one displayed on the wall in a Chicago restaurant that had a western theme "Aylwards Round-up," I have been fascinated by them. Having had my fascination increased more by the .45 Schofield sample, about three years ago I bought my first original Spencer, an unusual chrome and gold plated 56-56 made into presentation model with a mint bore. This I later sold to Judge Hemp, and bought the really clean 56-56 that I sold in the spring.
In short, I just think the Taylor's Spencer is the best thing going. The Taylors is available in a variety of calibers, and soon barrel lengths to make everyone happy. Originals are nice, but expensive and must be converted. I would have loved to keep my 56-56, but the $2500 sure helped with the wedding. My 56-50 Taylors keeps me almost as happy.