Did you know that in 1956 the model 88 was $135.50 and the Model 70 was $129.95?

.......and all the lugers you wanted for $30; and Mannlicher Schoenauer carbines for 125....and on and on...

You miss the point. The modell 88 was more than the model 70 that is what surprised me. You could buy a truck for $1500 too.

Lever actions were still very much "in vogue" then and the 88 was an engineering masterpiece. More complicated to produce than a simple bolt action. The biggest reason they are not still produced is the cost of making them. Just like the pre 64 model 70.