Stripping a Spencer Help!!!!!

[Judge Roy Bean]

Are there any photos or diagrams of how to take down the action of a Spencer?

I can find loads of stuff on Winchesters & clones but none on our favorite shooting iron. Although I have shot this gun many times, I have had no problems & never had to take it apart, it is a .44 Russian & after reading some of the problems other SSS members have had, I thought it was time to take a look inside.

Many thanks for any help.

[Two Flints]

Judge,

My dad once said, "If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it more"    You might want to first do a search on SSS for problems others have had in the past.  Most problems have been jamming problems ('cause the cartridge is so small) or the powder load is too large over 200 gr seems to be too much for the .44 Russian, according to some SSS members.  Do the search - or check the ORI Threads - that may be a good starting point for you. All the Spencers can be disassembled the same way...so any posts on the other calibers .45 Schofield, 56-50 and the newer calibers will be useful to you.  And that's a lot of reading to do

Two Flints

[Judge Roy Bean]

Thanks Two Flints,

The only other reason I asked is that I like to know how to strip one down, also for cleaning & if it needs a minor repair. That is why I need to be shown how it is done so bits & pieces don't go flying everywhere.

A sort of step by step guide, one for dummies like me.

[Rancid Roy]

Judge,

I just took mine apart and went here to find the diagram. Note below the diagram is a link for a parts list.

Regards, RR.

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,8837.0.html

[Two Flints]

Rancid Roy,

Thanks for the link.  Here is the link for the Armi Sport Spencer in .44 Russian and .45 Schofield caliber parts list.

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,11841.0.html

Two Flints

[Drydock]

Guys, yer overthinking this again.

Hey Judge, hope to see ya at the convention this year.

To field strip the Spencer:  with action closed, 1/2 cock, remove the lever pivot screw.  Now, push down on the lever, and every thing will come straight out the bottom.  Keep track of the 2 side extractors, they ride in slots on either side of the pivot block.  This is as far as you should need to go.  Wipe everything down, rags and q-tips.  check the screws on the striker bar to make sure their tight.  Removing these screws will allow access to the fireing pin.  Its obvious how it goes together if you need to get in there.

A dab of grease/oil on the extractors to hold them in place, then slide everything back in thru the bottom.  You'll have to work things a bit to get the block all the way up, but its very straightforward.  Goes together like the breech assy on a 5"/38.

The extractors will only work one way, pay attention when you remove the block.

[Judge Roy Bean]

Thanks to all of you for your help.I will give it a go before I shoot it next.
Just to make shure all parts are not loose & a grease up.

[major]

Judge
Here is an excerpt from an old article I wrote about reenacting with a Spencer.  It deals with using a 44 Russian model and how to clean it.

Cleaning the Spencer is really pretty easy so don't be concerned, this description sounds more complicated than it really is.  First I make sure the breech and magazine are empty.  Then I remove the breech block by unscrewing and removing the single screw that holds it in.  Watch out for the extractor paddle(s) that will come out and don't lose it (them).  I clean the whole assembly with soap and water, I use a product called Simple Green but even ordinary dish soap will work.  Dry thoroughly and lightly oil with a good gun oil.  At this point I check all the screws and make sure they are tight.  I clean the inside of the barrel, again using soap and water and a 44 caliber cleaning rod.  Patch until clean, dry patch and coat with oil.   Reassembling the carbine is next.  I place the gun on a table with the muzzle to the left.  I assemble the breech block by putting the extractor(s) in its slot(s) and insert the assembly halfway in from the bottom.  I put my right thumb on the breech block and wrap my right hand fingers around the wrist of the stock.  With my left hand I pull on the lever putting tension on the spring and push the entire unit upward into the carbine's block keeping tension on the assembly until it is in place.  Sometimes I have to jiggle it a little but it will go in.  I hold the assembly in with one hand and insert the screw with the other and tighten it down.  I lightly oil the outside and I'm done. 

I hope this helped you.
Terry

[French Jack]

Field stripping the breech block is very simple.  Squeeze the blocks together, and loosen and remove the screw.  Remember to keep compression on the two sections while doing this.  Once apart, both sections can be cleaned and lubricated easily.  Reassemble by putting the spring in place, compressing the two sections, and replace the screw.  The action lever/triggerguard simply slides into or out of the lower section of the block.

[Judge Roy Bean]

Many thanks I'll give her a wearll, as they say get it done Johnny Reb.