My 56-50 has a little brother now

[Five Bullets]

Yesterday I picked-up a 44 Russian carbine.  Prior to purchasing it  I read all of the the posts that I could find concerning the Spencer/44 Russian combination.  As posted it appears that several owners have had some problems and those that have had a multitude of problems.  I also noted that some posts were positive so I decided to give it a go.  I feel that with all of the how-to suggestions found here that I would have a good chance to correct any of the usual problems.  I do like the 44 Russian round and if this works out it will compliment my pistols.

The serial number is 5xx and is unfired in the box.  The overall wood to metal fit is almost perfect, bluing and case colors are great.  The trigger releases at the usual 15 - 20 lbs of pressure. Regardless of the number of rounds loaded in the magazine the rounds will jam against the right extractor.  The cartridges are loaded within the OAL range that I have found recommended here on SSS.   I removed the right extractor and that resolved the feeding problem.  While the chamber is smooth it appears to be cut a little deeper than the length of a 44 Russian case. 

I have three different loads to try in it and hope to get to the range tomorrow or Tuesday.

Wish me luck! 

[Two Flints]

Five Bullets,

Look forward to your range report.  The .44 Russian Spencer has had its share of negative postings and mostly feeding issues or problems.  Really hope all goes well with you and your field testing and look forward to reading your comments.

Thanks for letting us know.

Two Flints

[Herbert]

my 44 Rusion had no feeding problems but heaps of ather problems easely fixed though ,locktight firing pin screws in put a brass washer between uper and lower block to stop overtravel of action, I found that if washer is thick enough so action works stifly at first by sikling it for a wile it will bernish the action and it will work as smooth as silk also magizine catch spring wasent working properly so i bent it to shape heated it and quenched in water it works fine now you would know about mainspring and sights ,I found a brass blade cut into front sight block 1860 type is a lot easer to see squar the back sight notch to suit your sight  mine is a bute rabit rifle out to 100 meters but i have a combernation beach front sight fited pin for 50 meters post for 100 meters

[Herbert]

just another thort my russian had feeding problems at fist too but after smoothing up it fed any bullet you wanted ,then i desided i dident licke the look of the cartridge gide or cartridge keeper leaver as armi sports calles it so i made one that looks lick the original when i tryed it it gamed the action the first cople of rounds then fore no reason i can figer it started to work perfectly,whote i am trying to say is put the right extractor back in and sickel a magizine through it and it proberly will work also i have got the best acuracy with lyman 44cal-swc 245 gr bullet mould no 429421 and 9.5 cc of trail boss pouder doped through a lee auto disk measure but if you dont mind could you tell me what worked best fore you

[Five Bullets]

Herbert -

The weather hasn't cooperated for the last day or two so I haven't got to shoot it yet:(  Rain and a tornado watch or two isn't conducive to a good shooting experiene;)

I do appreciate your posts!  Looks like Friday will be my next chance to get to the range.

[red coneston]

Howdy, I sure like my .44, feeds well with both extractors intact. I think the smoothest feeding bullet
            is a 200 gr. RNFP. Have fun, Red