Spencer carbine replica info?

[Wysko]

Do you have a Spencer carbine/rifle replica?
If so please tell me about it.
Looks like it would be a fun shooter. Clever mechanical design + its history is quite interesting. Civil war, Fetterman massacre & battle of Beecher island come to mind. Did a search here on INGO but didn't get very many hits.

Why did you chose to buy a Spencer?
What caliber?
How well does it shoot, function?
How many yards is it good for?
Do you load your own ammo? If so what powder?
Likes, dislikes.
Anything you have to say about the Spencer would be interesting.

Thanks
Mike

 

[jamesb]

I have a Taylor's Armi Sport 1865 Spencer carbine in 45 schofield. Got it for CAS to shoot black powder. I use APP in it so I do not have to use a special BP lube, makes it easier since I use the same bullet I load my 45 colt with. They are very finicky on ammo length and how fast you operate the lever. I have had to do some extensive mods and work on it to get it to run in competition and even then if I run the lever too fast it will hang up, sometimes requiring me to drop the bolt out. The 45 schofield round is pretty weak and even with a full case of the APP it shoots a good deal low and 100 yards. For the ranges I use it for in CAS it is dead on. It is a blast to shoot and is always a head turner when I bring it out at matches. I will not win any speed matches but I make up for it is style points. Head over to the CASCITY forums, they have a board dedicated to the spencer shooting society. I go by Big Whiskey Jim over there. Lots of info on spencer. Also if you are looking to get one you can see what you may be in for.

 

[Wysko]

Just checked out CASCITY forum. Lots of good info. Thanks!!

 

[spencer rifle]

I have an original rifle (not carbine) with a S&S center fire conversion block. Wood is replacement. It cost less than the reproductions, and was most likely originally issued to the 72nd Indiana (Wilder's Lightning Brigade unit) in early 1863. As mentioned above, it certainly is finicky about length and lever action, but practice can offset this mostly. Sometimes the extractor misses the cartridge rim, so I always carry a clearing tool made from a length of coat hanger wire hammered flat. Made some live rounds out of cut down 50-70 Govt cases (it can be VERY difficult to find No. 56 Spencer brass).
Why did you chose to buy a Spencer?
Most for Civil War reenacting.
What caliber?
No. 56 Spencer (originally rimfire), actually 52 caliber
How well does it shoot, function?
After I got used to it, pretty well.
How many yards is it good for?
Don't know yet - only fired blanks so far.
Do you load your own ammo? If so what powder?
Black powder, though I have Trail Boss for later reloads.
Likes, dislikes.
Actual history in your hand. Lots of cleaning needed, though not as hard to clean as a Sharps.
Anything you have to say about the Spencer would be interesting.
Scared the **** out of the Rebs. They could use captured arms until the captured ammo ran out, not having the ability to make more. When Spencer armed units had to withdraw from action, it was usually because the ran out of ammo, not because the were outgunned or outnumbered. Issue muzzle loader = 3 shots/minute. Spencer = 30 shots/minute. The "assault rifle" of its day.

 

[spencer rifle]

I have an original rifle (not carbine) with a S&S center fire conversion block. Wood is replacement, as is the magazine follower. It cost less than the reproductions, and was most likely originally issued to the 72nd Indiana (Wilder's Lightning Brigade unit) in early 1863. As mentioned above, it certainly is finicky about length and lever action, but practice can offset this mostly. Sometimes the extractor misses the cartridge rim, so I always carry a clearing tool made from a length of coat hanger wire hammered flat. Made some live rounds out of cut down 50-70 Govt cases (it can be VERY difficult to find No. 56 Spencer brass).

Why did you chose to buy a Spencer?
Most for Civil War reenacting.

What caliber?
No. 56 Spencer (originally rimfire), actually 52 caliber

How well does it shoot, function?
After I got used to it, pretty well.

How many yards is it good for?
Don't know yet - only fired blanks so far. Originals were supposed to be accurate out to 3-400 yards.

Do you load your own ammo? If so what powder?
Black powder, though I have Trail Boss for later reloads.

Likes, dislikes.
Actual history in your hand. Lots of cleaning needed, though not as hard to clean as a Sharps.

Anything you have to say about the Spencer would be interesting.
Scared the **** out of the Rebs. They could use captured arms only until the captured ammo ran out, not having the ability to make more. When Spencer armed units had to withdraw from action, it was usually because they ran out of ammo, not because they were outgunned or outnumbered. Issue muzzle loader = 3 shots/minute. Spencer = 30 shots/minute. The "assault rifle" of its day. Troops were actually instructed to remove the breech block and throw it away if capture was imminent.

View attachment 26225

 

[Wysko]

Thanks for the info. Ill be spending some time reading the CASCITY forum.

 

[JBI812]

I have one listed here on INGO. New never fired.

 

[indiucky]

I have one listed here on INGO. New never fired.

Yes sir...I am aware of your gun porn .....In tin type no less....


That's a beautiful Spencer you have for sale.....I have resisted it so far but she is a looker....That "Damn Yankee Rifle you could load on Sunday and shoot all week..."